Rashin Kheiriyeh is a multi-award-winning author-illustrator, animator, and painter who has more than ninety children's books to her credit. Her books have been published in at least twelve countries and she was nominated for the 2023 & 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to children's literature. She is also the recipient of a Sendak Fellowship Award, a 2009 New Horizon Award (Bologna Ragazzi), and is a six-time winner of the Bologna Book Fair Illustration competition. Rashin Kheiriyeh is the character artist of the most popular animation series on national television in Iran called "Shekarestan" ("Sugarland"). She now lives in Washington, DC.

Rumi--Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, also known as Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi or simply as Rumi--(September 30, 1207-December 17, 1273) was a thirteenth-century Persian poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic. His poetry is revered around the world. He is currently considered to be one of the most popular poets in America. His words of wisdom and spirituality are just as pertinent now as they were in his time.

"Kheiriyeh transforms a distant and revered figure into a warm, bright focal point in this biography of a young child who becomes a man whose words and ideas still inspire awe. The illustrations are vibrant and lush, with striking colors, blue cloth-like textures, and gold detail adorning individuals, while hoopoe birds of rainbow plumage dive among flowers of the most colorful hues. It's here that Rumi is born to loving parents, and where he dances and learns. Joy spills from each page and, while little ones may not understand such beautiful lines as learning "generosity from the sun," it provides opportunities for engagement and discussion with adults. Rumi becomes a scholar with a large following, but he is unhappy until a new friend enters his life. Kheiriyeh demonstrates how this friendship, and its loss, spurs Rumi to write his incredible stories and poems, as well as focus on universal love within God. While religion is mentioned, the focus is Rumi's writings and the message of accepting others. Back matter includes an author's note, extended biographical information, and a reference source. ­VERDICT A first purchase for all libraries; there are too few beautiful portraits of beloved Persians."--Rachel Zuffa "School Library Journal"

". . . the focus is on Rumi's childhood and his stories written for children, which will spark readers' curiosity about his works and their deeper meaning. The gorgeous illustrations, rendered in bright vivid colors with stylized nature-inspired details, feature traditional Persian clothing, motifs, and calligraphy.

A beautifully rendered biography that will spur readers to contemplate themes of love and connection."-- "Kirkus Reviews, starred review"

"A gentle, visually engaging introduction to one of the world's most enduring poetic voices."-- "The Horn Book"

"Iranian illustrator Kheiriyeh lavishes the pages of this picture-book profile with luminous images of flowers, delicately drawn wildlife, and gracefully posed human figures"-- "Booklist"

Making her U.S. debut, Iranian-born illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh takes a tale by Rumi about freedom and makes it entirely her own. The glorious patterns on the clothes of Rashin's characters, the furniture, floors, walls and vessels immediately transplant readers to an exotic land.-- "Shelf Awareness, on Two Parrots"

Publisher: Northsouth Books

Pub date: 2024-03-05

Length: 40 pages