I love poetry, and I’ve always really loved Rumi’s work. So naturally, when I saw this, I had to read it, especially because I don’t know much about Rumi himself. The illustration was probably the most beautiful artwork I’ve ever seen in a children’s book. I always worry in this day and age that children’s books seem more like they’re adult stories/themes written for children, and, thus, way over their head or overly dark/mature to the point where it diminishes the innocence of childhood. However, I also find that everyone’s lives and experiences are very different, including children, meaning that some themes are not overly mature to some kids because they’ve had experiences that go beyond their years innocent childhood, despite their age. All of that to say, I was worried about that happening here, and the author artfully and beautifully navigated this line. This work was thought provoking but grounded in a basic human theme that children and adults alike can recognize and relate to. Beautiful beautiful work! I can’t wait until this is released and I can get a physical copy for myself.

I rate this 4.5 stars - but very close to, if not 5! I was so excited to be able to read this with my daughter as an ARC copy. I myself love Rumí and find such inspiration from him. This does a wonderful job at telling the tale of his life for the audience of children to learn more about him. My only wish was that there’d be more quotes from Rumí, but I believe given this is a children’s book, foremost a biography, and the captivating whimsical illustrations - that many more may take away from the other aspects and crowd it a bit. I think this is perfect for young readers. , and my daughter loved the illustrations and dancing.

"The best religion is to make friends with all the people of the world."

Thank you NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for Rumi–Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh.

Written to celebrate his 750th birthday in 2023, this gorgeously illustrated children's book is a short introduction to the poet Rumi and important times and influences in his life starting from when he was a child. While this is a children's picture book, Kheiriyeh has also included some information at the end of the book for the older readers about why she loves Rumi and a short reference about different elements of Rumi's life she wrote about in this enchanting book.

Beautifully illustrated story for young children with art that accompanies a short biographical retelling of certain moments in a world renowned poet's life. The illustrations are beautiful and capture the spirit of the vibrant culture surrounding Rumi that inspired his work. Overall I think that this book would be best suited to be read aloud to younger children, age 4-7; multicultural representation. Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC of this book for me to read and review.

I picked up a couple of Rumi's poetry compilations when on break from a PD session near the Aga Khan Museum. I perused the gift shop after discovering that the Rumi exhibit had just ended. Sad as I was then, I am now thrilled to read this as I prepare to teach a poetry unit to my grade 2/3 class. I planned to incorporate Rumi's work into the lessons and now envision myself using this title to introduce Rumi's works to my students. This books is lovely. I am late to the club but happy to have arrived. Thank you NetGalley for an early peek at this beautiful book.

A gorgeous picture book of the life of Rumi from his childhood to the time he began to write. Aimed at a young audience, the images are bright, colorful, and engaging in a Persian style of art that accompany the joy of Rumi's life and spirituality. This book was absolutely lovely, and I recommend it to teach younger children about the famous mystical poet or for adults like me who are long time lovers of his words.

This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are gorgeous and calming. A basic, yet great introduction to who Rumi was.

Poet of Joy and Love is a biographical and illustrative introduction to Rumi, a poet that most people come to know of at some point in their lives. I think this children's book is a great way to introduce him to some young ones! It goes in with some details on Rumi’s life, but not quite enough to be honest. I feel the execution lacked vibrancy. I don’t think the words here captured Rumi’s spirit as well as they could have, but it is still a great introduction to the facts.

The shining star of this book, to me, was the incredible illustrations. Every page was richly colored in vibrant symbolic colors and patterns. Every page with figures held so much emotion and movement. There is so much attention to detail and style. I can see the joy that the illustrator has in drawing plants and animals.

Overall, still a beautiful book and I do recommend for young ones to begin their journeys into the world of poets ASAP!

“On September 30, 1207 a child was born on a crisp and colorful autumn day in Iran.
They called him 𝗥𝘂𝗺𝗶.”

I have always meant to dive into the spectacular and magnificent world that is 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆. Specially 𝗥𝘂𝗺𝗶’s!!
Unfortunately and so very regrettably, I haven’t been able to fulfill that promise to myself yet, but this absolutely adorable little biography of well-known Persian poet 𝗥𝘂𝗺𝗶, with the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever seen by the brilliant Iranian artist 𝗥𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘆𝗲𝗵 has made me so eager to finally start reading and hopefully learning more on love, life and friendship from him.

If you have little ones, I highly recommend you get a copy of this book, as the illustration are absolutely gorgeous lively and perfect for children and the short story also is such a joyous and hopeful one; pointing out topics of friendship, kindness and generosity which I’m sure will be very entertaining as well as educative for them.
And hopefully so; it will intrigue parents as well to get to know more about this amazing poet and enjoy his work!
As 𝗥𝘂𝗺𝗶 himself says:
“To me nothing in the world is as precious as a genuine smile, specially from a child.”

And special thanks to 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 for providing me with a digital copy of this precious book!

What a beautiful journey through this book! Rumí is beloved by so many, and many in my faith grew up hearing him. Paired with the gorgeous illustrations in this book, it’s lovely to give an idea of who he was before he gave us such lovely stories and poems. Shared with my kid who’s technically too old for picture books, but still gave an enthusiastic review !

I loved that this book introduced me to the story of Rumi, and in such a way that my older children could understand. The illustrations were the highlight for me. They were so vibrant and captivating!

#RumiPoetofJoyandLove #NetGalley

Gorgeous images accompany a child-friendly version of Rumi's origins. I enjoyed all the colours and the style of the artist. I feel as though the story is a bit disjointed, lacking some cohesion in the parts of Rumors story that were chosen and why the author thought these things were significant enough to mention, but it's a children's story and therefore is bound to be found lacking in the information department by default. I also found that the editing in the author's note was pretty much nonexistent.

The book reminded me of a book I read in High School, Siddartha! It’s carries a message of kindness and friendship. Self-enlightenment and actualization of the journey of self in relation to self, others, nature, God, etc. Beautifully illustrated.

"Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love" is a children’s book about the famous Iranian poet Rumi. The story itself is beautiful and easy to follow, especially for the target audience, without any complexity. It takes readers through Rumi’s childhood and his journey into finding his voice. The illustrations perfectly match the story, using many elements and colors to bring it to life and make it engaging for children.

The author, Rhashin Kheiriyeh, has also added a brief history about Rumi at the very end of the book, a thoughtful addition for those unfamiliar with him.


“We are what we seek! I am the simurgh” Rumi thought.


I received this digital copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A children’s book about Rumi, the famous poet. It goes through his life and how he started to write poetry. The story was great, but my favorite part was the beautiful illustrations. They were so, so beautiful. They matched the story perfectly and were so artistic.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rumi–Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh is an interesting introduction to the Iranian poet. The illustrations are beautiful but I'll be honest and say the text of the story confused me. Having the author's note at the back was helpful in "connecting the dots" of different parts of the story. Even so, I don't think I will be recommending this to others.

“WE ARE WHAT WE SEEK!
I AM THE SĪMURGH!” Rumi thought.

This was so beautiful and amazing. I love Rumi but to read about Rumi's journey to being an immortal in the form of the poems was astounding. I loved it. And the illustrations are just so pretty.

Every great person was a child once and so was Rumi. His love for books and birds was unending. After loss of his dearest friend ,Shams, Rumi realised his important life lesson - love is everywhere and is in us in all forms.
Thank you Netgalley and NorthSouth books Inc for this amazing ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This book I devoured just after downloading which mostly never happens. I reviewed it but I will be reading it again coz I loved it very much. So on to my next read of the book.

For people who like: children's picture books with an original theme

Reading around the world: Balkh Province, Persia (originally part of Iran in the 13th century, but now part of Afghanistan)

First sentence: "It began with a leaf / yellow and orange / falling from the tree"

In five words: colourful - biography - poet - Persia - culture

Positive points: The illustrations are very colourful and will certainly appeal to children. In fact, that was the first thing that caught my eye when I opened this book. Thus, it really is an ode to the Persian art style and gives the right vibes to discover this story. In my opinion they're worth 4*.
What also enchanted me was the original theme of this children's book: we learn more about Rumi (° 1207 - † 1273), apparently the best known Persian poet. Although I've got to admit that I hadn't heard of him before. As 2023 is his 750th birthday, author/illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh (who grew up in Iran with Rumi's books and now lives in Washington DC) was inspirated to create this book.
Last but not least, there are things mentioned (be it cultural or mythological) which drew my attention as I didn't know them, f.e.: the mythological bird Simurgh and the ceremony Sama.

Negative points: Although the theme is original, the execution could've been better. While the reader only gets to learn some biographical facts, there's no single example of Rumi's poetry in this book which really seems like a missed chance. Consequently, it also results in a story that's not as captivating as it could be for children. And to most adults the facts are probably not specific enough. That's why the text gets 3*.

Rating: 3,5* rounded up to 4*, because I learned new things and this book also made me curious to discover the works of Rumi (who was unknown to me)

Publication date: 5 March 2024

*Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Vistually stunning picture book that tells the story of the poet Rumi's life. The movement and colors on the page are incredible. Sent us looking up poems by Rumi on the internet. Thank you to the publisher for the chance to read early.

We had not heard of Rumi before but each one of the children adored this book. The tale is beautiful and hopeful. The sentiments are beautiful. Most of all, the illustrations are stunning.