Rose Weaves a Garden

“In a city so old, they call it ancient,” seven-year-old Rose’s grandfather, Baba joon, is an expert rug weaver, working mornings in a large factory and afternoons on his home loom: “Baba joon knots brightly colored strands of wool, not once, not twice, but a thousand times every day.” When Rose proposes turning one of her garden drawings into a rug, Baba joon teaches her how to dye and dry yarn, then how to knot it: “Rose’s hands move slowly, slowly.” After Rose’s grandfather becomes ill, she continues to work on the project, gaining further experience while meditating on Baba joon’s wellbeing. Kheiriyeh’s saturated oil and acrylic illustrations are rendered with a crispness and care that, per a note, employ Persian and Oriental rug motifs. A small black and white cat is Rose’s sidekick as her garden grows knot by knot in this work that spotlights intergenerational affection and the power of persistence. Opening text cites the story’s personal roots in Iran. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)