While Nora waits impatiently for dinner, her father stirs up a story from his childhood. During a famine Nora's grandfather must travel over the mountains to find work so he can provide food for his family. While young Ali waits for his father's return, he learns a lesson of patience, perseverance, and hope.

"[A] warm family story about a rarely viewed culture..."
--Booklist

"Essakalli's memorable gouache illustrations provide a sense of place..."
--Kirkus Reviews

"[A] heartfelt tale about patience and hope..."
--School Library Journal

"A fine way to introduce [the problem of hunger] to youngsters..."
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Literature