Name: Amu Nowruz and His Violets
Price: 19.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Hadi Mohammadi
ISBN: 9781953861924

A FOLKLORIC CELEBRATION OF THE SEASONS AND NEW BEGINNINGS

An enchanting story of the Persian New Year and moment when winter turns to spring, based on the Iranian folktale of Naneh Sarma and Amu Nowruz

In the land of Winter, queenly Naneh Sarma coats the mountains and valleys in ice and snow and when she is tired she rests in her spiky snow castle. But with no one to talk to, Naneh Sarma gets lonely. In this gentle story based on a household Iranian folktale, Naneh Sarma journeys to the far off land of Spring to seek Amu Nowruz, Spring’s herald, who sows the meadows with the seeds and flowers that fill his enormous knapsack. At the border between Winter and Spring, Naneh Sarma waits patiently for Amu Nowruz but by the time he arrives, she has fallen fast asleep. Gently, in her outstretched hands, Amu Nowruz plants violets.

In the land of Winter, wide expanses of white snow and craggy mountains rise against backdrops of pale pink, blue, and gray while in the land of Spring, a profusion of green leaves and intricate flowers climb across the pages. Illustrated with Nooshin Safakhoo’s precisely inked lines and enchanting colors, this tale of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, rejoices in each pale wintersweet flower, icy gust of snow, and fresh tulip blossom alike.

“The pages explode in vibrant greens and reds as readers meet Amu Nowruz, who lives in the lush land of Spring . . . Detailing the origins of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, this is a lovely, vividly illustrated tale . . . Artistic and wistful, this is a sophisticated ode to the changing seasons.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Delicate details and joyful colors vivify this Persian folktale. From a castle made of snow atop the highest mountain, Naneh Sarma spreads winter across the land; her icy isolation grows lonely. From beyond the edge of winter, she hears Amu Nowruz, the herald of spring, singing; she sets out to meet him at the boundary. She falls asleep before he arrives, however, and he plants violets in her sleeping hands; the two forever meet only “at the dusk of winter and the dawn of spring.”
—Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Reviews, starred

“Safakhoo’s distinctive artwork is made up of precise inked lines, intricate flowers and leaves, and contrasting colors which highlight the opposing seasons perfectly. Translated from Persian, the text is gentle, flowing, and poetic . . . This special folktale blooms to life upon the pages, and contains a sweet story of loneliness, friendship, and love.”
—Michele Shaw, School Library Journal

“Amu Nowruz and His Violets by Hadi Mohammadi is a beautifully woven tapestry of Persian folklore, brought to life with the enchanting illustrations of Nooshin Safakhoo. This heartwarming story, translated by Sara Khalili, invites readers of all ages to experience the magic and cultural richness of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.”
—Momma Braga

“Nooshin Safakhoo’s chosen hues in the book range from purples, blues, reds, and whites in winter to greens, oranges, and pinks in spring. The depictions of Nowruz, Sarma, and the flora are done in a unique style, with beautiful illustrations . . . This picture book will enthrall readers who want to discover new translations, especially folktales from other countries. Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes.”
—Maria Touet, Youth Services Book Review

ISBN9781953861924

Published onOct 15, 2024

Published byElsewhere Editions

Pages34

Dimensions8-1/2 x 11

Age Range3-6 years

GradeUp to Kindergarten

Amu Nowruz and His Violets

Related Genres

You May Also Like

The Trouble with Tink (Disney Fairies)

One Red Sun

Percy Jackson Mad Libs

Chick and Brain: Egg or Eyeball?

Eyewitness World War II

See Marcus Grow

100 Days! (An All Are Welcome Early Reader)

Eyewitness The Civil War

The History of We

Lunar New Year

Success!

By Hadi MohammadiIllustrated by Nooshin SafakhooTranslated by Sara Khalili