Two Children’s Books Bridge Cultures Through Sound and History

From Soothing Bedtime Sounds to Heroic Airlifts, New Releases Offer Uplifting Tales

Two new children’s books, one celebrating universal bedtime sounds and the other recounting a remarkable historical rescue mission, offer children and adults alike inspiring stories of connection and resilience.

“Goodnight Sounds” Soothes Young Readers

Author **Debbie S. Miller**, known for her extensive work on Alaska’s environments, presents “Goodnight Sounds.” This beautifully illustrated book, featuring art by **Michelle Jing Chan**, guides young readers through various comforting nighttime sounds experienced in different settings, from a seaside home to a mountain camper.

The book features a diverse cast of children and their families, with onomatopoeic representations of sounds like a ticking clock, a purring cat, or a stream’s gentle flow. These sensory details are designed to create a calming experience, making it an ideal read for bedtime.

“On the Wings of Eagles” Recounts a Secret Rescue

“On the Wings of Eagles,” by Israeli author **Tami Lehman-Wilzig** and illustrated by **Alisha Monnin**, delves into a lesser-known humanitarian effort. The book brings to life the 1949-1950 “Operation Magic Carpet,” where Alaska Airlines pilots and crews airlifted thousands of Jewish refugees from Yemen to Israel.

The narrative follows a young girl named Haila, who leaves her desert home in Yemen. Her journey culminates in meeting an Alaska Airlines pilot, **Warren Metzger**, whose plane is painted to resemble an eagle, fulfilling an ancient prophecy for the nomadic Yemenite Jews.

Alaska Airlines’ commitment to the mission involved over 430 flights, transporting nearly 50,000 people without a single loss of life, despite significant dangers. The historical accuracy is supported by notes in the book detailing the real-life inspirations, including **Metzger** and **Leah Ma’Udah**, a Yemeni refugee. The story of this secret operation was brought to public attention in 2013 by the Alaska Jewish Museum.

This historical account highlights acts of profound courage and compassion. In fact, humanitarian airlifts continue to be crucial in global crises; for instance, the World Food Programme uses air transport to deliver aid to millions in conflict zones annually, reaching an estimated 8.3 million people in 2023 alone (World Food Programme Annual Performance Report 2023).

Bridging Divides Through Storytelling

Both books, while distinct in their content, emphasize themes of safety, family, and hope. They serve as valuable tools for initiating conversations about empathy and understanding in an increasingly complex world.