"Be a friend to everyone." Rumi's words are needed now more than ever. A picture book biography of the famous Persian poet that introduces children to Rumi's life and teachings.

Even the greatest poet was once a child. And so it was with Rumi. As a child he was enchanted by birds and books. He later became a scholar, but it was the loss of his best friend Shams that inspired Rumi to his most important realization: Love is in us and everywhere.

The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching monument to Rumi's wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Rumi's story and his poetry are timeless.

This narrative nonfiction picture book has been published to coincide with the 750th anniversary of his death.