Welcome, Uncle Nowruz!
A Persian New Year's Story
Welcome, Uncle Nowruz!
A Persian New Year's Story
Brilliant Iranian-American creator Rashin offers her fun and fresh spin on a classic Nowruz folktale.
Nane Sarma is winter herself, and every year she waits eagerly for her old friend, Uncle Nowruz. His job is to travel the land announcing the beginning of spring. But somehow, she always falls asleep before he arrives! This year, her three grandchildren will celebrate with her, so surely she will stay awake. But after the family shops for all seven items for the Haft-Seen table, finds beautiful new clothes, eats saffron ice cream and makes the traditional meal of fish and rice, Nane is knackered. Uh-oh . . .
A fun-filled romp through a favorite Persian holiday, sure to charm readers familiar with the Nowruz festival and inspire those for whom it is new.
A lively, culturally rich holiday tale that blends folklore, language, and inclusivity; a recommended addition to library shelves.
⭐ School Library Journal, starred review
Saturated illustrations rendered with crispness and care employ Persian iconography and motifs throughout a rollicking introduction to a favorite holiday that also serves as an ode to the changing of the seasons and the passing of time.
⭐ Publishers Weekly, starred review
A vibrant and accessible introduction to Nowruz, this inviting picture book celebrates family, anticipation, and the beauty of welcoming the new year together. A strong choice for multicultural holiday collections.
Booklist
A joyful celebration of Nowruz for those familiar with the Persian New Year and a wonderfully warm introduction to those unfamiliar with the holiday. Kheiriyeh’s art is gorgeous and vibrant, with beautiful, elaborate patterns gracing everything from Nane Sarma’s wool blanket to the shopfronts at the market to the petals of flowers and the blushing sun. The exuberant colors are reminiscent of spring itself.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Literature
A charming retelling of a Persian folklore tale, this picture book adds a personal touch to the arrival of spring.
Foreword Reviews
A visual treat for readers, Welcome, Uncle Nowruz! is an excellent introduction to Persian culture and this special New Year holiday.
Youth Services Book Review
I love Rashin! If you’re unfamiliar with her work, Rashin is an Iranian picture book creator with a style like no one else’s
Betsy Bird, Fuse #8, School Library Journal
The entire book is a celebration of spring’s arrival combined with a merry story about Nane falling asleep after making all the preparations. It is an excellent glimpse of Persian culture. The illustrations are filled with bright colors of pinks, reds, golds and blues. It creates a jolly feel as the family welcomes spring back. Don’t sleep on this one.
Tasha Saecker, Waking Brain Cells
