Amu Nowruz and His Violets

Gr 2-5–Nowruz, Persian New Year, has been celebrated for 3,000 years, and marks the first day of spring. In Persian folklore, Amu Nowruz (Uncle New Year) heralds in spring, while Naneh Sarma (Mother Forest) represents winter. With her wintersweet gown and snow white hair, Naneh Sarma lives in a snow castle atop the highest mountain, and is happy spreading snow, frost, and ice throughout the land. With no one to share her love of winter, she decides to seek out Amu Nowruz in the land of spring. He, in turn, is busy planting the seeds and flowers of spring, and while she waits tirelessly for him, she falls asleep. Upon finding her sleeping, he plants violets into her outstretched hands. The contrasting illustrations between the seasons is stunning. The chilly winter scenes resonate with bare trees, huge snow-capped mountains, and Naneh Sarma herself sporting a snow-capped cloud on her head. Amu Nowruz, living in the land of spring where color abounds, flowers bloom, and birds sing, has a giant hat upon his head bursting with flowers. Safakhoo’s distinctive artwork is made up of precise inked lines, intricate flowers and leaves, and contrasting colors which highlight the opposing seasons perfectly. Translated from Persian, the text is gentle, flowing, and poetic.