Henna Is… by Marzieh Abbas; illustrated by Anu Chouhan

Henna Is…
by Marzieh Abbas; illustrated by Anu Chouhan
Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan

A picture book that serves young readers as a lyrical love letter to henna, written by Middle East Book Award winner Marzieh Abbas and brilliantly illustrated by Anu Chouhan.

Henna is so much more than a form of temporary body art.

Henna is nature—seeds sprouted into shrubs, leaves kissed by tropical rain.

Henna is color—the orange of juicy mangoes, sun-kissed brown, or black as the feathers of crows.

Henna is fragrance—earthy and nutty, lemony and clove-y.

The intricate patterns of flowers, feathers, vines, and other symbols painted and stained onto skin has been a tradition in cultures all around the world for thousands of years. Beautiful and eye-catching, henna also carries the scents, textures, and colors of family and identity.

Cover image and summary via Macmillan