When Almaz makes a mistake in school, she’s really embarrassed! Other kids tease her because they don’t understand her Ethiopian culture. How can she use her family’s traditions to make friends? She needs to host a BIG BUNA BASH!

The Big Buna Bash:  One Little Girl's Story  About Being Different  and the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
​coming from Belle Isle Books
February 5, 2020!



​“This a sweet story. It’s so touching to see young Almaz decide to turn an uncomfortable situation into an opportunity to rise to the occasion and share her unique cultural traditions. That is a good trait to learn in life. I appreciate Sara Arnold's initiative in writing this book, not only because it gives young readers a chance to experience our Ethiopian culture through the traditional buna ceremony that brings people together, but also because Almaz can be a role model to younger generations everywhere. It is a story that says, ‘Do not be afraid of being who you are. What makes you different can be difficult sometimes, but it can also make you unique and interesting to others.’ In times like these, we definitely need more stories like The Big Buna Bash!"
—HIH Prince Joel David Makonnen Haile Selassie