Purchase to Support Our Program

“Readers unfamiliar with the holiday will emerge enlightened, while youngsters who observe it will feel kinship with Ariana. Warm, engaging illustrations rife with bright patterns include recognizable Persian holiday hallmarks such as tiny chickpea cookies, sabzeh (greens), and elegant gold-bottomed tea glasses. Sweet, straightforward, and joyful.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Ariana and Dad pick up an apple, garlic, and more at the store as text incorporates Farsi vocabulary, then paint eggs with blooms and stripes. . .gouache-on-vellum illustrations bring a fittingly handcrafted feel to this portrait of making a holiday.”

—Publisher’s Weekly

Celebrate Nowruz!: A Persian New Year Holiday to Honor Spring

Written by Zohreh Ghahremani
Illustrated by Susie Ghahremani
Published by Godwin Books

Learn more about this springtime holiday recognized by millions around the world. Nowruz means “new day” in Persian, and it’s the best time of the year to celebrate mother nature!

The vernal equinox is the very first moment of spring, and once it draws closer, we know it’s time to prepare for Nowruz. For over twenty-five centuries, people from all over the globe have celebrated this holiday—including Ariana and her family. But, with Mom out of town, it’ll be up to Ariana and Dad to arrange the haft-seen and prepare for the holiday. Will they be able to get everything done in time? It’ll take the whole family coming together to make this the best Nowruz ever!

Bright art and sweet text create a perfect read aloud for before, during, and long after Nowruz. Written and illustrated by the loving mother-daughter duo who created Memory Garden, this is a celebration of community you won’t want to miss.

Primary ISBN: 9781250348647
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified (Western Country)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.