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32 pp.
| Candlewick
| November, 2024
|
TradeISBN 9781536225532$18.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lindsey Yankey.
A little girl and her father explore his hometown of Isfahan in Iran. They visit the ruins of a fire temple at dawn and meet her father's friend in his Jewish neighborhood, then meet up with another friend near the centuries-old Vank church. At the city center, the girl is awed by the grand palace and mosques and reflects on how the "lace-shaped windows" of the mosque mirror the arcs in the synagogue, church, and temple. They make their way to her father's house, past the coppersmith's bazaar, where her father laughingly recalls childhood antics. At home, they are greeted by his grandmother and his former nanny, who shares some freshly baked sangak bread. Later, they sit down for a winter's meal of chicken and rice with walnut and pomegranate sauce before sleep and dreams take over. This nostalgic story is framed through Isfahan's historical monuments and the interiors of the father's house. The mixed-media illustrations are in a muted palette with bright pops of color -- tiles, fabrics, household decorations. A glimpse into the rich architecture, cuisine, and interreligious history of Iran, this is also an ode to a cherished childhood and a shared past with people of different faiths. An author's note makes personal connections; a glossary is also appended.
Reviewer:
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2024
40 pp.
| Candlewick
| August, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-9494-4$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lindsey Yankey.
The narrator recalls her childhood growing up in Iran. The child accompanies her grandma on her daily routines, including spending time with friends; as Grandma and her best friend laugh, drink coffee, and knit blankets for their mosque and church, respectively, the children (and readers) witness a beautiful interfaith friendship. Yankey's muted illustrations work well to convey cherished memories and love, with thoughtful cultural details incorporated throughout.
Reviewer:
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2019
32 pp.
| Farrar
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-31066-0$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Paul Hoppe.
Javaherbin dynamically relates Brazilian soccer star Neymar de Silva Santos Jr.'s biography through Neymar's imagined first-person perspective. He practices with his father, joins a local youth team, and as a teen plays professionally for Real Madrid until homesickness leads him back to Brazil to join Santos FC's team. Hoppe's illustrations reflect the story's fast pace and Neymar's loving family life. Glos.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6056-7$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Renato Alarcão.
Soft-textured sepia-ink drawings illustrate Javaherbin's touching tribute to Brazilian children trying to better their lives via the country's beloved sport--kids like Paulo, who dreams of soccer stardom so his mother "won't have to work long hours." Rich, spare text and the art picture the seaside setting and cement the story's "homage to all soccer stars who...rise up from poverty."
32 pp.
| Hyperion
| October, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4231-1044-6$16.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Bruce Whatley.
A pet parrot asks its owner, a rich Persian merchant traveling to India, to tell the parrots there about its wonderful golden cage. Upon receiving the message the parrots fall over, apparently dead--craftily sending an escape-method message to their caged mate. Despite some stereotyping in text and illustrations, this amiable tale is effective in its own obvious way.
40 pp.
| Candlewick
| April, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-4571-7$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
A. G. Ford.
In a South African alley, a group of friends try to protect one boy's new "federation-size" soccer ball from neighborhood bullies. The realistic oil paintings are richly detailed, conveying universal feelings of fear, friendship, and team spirit. Readers will empathize with these children although they live a very different life.