An Invisible River to Cross
Written by Taraneh Matloob
Illustrated by Kristen Balouch
Published by Red Comet Press
In a world of unfamiliar words and new beginnings, Afsi discovers that imagination, kindness, and art can help her cross the invisible river of language and find her voice.
In this poignant and poetic picture book, a young girl named Afsi navigates the invisible river of learning a new language and finding her voice in a foreign land. Her name, rooted in fairy tales, contrasts sharply with the overwhelming reality of her new classroom, where English words snare her like spiderwebs and classmates appear before her like giants.
If only Afsi could summon some fairy tale magic to help her bridge the overwhelming divide. But when a simple act of kindness—a pad of paper and colored pencils re—ignites her love for drawing, Afsi discovers that creativity can bridge the distance between two worlds.
As she draws, Afsi finds calm in the current of change and begins to cross the river that once seemed impassable. A moving exploration of language, belonging, and resilience, An Invisible River to Cross is a tender reminder that expression takes many forms—and that quiet bravery is sometimes what it takes to find your voice in a new world.
Primary ISBN: 9781636551449
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Iranian/Iranian American, Persian/Persian American
Themes: Arts, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Education & Literacy, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Identity: Multilingual, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Welcoming by Individual, Welcoming by School
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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