DEAR NEW FRIEND

A Persian child welcomes a guest. "I am excited to have you come over," the young narrator says. "Knock with the secret knock only we know." The dark-haired, brown-skinned protagonist appears on the left side of the spread, doodling grass that transforms into a red brick path that continues onto the right side. A light-skinned, freckled, red-headed child walks along the path to the house. With matching smiles, the two children enjoy Grandma's cooking, pick watermelons in the backyard (and spit out the seeds), peek in at Dad weaving a new rug, and play Tileh, a game involving marbles. Throughout, the narrator addresses the friend; readers, especially those unfamiliar with Persian traditions, will feel lovingly embraced, as though they, too, are being invited to enjoy Grandma's walnut cookies or to flick a marble of their own. Filled with symmetric floral details reminiscent of Persian rugs, the stylized illustrations make sumptuous use of blue. An especially arresting spread shows outstretched hands intertwined with budding flowers and birds--a tribute to Dad's weaving. The child shares a Persian aphorism: "A well-made carpet becomes more good-looking as the years go by." Sumptuous art is paired with spare text, while backmatter on Persian words and rugs and an author's note provide a neat coda. A warm and most welcome invitation.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.