Original children's picture book

For people who like: children's picture books with an original theme

Reading around the world: Balkh Province, Persia (originally part of Iran in the 13th century, but now part of Afghanistan)

First sentence: "It began with a leaf / yellow and orange / falling from the tree"

In five words: colourful - biography - poet - Persia - culture

Positive points: The illustrations are very colourful and will certainly appeal to children. In fact, that was the first thing that caught my eye when I opened this book. Thus, it really is an ode to the Persian art style and gives the right vibes to discover this story. In my opinion they're worth 4*.
What also enchanted me was the original theme of this children's book: we learn more about Rumi (° 1207 - † 1273), apparently the best known Persian poet. Although I've got to admit that I hadn't heard of him before. As 2023 is his 750th birthday, author/illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh (who grew up in Iran with Rumi's books and now lives in Washington DC) was inspirated to create this book.
Last but not least, there are things mentioned (be it cultural or mythological) which drew my attention as I didn't know them, f.e.: the mythological bird Simurgh and the ceremony Sama.

Negative points: Although the theme is original, the execution could've been better. While the reader only gets to learn some biographical facts, there's no single example of Rumi's poetry in this book which really seems like a missed chance. Consequently, it also results in a story that's not as captivating as it could be for children. And to most adults the facts are probably not specific enough. That's why the text gets 3*.

Rating: 3,5* rounded up to 4*, because I learned new things and this book also made me curious to discover the works of Rumi (who was unknown to me)

Publication date: 5 March 2024

*Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.