Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!
It’s a bittersweet day. A little sad because this is the last Perfect Picture Book Friday until September, but joyous because it is SUMMER!!! Time for fun in the sun! And just think how great it will be to come back in September for all kinds of great new books!
Today I’m sharing a beautiful book that is due out in July from Marzieh Abbas, who we met last year on Tuesday Debut when her debut picture book, A DUPATTA IS. . ., came out. Take a look at HENNA IS. . .!
Title: Henna Is. . .
Written By: Marzieh Abbas
Illustrated By: Anu Chouhan
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, July 23, 2024, nonfiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-6 (publisher’s recommendation – I think maybe a little older might even enjoy more because there’s a lot of information)
Themes/Topics: henna, cultural traditions
text copyright Marzieh Abbas 2024, illustration copyright Anu Chouhan 2024, Feiwel & Friends
Opening:
“Henna is nature
Seeds sprouted into shrubs
leaves kissed by tropical rain
Plucked and dried
under the golden sun
Pounded to powder
sieved through mesh
But henna is so much more. . . “
Brief Synopsis: [from the publisher] “Henna is so much more than a form of temporary body art. The intricate patterns of flowers, feathers, vines, and other symbols painted and stained onto skin has been a tradition in cultures all around the world for thousands of years. Beautiful and eye-catching, henna also carries the scents, textures, and colors of family and identity.
Links To Resources: back matter includes a note from the author with further information about henna; activity sheets can be accessed HERE
text copyright Marzieh Abbas 2024, illustration copyright Anu Chouhan 2024, Feiwel & Friends
Why I Like This Book: I really enjoyed this book. For starters, I learned all kinds of things about henna that I never knew. It is always fun to learn something new! But it’s not just a book that presents factual information. It is written in beautiful, lyrical language that conveys the fragrances, colors, and textures of henna. Henna is many things – nature, proportion, color, texture, fragrance, and place to name just a few. The art is warm and filled with details, including a cat who has its own colors and patterns and appears on every page. A lovely book that will show young readers about the culture and experience of henna.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful summer, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Susanna, Marzieh Abbas is such a talented writer. I loved her first book “A Dupata Is….” and can’t wait to read this one. Especially after your glowing review. Thank you.
I am looking forward to learning more about henna. It is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this book
Have a great summer and see you in September!♥️
Wonderful choice!
Marziah is a writer I truly admire. She is so talented and she puts in the work in double-time to create such wonderful stories for children and she does it with such curiosity and joy!
Henna is . . . is a wonderful addition to her ever-growing bouquet of books!
Happy Summer everyone!!
Oh my … I spelled Marzieh’s name incorrectly in my post.
Dear friend, I am sorry for that error.
Note to self – drink a full cup of coffee before diving in with typing! – Which is literally what just happened. I finished my coffee and had this alarming feeling that I made this error. My brain actually caught up … Sigh.
Lovely book – I agree that the age range might be a bit higher but in today’s multicultural classroom/library, younger kids may know all about henna. See you in September!
Looks absolutely gorgeous and so poetic; thank you for this beautiful rec.
Oh, I love that we can learn new things from picture books! Henna is fascinating, so I think I will enjoy this book! I once had henna put on my hand. It was so beautiful! Thanks, Susanna! Happy Summer!
Looks lovely! I look forward to reading it! Happy Summer everyone!
This sounds like a wonderful PB!
Enjoy Summer, thanks Susanna for all of your delightful posts!
See you in the Fall!🌅⛱️🌞
Sweet book…and I, too, love learning about henna. Enjoy the summer, dear Susanna. I’m stepping back a bit from blogging during the summer, mostly because I fly to Vienna for 10 days with my son tomorrow! And then have eye surgery at the end of July. Plus another overseas trip at the end of August.