Khorram, Adib. Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story. Illus. by Zainab Faidhi, 2021. 40p. Penguin Random House/Dial Books, $17.99. (9780593108260). PreS-Gr 3
When a mishap wrecks the sofreh haft-seen, seven symbolic items whose names start with the 15th letter in the Persian alphabet, Kian must find items to replace them in time for his grandparents’ Nowruz visit. Kian and his family are preparing to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year marking the start of spring. Maman explains the symbolism behind the seven (haft) items starting with the Farsi letter “seen” on the sofreh (table-setting) haft-seen. Items like sumac for sunshine, seer (garlic) for health, and serkeh (vinegar) for patience represent what the family hopes will bring them happiness in the new year. But trying to add Sonny, the family cat, to the haft-seen leads to its ruin. Faidhi’s illustrations add dynamic color and textural and cultural richness to the narrative; the images feel timeless and convey a feeling of holiday nostalgia. Khorram’s end note mentions other items of renewal frequently placed on a haft-seen that are depicted on the end papers. Though Kian’s khanumjan (a respectful term for grandmother) wears a headscarf, not uncommon among older Persian women, there are no specific indicators that the family is Muslim (and in fact, Nowruz has Zoroastrian origins), so Persian readers of varying backgrounds religious or otherwise will be able to see themselves in the narrative.
VERDICT A beautiful celebration of Nowruz with familial warmth that embraces child agency, problem-solving, and creativity. A recommended purchase for every library.
Reviewed by Ariana Sani Hussain, The Blake Sch., Wayzata, MN , Mar 01, 2021
For more information about Nowruz and Iranian history please visit:
My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain Illustrated by Ella Bailey Penguin Random House/Viking Books for Young Readers (US edition, previously published in the UK)
From the winner of The Great British Baking Show and star of Nadiya’s Time to Eat comes a heartfelt story to help give children and parents the tools they need to talk about worries and anxiety. A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It’s there when he gets dressed, when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries? Having struggled with anxiety for as long as she can remember, Nadiya Hussain has written this heartfelt story to ensure that no child suffers in silence—no matter what shape their worry monster may take.
Cover image and summary via Penguin Random House
Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi
Penguin Random House/G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Cover image and summary via Penguin Random House
Planet Omar: Incredible Rescue Mission
By Zanib Mian
Illustrated By Nasaya Mafaridik
Penguin Random House/Penguin Young Readers
Omar has to solve the mystery of his missing teacher in the third installment of this imaginative, highly-illustrated #OwnVoices middle-grade series.
Omar is going on his biggest adventure yet–a trip to Pakistan! But his excitement about the trip is interrupted by some shocking news: his amazing teacher is not coming back to school, and no one will say why.
When Omar and his friends start investigating, the hints they overhear and clues they find lead them to an alarming conclusion–it must be aliens!
Omar has a huge imagination, but saving his teacher from aliens seems far-fetched even to him. He’s going to need out-of-this-world creative thinking and a huge spirit of adventure to solve this mystery!
Cover image and summary via Penguin Random House
Muhammad Ali, Kinshasa 1974 by Jean-David Morvan
Illustrated By Rafael Ortiz
Photographed By Abbas
Penguin Random House/Titan Comics
Award-winning writer JD Morvan and renowned photographer Abbas’ stunning graphic novel masterpiece which uses iconic photos to uniquely illustrate the historical ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
On the 30th October 1974, the most famous boxing match of the 20th Century took place. Nicknamed the “Rumble in the Jungle”, it pitted Muhammad Ali, desperate to win back his world champion belt, and George Foreman, the current holder, against each other. Foreman had just KO’d the only two boxers to have ever beaten Ali. By his own admission, Ali was terrified of facing him in the ring…
Now, the photojournalist Abbas immortalises this legendary meeting, having kept his photos in his personal archives for 36 years before unveiling them to the world. In a cross between a documentary, photo report and graphic novel, this book reveals the context of the most powerful photographs taken by one of the greatest photographers of the Magnum Photos agency. Enriched by the testimony of Abbas himself, Jean-David Morvan’s script is rigorously brought to life by artist Rafael Ortiz.
Cover image and summary via Penguin Random House
The Mismatch by Sara Jafari
Samira Surfs By Rukhsanna Guidroz
Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
Baby’s First Ramadan by DK
Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies by DK