Rumi-Poet of Joy and Love

"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.

A Bank Street Best Book of 2025

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.

Author: Rashin Kheiriyeh
Publisher: Northsouth Books
Published: 03/05/2024
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 11.10h x 8.70w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780735845442
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2024
Booklist 01/01/2024 pg. 56
Foreword 02/13/2024
School Library Journal 04/12/2024 pg. 1
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2024 pg. 157
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2024 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
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.