Baba's Gift: A Persian Father's Love of Family
by Ariana Shaheen Amini (Author) Elaheh Taherian (Illustrator)
Baba's Gift is a radiant celebration of a Persian father's love of family, from his boyhood in Iran to his new life in America.
Baba enchants his six daughters with his stories, transporting them to his childhood in Iran as they play on the flowering vines of the Persian carpet in California. He tells the story of a determined young man who comes to the United States, the challenges of leaving his Persian family, and the unfolding of his new American life.
This picture book is written in the voice of two daughters telling the story of their Baba ("father" in Farsi). It weaves together the love of two countries with the love of family.
A perfect read-aloud for parents, grandparents, and teachers, the story inspires curiosity about other cultures and connection between generations.
Baba's Gift--full of delight, tenderness, and vibrant illustrations by award-winning Persian illustrator Elaheh Taherian--sparkles with the beauty of love and family around the world.
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Gr 2-4--A rich, beautifully told story filled with jewel-toned illustrations and carrying a comforting message for children of immigrants. One of the children of the book's titular Baba tells of their father's journey from Iran to the United States. All his children ask questions about what it was like and why he left; the authors don't shy away from the stronger feelings associated with those big decisions. In between are bits about Iran's culture and language, which provide a welcome learning opportunity for any young reader. This book also introduces many children to a culture that may be different from their own but, in the process, masterfully shows them through Baba's journey to become American and through all the joys he experiences how similar we all are. The colorful illustrations throughout help bring to life the colorful Iranian culture for Baba's children. VERDICT This is an excellent addition to any children's library collection as a great exposure to this culture, but also in any community serving a significant Iranian population.--David Roberts
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
-Alison McGhee, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Someday "The first words that Iranian children learn to write in school are بابا آب داد which sound like "Baba aab daad," and which mean "Baba gave me water." Built into this very first sentence is the role of a father as a giver, of water, certainly, but also the stories that will define and develop the imagination and courage of his family. In this gently-woven story of an immigrant father's generous act of offering the best of both the worlds he inhabits to his beloved daughters, Baba gives the gift of himself. There's no better gift than that."-Daniel Nayeri, author of Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story), winner of the Michael L. Printz Award, NPR Best Book of the Year, and New York Times Best of the Year "A story, both familiar and unique, it should be celebrated by families, libraries and classrooms." -Cindy Harrison, Former Director of Bainbridge Island Public Library "A tender and enchanting tale about culture, family history, and the ties that bind us to one another across distances."
-Jasmin Darznik, New York Times bestselling author of The Bohemians "What a touching tale! Baba's Gift is a lovely and loving tribute to a father's journey and his legacy."
-Annie Barrows, New York Times bestselling author of the Ivy & Bean series "Baba's Gift beautifully captures the magic and love of family. Universal in its appeal and vibrantly illustrated, this children's book transports young readers and their parents to the fragrant garden of Baba's childhood."-Gail Siegel, Educator and ForWords Literacy Lab Founder Elaheh Taherian's intricate collage illustrations blossom and evoke a father's love for his daughters—and theirs for him. This book is a gift."
-Amy Novesky, award-winning author of Girl on a Motorcycle, Cloth Lullaby: The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois; Me, Frida; Georgia in Hawaii; Imogen: The Mother of Modernism and Three Boys
JNF019060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Family | Parents
JNF025120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Middle East
United States
Fathers and daughters
Iranians
Father-daughter relationship
Amini, Fari
