The one and only Rumi

The young life of poet Rumi (1207--1273) is disrupted by the invasion of Genghis Khan's army in this picture book history starring a boy known as Muhammad. Poetic prose by York describes the family's escape, as Manouchehri depicts gathered horses and camels against dark gradients. Told no when asking about going back home, Muhammad observes that birds leave and return; his father advises that some birds "make homes wherever they go./ And they never stop singing." That hopefulness infuses the family's story as they take comfort in their togetherness and music. When Muhammad finally settles into a new home with his parents, he comprehends that "friends--both feathered and human--/ were everywhere to be found." Stylized, nature-infused ink and acrylic full-page artwork radiates in tones as bright as Rumi's much-beloved words. A creator's note adds context about Rumi's birth in Afghanistan's "classical 'borders,' " Persian writing, and later life in Turkey. Ages 4--8. (Mar.)

Gr 1--4--In this short introduction to the 14th-century poet Rumi, the author concentrates primarily on his childhood immigration to an unknown location. While traveling, Rumi learns life lessons from his parents to be generous, positive, to make his own joy, and persevere through hard times. These lessons helped him grow into a celebrated poet still read and inspiring people hundreds of years later. Illustrations use light effectively to create a mystical atmosphere with Rumi often shown bathed in light, highlighting his gifts. Persian-influenced landscapes and animals give a sense of place and expressive characters clearly depict the importance of the family unit. VERDICT A light introduction, intended to supplement other titles about Rumi.--Melisa Bailey

In a blaze of color, the 13th-century Persian poet's life takes a turn. Images filled with rich jewel tones, bold geometric shapes, and birds galore introduce the boy Muhammad, before he became Rumi, one of the best-known poets in history. Exquisite linework and expansive compositions paint a mystical picture of his early life in Central Asia 800 years ago. Muhammad loves to listen to birdsong and his father's ney (flute), "soft and sweet as a gentle rain." But his peaceful world is shattered when Genghis Khan's army approaches. Packing his belongings in a rush, Muhammad wishes his bag were "big enough to fit everything he loved….But the bag [is] just a bag." After he flees with his parents, arriving in Baghdad and continuing on to Mecca, his mother and father remind him to "never stop singing," and he tells himself to "be like the sun!" Exploring a potentially lesser-known side of the poet, the concise yet lyrical narrative itself evokes Rumi's potent verse. When the family finally settles in a new home, they temper their sadness with gratitude that they're still together. Holding fast to "quiet hope" and the "entire universe" within himself, Muhammad opens his heart to new friends and grows up to be "the one and only Rumi." An author's note underlines the teaching that "hope in the darkest of times can always be found." A dazzling tribute to a luminary figure.(Picture-book biography. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.