The Seasons of Parastoo

Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
$10.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Nancy Paulsen Books
On sale Aug 06, 2024 | 9780593108925
Age 3-7 years
Reading Level: Lexile AD530L | Fountas & Pinnell L
Sales rights: World
When Parastoo’s mother must go away for the winter, the cycles of nature give Parastoo hope that her mother, like the birds, will return in the spring.

Parastoo loves the colors that make up her world, and especially loves the blue swallows in the tree outside her window. She’s sad when they fly south for the winter—and this year is hard because her mom has to go away for a while, too. Fortunately, her grandparents take great care of her, and she continues to find joy in the wonders of each season. But she longs for spring, when her mother will return just like the swallows.

Celebrating the cycles of nature, this warm family story offers a reassuring message about how seasons of nature—and life—come and go, each with their own special beauty.
“Spreads tinged with electric hues. . . . In every season, the beautiful blue that Parastoo loves appears somewhere in the artwork. Waiting is difficult, but the swallows always return—and so does Parastoo’s mother, in this loving meditation on the progression of seasons and missing a loved one.” —Publishers Weekly

“Bright, dynamic illustrations feature blue and orange motifs throughout, lending the book a feeling of vibrancy even in moments of sadness. The passing of the seasons parallels the separation of mother and daughter, and moments of melancholy are enlivened by hope. . . . A rich story that urges readers to hold on to hope.” Kirkus Reviews

About

When Parastoo’s mother must go away for the winter, the cycles of nature give Parastoo hope that her mother, like the birds, will return in the spring.

Parastoo loves the colors that make up her world, and especially loves the blue swallows in the tree outside her window. She’s sad when they fly south for the winter—and this year is hard because her mom has to go away for a while, too. Fortunately, her grandparents take great care of her, and she continues to find joy in the wonders of each season. But she longs for spring, when her mother will return just like the swallows.

Celebrating the cycles of nature, this warm family story offers a reassuring message about how seasons of nature—and life—come and go, each with their own special beauty.

Praise

“Spreads tinged with electric hues. . . . In every season, the beautiful blue that Parastoo loves appears somewhere in the artwork. Waiting is difficult, but the swallows always return—and so does Parastoo’s mother, in this loving meditation on the progression of seasons and missing a loved one.” —Publishers Weekly

“Bright, dynamic illustrations feature blue and orange motifs throughout, lending the book a feeling of vibrancy even in moments of sadness. The passing of the seasons parallels the separation of mother and daughter, and moments of melancholy are enlivened by hope. . . . A rich story that urges readers to hold on to hope.” Kirkus Reviews