Book Review: Multicultural Children's Book Day

Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh
NorthSouth Books

This picture book biography of the renowned Sufi mystic, Rumi, is a feast for the eyes and heart. Iranian-born author and illustrator Kheiriyeh has penned a colorful tribute to this most famous of poets. Beginning with his birth in 1207 in Balkh Province in what was Iran at the time, the book follows young Rumi and his parents as they indulged his interests in the natural world and encouraged him to learn from even the sun. Rumi’s father is quoted, saying “‘Learn generosity from the sun. It lights the world every day and asks for nothing in return.’” Rumi’s love of books and stories is highlighted, and one in particular about birds and the myth of the Simurgh is especially noted. Hundreds of birds make a long trip to find a king they want to be their own. When only the last thirty birds reach their destination, they realize that their group formation is the Simurgh they are seeking. Kheiriyeh explains that Simurgh translates to “thirty birds,” and her accompanying art flies off the page as the dreamy-eyed Rumi holds his book imagining the colorful flock of birds creating one huge bird flying out of his book.

Rumi’s scholarly days in Turkey show his transition to becoming a famous teacher, and finally his friendship with the Persian religious man Shams. Rumi is pictured dancing and spinning in the dervish style with children circling about in their tall hats and white-skirted cloaks, as he comes to terms with the mysterious tension between Rumi’s jealous students and Shams’ sudden disappearance. Rumi is visited in a dream by his mother and told to write his story, and the text mentions “The Masnavi” that took so long to write and finally Rumi is pictured with a long, white beard creating his book and sharing it with children.

The book concludes with a short author’s note explaining her inspiration for the book and personal love for Rumi’s writing, and also contains a half page of historical content about Rumi as well as a very brief bibliography.

This book will entrance those who know of Rumi as well as those who do not. Written and presented in this simplified format, students of all ages will find a compelling introduction to this important cultural icon. Be prepared to seek out Rumi’s poetry after reading this book!

I was provided a free and pre-publication print copy of this book as part of promotion for Read Your World Day and in exchange for an honest review.

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