Yasmeen Lari, Green Architect: The True Story of Pakistan’s First Woman Architect

In this eco-aware, place-oriented picture book, Abbas and Hadadi energetically capture the pioneering career of Yasmeen Lari (b. 1941), Pakistan’s first female architect. The narrative moves quickly from early childhood, which encompassed Partition, to adulthood, as Lari “soared to ‘starchitect’ status” with concrete and glass constructions. Travel-driven appreciation for historic structures leads the subject to spearhead a preservation movement across Pakistan. Later, when natural disasters strike, Lari helps build for rehabilitation, drawing on well-honed listening skills, respect for local building traditions, and an emphasis on natural, renewable materials to empower “poverty-stricken” villagers to cocreate their own homes. Emphatic narration drives home Lari’s impact by piling on staccato text: “Yasmeen rebuilt lives. The villagers were:/ Trained./ Equipped./ Determined.” Crinkled paper collages show the subject maturing over time as swatches layer for an affirming effect that suits an intentionally told story of thoughtful composition. Back matter includes more about the figure and an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)