March 15, 2023
A carpet holds a treasured place for a child and their family, Afghan refugees. The story begins with this family of six--"mother, father, sisters, brothers"--as they sit on the carpet, sipping tea and talking. As they gather "greens, fresh and crispy," the carpet becomes a space for food preparation. It is also a place where the protagonist and their siblings can play make-believe games as well as a spot for listening to stories. The carpet is also "for remembering," however. When war came, the family was forced to leave their home; like a stranger in a strange land, the protagonist sometimes feels lonely and out of place now, but "the carpet keeps me grounded" and connected to their homeland. Inspired by Azaad's own life, this powerful, lyrical tale speaks to the importance of sharing, learning, caring, and other values. References to basil, mint, dill, parsley, and a mythical bird known as the Simorgh enrich the story, emphasizing the family's connection to their culture. Cao's vibrant illustrations complement the text, capturing the importance of the carpet in this family's life and celebrating "a piece of home." Though the author's note mentions that Afghans are about "family, not war," there is no context about the war in question, so caregivers or educators may need to fill in some gaps. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A love letter to family, culture, and home. (Picture book. 4-8)
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April 15, 2023
Grades K-2 Although it follows a day in the life of an Afghan refugee child, at the center of this poem is a bright-red carpet, presumably brought by the child's family from Afghanistan to their new home. The focus on the carpet is established immediately, with the opening verse depicting the family of six enjoying their tea on it. In a sequence of precise yet descriptive lines, the literal, metaphorical, and imaginative significance of the carpet takes readers through the ups and downs of the family's experience. Each page ends with a variation on "The carpet is for . . .," and we see that the carpet is where they gather to talk, prepare food, eat, reminisce, play, and dream. Despite the cartoonish rendering of the characters' faces, the bold colors and movement in the illustrations help the narrative establish a loving family that will thrive because of its close bond. A thematic pairing for Airana Shaheen Amini and Christina Maheen Amini's Baba's Gift (2023).
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