Flash Children’s Book Review: Rumi’s “Two Parrots” by Rashin

For an (almost) mid-week break, I have another beautiful picture book from NorthSouth that I heartily recommend for kids of all ages and for those who love illustration. This time it’s Two Parrots, a fun American debut from Iranian illustrator and animation director Rashin. Her new book Two Parrots is inspired by a tale from Rumi. Rumi, or Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī (Persian: جلال‌الدین محمد بلخى‎) was a 13th century poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic (basically a really amazing guy). Rashin, or Rashin Keiriyeh, born in Iran and already prolific children’s book illustrator with over forty-five books under her belt is well known overseas. This however, is her first release in America!

Featuring beautiful illustrations that pull from traditional Persian art but are presented with a fresh, friendly folk-art spin, the colors green and red dominating the piece, Two Parrots is overall a neat little book. Rashin’s art fits the simple but whimsical story about a merchant and his pet parrot, who is unhappy about living in a cage.

Rashin’s body of work is already massive; she’s also worked in animation and is just an immense talent. America has just gotten the first taste of her with some editorial work, this and her follow-up; her own version of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly coming this fall.  I hope this first translated debut and There Was An… means a lot more of her books released in countries like South Korea, Spain and France will be coming over to the States in the near future. Publisher NorthSouth always excels in releasing fun, engaging books with a global mindset. If you have kids or enjoy illustration, their artful, whimsical titles are always always worth checking out. I’m always excited to explore their catalog and look forward to reviewing more titles from them for you in the future! Again, hopefully that entails even more Rashin.

See you all real soon!

Max Eber
max@sub-cultured.com
Twitter: @maxlikescomics