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Kamalyan, Astrid

Bábo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day

32 pp. | Charlesbridge | September, 2023 | Trade ISBN 9781623543587 $17.99 | Ebook ISBN 9781632893307 $9.99
(1) K-3 Illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan. A young girl describes a beloved summertime­ tradition for her Armenian­ family. Guided by Bábo, or Grandmother,­ four children jump into action to "soak, soap, and wash" their treasured family rugs. The three siblings and a neighbor know exactly what to do: they gather their brushes, smother the rugs in bubbles and water, and brush the suds out before flipping the rugs over for a second cleaning. The kids and a dog twirl, slide, and dance together over the frothy surfaces. When at last the rugs are rinsed and drying, everyone goes inside for a special summertime treat. The text invites every sense to the experience: the sounds of the brushes ("bop-bop-bop"), the smell of the hot air ("like rose jam"), and the feeling of bubbles under toes ("so pleasant and just a little cold"). The digitally rendered illustrations are lively and full of specificity; occasional aerial views show the intricate details of the traditional handwoven rugs. A glossary provides translations and pronunciations of Artsakh Armenian words peppered through the text; the author's note and back matter provide more information about this story and the traditions behind it. A lovely reminder that fun can be found in the most seemingly mundane of tasks.
Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

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