The One and Only Rumi
by Rabiah York
illustrator Maneli Manouchehri
from Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Random House)
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 light 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.
Praise
Holding fast to
and the 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.
author’s note underlines the teaching that
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)hope in the darkest of times can always be found.