Rating: Very Good
Marshall Cavendish, 2009, $19.99
ISBN: 9780761455271
Age/Grade level: ages 9-12
This little jewel of a book is another picture-book format biography written and illustrated by Demi. This time she introduces her readers to Rumi, a famous 13th century figure who was born in Afghanistan but settled in Turkey and was a highly respected scholar before becoming the great mystical poet who founded the order of the whirling dervishes. Demi condenses Rumi's life but adds many excerpts from his poems and writings. Her exquisite illustrations--reminiscent of Turkish miniatures, with many colored inks and gold overlay--will entrance even younger readers who may be attracted to the picture-book format but not always able to appreciate the lofty poetry.
Reviewer: B. Carswell, Orange County Public Library/West Garden Grove
