Cari 's Reviews > Rumi–Poet of Joy and Love

Delightful artwork with beautiful prose sharing the life story of a great poet. Even if there were no words in this picture book, there would be a gorgeous story unfolding in the saturated, happy hues alone. But, the words tell the tale of a young Rumi, who grows into one of the worlds greatest poets and teachers. Known for his love of nature and joy in daily life, we see Rumi as a young person reveling in the simple beauty of birds and nature, and growing into a successful teacher who finds friendship and a deepening faith. Young readers will feel a desire to slow down and observe the world around them in exploring this book, and may ask to read the poems of Rumi who loves birds and beauty and friends. The depiction of Persian myths of birds is another lovely element. And, while at times the language can feel a little overly….educational is perhaps the best word…the world created and the magic of language and power of family and life well outweighs any slow reading moments. The metaphors blending nature with friendship and happiness are special, and the sense of deep faith and depiction of joy and happiness in Sufi tradition bridges the beauty of the illustrations and the feelings of love and friendship. The authors note and history of Rumi at the end were a nice touch. I find the only thing I found wanting here was a few poems from Rumi set to the gorgeous illustrations we see throughout his life in the book; but I guess I’ll have to use my imagination to create the color as I pick up a book of Rumi’s poems. And, I feel, this is the goal of this beautiful book: to have us want to read Rumi’s words. Lovely.