Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love
by Rashin Kheiriyeh; illus. by the author
Primary    NorthSouth    40 pp.
3/24    9780735845442    $19.95

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 Sīmurgh, 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.

From the May/June 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.