Baba’s Gift: A Persian Father’s Love of Family

Gr 2-4–A rich, beautifully told story filled with jewel-toned illustrations and carrying a comforting message for children of immigrants. One of the children of the book’s titular Baba tells of their father’s journey from Iran to the United States. All his children ask questions about what it was like and why he left; the authors don’t shy away from the stronger feelings associated with those big decisions. In between are bits about Iran’s culture and language, which provide a welcome learning opportunity for any young reader. This book also introduces many children to a culture that may be different from their own but, in the process, masterfully shows them through Baba’s journey to become American and through all the joys he experiences how similar we all are. The colorful illustrations throughout help bring to life the colorful Iranian culture for Baba’s children.