Synopsis

“Enthralling” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Be a friend to everyone.” Rumi’s words are needed now more than ever. A picture book biography of the renowned Persian poet that introduces children to Rumi’s life and teachings. 

Even the greatest poet was once a child. And so it was with Rumi. When he was young he was enchanted by birds and books. He later became a scholar, but it was the loss of his best friend, Shams, that inspired Rumi to his most important realization: Love is in us and everywhere.

The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching memorial to Rumi’s wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Yet Rumi’s story and his poetry are timeless.

Written by award-winning Iranian-American artist Rashin Kheiriyeh,this narrative nonfiction picture book has been published to honor his life and the 750th anniversary of his death.

Includes backmatter on Rumi as well as an author’s note.

Review

Rumi–Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a lovely book! I think this one would be enjoyable for children, for a coffee table book, or a gift. A good conversation piece.

I would like to thank NorthSouth Books Inc., NorthSouth Books for providing me with an advance readers copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program.

Expected publication: March 5, 2024.

The Story
Told as per elements of oral traditional story, alongside as memoir. In celebration response to Rumi’s, what would be his 750th birthday, having been born in 1207 A.D.

Attributed to dedicated figure, his life journey with some layered features to the story itself are reflective of a semi-mystic quality combined with a moral aspect, highlighting pursuit, endurance, loyalty, and passion, that is accessible to anyone reading.

Family and building friendship. The spiritual viewpoint and tone are allocated delicately, representative, wise, and deep. I think everyone would find value and meaning in it.

Native language teaching.

The book does not really contain any direct inclusion of his poetry, perhaps that will be reserved for a subsequent book, which would be lovely.

However, mentionable poems by name for reference include:
-The Masnavi
-The Tale of the Merchant and the Parrots
-The Cunning Tailor
-The Man Who Learned the Language of Animals
-The Young Man and the Bear

The Writing
A good mix of narration and dialogue.

It had single line telling in some of the format and some were combined in paragraph form. Possibly to show or mimic a glimpse into poetic stance accordingly, which is a detail I appreciate. Either way it flowed well.

The author’s note and additional biographical information at the end was also a nice touch.

Illustrations
The style of illustrations are absolutely beautiful!

Love the bright varietal color palette. Vibrant colors. A mix of color blocking and shading. Some whimsical in design. Texture.

Pictures of traditional Persian motif, housing structures, and tiles. Vases, flowers, and pomegranate fruits. Characters in their respective clothing. Brushed text in scripted Arabic. At least the word “dance” appeared more close to Arabic compared to Persian translation, though they do look much similar to me.

Incorporating nature in both foliage and animals. One where you can play “find the cat” type interactive experience with.

I will look forward to more from this author.

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