The Shape of Home

K-Gr 3--It's hard to find a more joyful take on the first day of school in a new country than that found in Kheiriyeh's new work, narrated by a small Iranian girl named, like the author, Rashin. Artfully recalling her old home, where the girls dressed in traditional garb resemble, sweetly, a carton of eggs, Rashin embraces everything new, from honey in plastic bear bottles to the city walk to school in the rain. In a school room full of children from all over the globe, their teacher, Mrs. Martin, explains her parents originally hail from the country of Benin, and shows them its shape--a flashlight. When it is Rachin's turn, she shows them that Iran is shaped like cat, and she meows. The shape of home, for all the children, is the warmth of sharing, without prejudice or mockery, and with an understanding that no matter where they are from, they are welcome in the here and now. The illustrations are verve-filled and colorful, in a New York City setting in which almost everyone is smiling. VERDICT As an ode to the idea of home, wherever that is and whatever that means, this is bliss. If all children had this kind of first day, who could predict what might happen next?--Kimberly Olson Fakih, School Library Journal

In this buoyant, vibrantly illustrated story, Kheiriyeh centers an Iranian girl's first day of school in America. Shapes and sensory experiences are the focus of attention as she notes breakfast items Rashin's mother serves: "a smiley-face pancake and happy eggs." Tan-skinned Rashin remembers sensate elements from her life in Iran (the smell of bread shaped "like my braided hair"), and notices differences in New York City, where she lives now ("Everyone is in a rush"). Upon arrival in her ethnically diverse class, teacher Mrs. Martin ask the children to share the shapes of their home countries: "I grew up in New Jersey," she says "but my grandparents came from Benin, which is long and skinny--like me!" Having a teacher who engages the children about similarities and differences makes everything easier as bright, chalky spreads combine distinctive shapes with lively patterns and colors, creating a road map for curiosity and learning. Ages 4-7. (Aug.)