Review by Booklist Review
To commemorate the 750th anniversary of the great Sufi mystic's death (not his birth, as stated in the afterword), Iranian illustrator Kheiriyeh lavishes the pages of this picture-book profile with luminous images of flowers, delicately drawn wildlife, and gracefully posed human figures in either elaborate period dress or the tall hats and long, plain skirts of the whirling Sama ceremony he is credited with establishing. In her simply written narrative, she follows Rumi as he dances his way from nature-loving child with "so many questions" through the loss of his beloved friend and spiritual teacher Shams to the dream in which his mother inspired him to find peace in writing and telling stories by handing him a feather pen. Unlike author Demi in the similarly sumptuous Rumi: Whirling Dervish (2009), Kheiriyeh only glancingly alludes to Rumi's words and major works rather than quoting full verses, but she does supply some recommended translations for readers nonetheless tempted to immerse themselves in some of the world's most enduring poetry and storytelling.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Young readers are introduced to the thirteenth-century poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic Rumi in this accessible picture-book biography that spans much of its subject's childhood and adult life. Rumi develops his love of birds at a young age, leading to his discovery of stories about the Smurgh, a large mythical bird composed of thirty smaller birds, which becomes important to his developing identity. As a young scholar, he befriends a mystic named Shams (sun in Arabic), who "was a sun, shining in Rumi's heart and mind." His jealous students run Shams off, and Rumi falls into a deep period of sadness. During this time, he turns to writing as a form of solace and a way to work through complicated emotions and personal loss. The book contextualizes some of Rumi's most well-known writing, the "Masnavi," inspired by his friendship with Shams (although it does not address what many now suspect: that the two were likely more than friends). Kheiriyeh's illustrations use bold colors and gold leaf, and incorporate Arabic and Farsi script, along with traditional geometric designs and shapes common in Islamic architecture. Flora and fauna are an important part of the illustrations: pages are adorned with flowers, pomegranates, and a variety of birds, including Rumi's beloved hoopoe. A gentle, visually engaging introduction to one of the world's most enduring poetic voices. Julie Hakim AzzamMay/June 2024 p.157 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An enthralling introduction to the 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic. Young Rumi grew up with a fondness for birds, nature, and books, as well as curiosity about the world around him. He loved the epic poem "The Conference of the Birds," in which a group of birds seek the mythical Simurgh to be their king, and he often reflected upon the story's mystical implications. As he grew older, he became a sought-after scholar and teacher. Rumi befriended another spiritual teacher, Shams, and began to consider friendship, love, and God. In celebration, he would dance the Sama, raising his hands to the sky and spinning in joyous circles. Rumi's students, however, became jealous of Shams and forced him to leave. Bereft, Rumi turned to writing. His collection of reflections became his masterpiece, The Masnavi. This absorbing narrative traces Rumi's childhood inspirations and life-changing events. Though the parts about mysticism are a bit clunky at times, the focus is on Rumi's childhood and his stories written for children, which will spark readers' curiosity about his works and their deeper meaning. The gorgeous illustrations, rendered in bright vivid colors with stylized nature-inspired details, feature traditional Persian clothing, motifs, and calligraphy. A beautifully rendered biography that will spur readers to contemplate themes of love and connection. (author's note, biographical information on Rumi) (Picture-book biography. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
