Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of the spring, a season full of hope, sun and opportunities. An old tradition that remained despite the desperate recent efforts to replace it with imported celebrations. Such tales can be always retold, keeping their original flavour, although re-inserted into a different narrative, based on the storyteller choice.
Amu Nowruz and His Violets by celebrated Iranian children books author Hadi Mohammadi illustrated by Nooshin Sadakhoo and translated from Persian by award winning translator and editor Sara Khalil is such a kind re-tale of an old story from the Persian foklore.
The story goes that Amu Nowruz (Uncle New Year) was in love with Naneh Sarma (Mother Winter). But heartbreakingly, they can only see each other once the year. Every time though, Naneh Sarma falla asleep. Instead of waking her up, Amu Nowruz leaves her a flower. When she wakes up again, she sees the flower realizing that she missed him again.
A beautiful sad story, as many others from the Persian folklore.
The illustrations are unique, with the moderates shades and fine lines, elegantly completing the text.
The main audience is aimed at 3 to 6-year olds, but it definitely can be used as a multicultural educational tool for older ages as well. If interested to find out more Nowruz-related children books, here is another recommendation from five years ago.
Nowruz Pirooz to all who celebrate!
Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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