The One and Only Rumi

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

The inspiring story of Rumi’s journey from a young refugee to a renowned poet shows how his childhood helped shape his poetry.

Young Muhammad adores his home, and he loves waking up each day to the sound of birds singing. His father encourages him to keep singing through happy days as well as sad—just like the birds. And there are indeed sad days ahead when his family is forced to flee from Genghis Khan’s army, becoming refugees. As they travel, Muhammad takes many lessons from nature, and his positivity and spirit of largess lights the way.

This moving story based on the life of the beloved thirteenth-century poet Rumi celebrates showing love to everyone and offers a beautiful message of hope in troubled times.

Story Locale:Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan

About the Author

Rabiah York is the award-winning author of the picture books The Conference of the Birds and The Gift of Ramadan, as well as the young adult novel No True Believers. After earning a BA in Religious Studies from George Washington University, she spent a decade abroad in the Middle East. She also has an MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University. She teaches English at a middle school in Virginia and spends her free time with her husband, Jeremy, three children, two cats, and a memoir-in-progress.

Author Residence: Virginia

Maneli Manouchehri has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a master’s degree in illustration. She has contributed illustrations to over thirty book projects and participated in numerous illustration, painting, and print-making exhibitions in Iran, Italy, Georgia, Slovakia, France, Germany, Australia, and Denmark. Her numerous awards and honors include an IBBY certificate of Honor for illustrating Zal-O Simorgh. She lectures and teaches at several art institutes and universities, and she lives in Tehran, Iran.

Illustrator Hometown:Tehran, Iran