Preview this TitleBook Descriptions
for Rumi by Rashin Kheiriyeh
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Iranian American author-illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh brings vivacity and vitality to this beautiful picture book biography of the Persian poet, Rumi. Thrumming with color and warmth, the story of Rumi’s life blossoms from a garden of pages filled with flowers, trees, and birds: “On September 30, 1207—that is a long time ago—a child was born on a crisp and colorful day in Iran. They called him Rumi.” Cheerful, folkloric illustrations show Rumi’s childhood, capturing his curiosity and love of nature. His adult life as an Islamic scholar and Sufi mystic is explored in an accessible account for young readers that also celebrates his life’s masterpiece, “The Masnavi,” an extensive poem filled with stories of animals and people, recognized worldwide in Rumi’s time and today.
CCBC Choices 2025. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2025. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
"Enthralling" –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Kheiriyeh transforms a distant and revered figure into a warm, bright focal point in this biography" –School Library Journal, 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.
"Kheiriyeh transforms a distant and revered figure into a warm, bright focal point in this biography" –School Library Journal, 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.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
