CELEBRATE NOWRUZ

Mother-daughter duo Zohreh and Susie Ghahremani tell the story of a child who takes the lead in preparing for Persian New Year.

Ariana thinks of Nowruz as her “secret holiday” because she’s the only one in her class who observes it. Usually Mama helps prepare, but this year she’s out of town. So Ariana and her father step into her shoes, with some help from Ariana’s grandmother (Nana). Ariana and Dad shop for food and boil and paint eggs; later, Ariana decorates baklava with Nana. As they work, Nana explains the holiday’s origins. Nowruz, which means “new day,” is “like a birthday party for Mother Nature. People welcome spring with clean homes, new clothes, and clear hearts.” Best of all, it’s “a chance to start over and be better people.” When Mama returns, she’s happily surprised to see a table brimming with vibrant eggs, carefully organized cookies, a live goldfish, and other significant objects, including the haft-seen, a spread of seven plant-based items. Later, Ariana asks Nana why the whole world doesn’t celebrate Mother Nature’s birthday. Nana’s suggestion that Ariana invite her friends to celebrate with her leads nicely into backmatter discussing Nowruz further. Readers unfamiliar with the holiday will emerge enlightened, while youngsters who observe it will feel kinship with Ariana. Warm, engaging illustrations rife with bright patterns include recognizable Persian holiday hallmarks such as tiny chickpea cookies, sabzeh (greens), and elegant gold-bottomed tea glasses.

Sweet, straightforward, and joyful.