* “In a blaze of color, the 13th-century Persian poet’s life takes a turn. Images filled with rich jewel tones, bold geometric shapes, and birds galore introduce the boy Muhammad, before he became Rumi, one of the best-known poets in history. Exquisite linework and expansive compositions paint a mystical picture of his early life in Central Asia 800 years ago. . . . Exploring a potentially lesser-known side of the poet, the concise yet lyrical narrative itself evokes Rumi’s potent verse. When the family finally settles in a new home, they temper their sadness with gratitude that they’re still together. Holding fast to ‘quiet hope’ and the ‘entire universe’ within himself, Muhammad opens his heart to new friends and grows up to be ‘the one and only Rumi.’ An author’s note underlines the teaching that ‘hope in the darkest of times can always be found.’ A dazzling tribute to a luminary figure.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Rumi learns life lessons from his parents to be generous, positive, to make his own joy, and persevere through hard times. These lessons helped him grow into a celebrated poet still read and inspiring people hundreds of years later. Illustrations use light effectively to create a mystical atmosphere with Rumi often shown bathed in light, highlighting his gifts. Persian-influenced landscapes and animals give a sense of place and expressive characters clearly depict the importance of the family unit.” —School Library Journal
“This picture book homage to the thirteenth-century Sufi poet Rumi focuses on his childhood, when he was still known as Muhammad. . . . The specific biographical details are less the point than the narrative parallels to modern-day refugee stories, although York makes clear in an author’s note that Muhammad and his family would not have been called this modern term. The star of the book is the art, which is a gorgeous melding of ink and acrylics that pulls the reader into Muhammad’s world. Multi-colored ink washes completely fill the backgrounds of each spread, and the amber and ochre geometric buildings are balanced by abstracted green and teal foliage, dotted throughout with reds and yellows. Figures are purposefully static, brought to life through careful posing, and a bird motif throughout sees the creatures flocking the skies as the family travels.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Poetic prose. . . . Hopefulness infuses the family’s story as they take comfort in their togetherness and music. . . . Stylized, nature-infused ink and acrylic full-page artwork radiates in tones as bright as Rumi’s much-beloved words. A creator’s note adds context.” —Publishers Weekly
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