In “Lili, Where Are You?“, Papa, an elderly dollmaker, is grappling with the loss of Mama. To cope with his grief, he decides to create a doll that looks just like her, using a piece of her clothing adorned with pine tree patterns. He names the doll Lili and takes her everywhere—on outings, shopping, and even in the bath! But one day, Lili mysteriously disappears, just like Mama did.

This picture book tackles the profound theme of loss, making it relatable for both children and adults. Papa’s journey reflects how he channels his sorrow into creativity, demonstrating that art can be a powerful means of healing. The doll serves as a living memory of Mama, helping Papa keep her spirit alive.

The book also sensitively addresses how children understand grief. Many young readers may struggle with the concept of loss, and this narrative provides a gentle way to explore these feelings. It’s a vital addition to children’s literature that successfully discusses death and coping mechanisms, making it suitable for kids over four years old.

Psychologists note that people react differently to the death of loved ones. Some deny it, others seek scientific explanations, while some grieve openly. Papa chooses to create, a choice that not only protects him from further pain but also aids his return to normal life. Through Lili, he keeps Mama’s memories alive.

The book also introduces readers to various professions as Papa searches for Lili, visiting a barber, a shoemaker, an ice cream vendor, and more. This exploration enriches children’s understanding of community and the different roles people play.

The illustrations are a standout feature of the book. While it deals with themes of grief and loss, the vibrant colors—especially the dominance of yellow—transform the narrative from somber to uplifting. The artwork complements the text beautifully, adding layers of meaning and detail about Papa, Mama, and Lili that enhance the overall experience.

Despite many scenes occurring in the same location, the illustrator skillfully varies perspectives to keep the visuals engaging. The images not only support the text but also provide additional insights, making it a true picture book. The collaboration between the author and illustrator, Taravat Jalali Farahani, ensures a cohesive vision, showcasing her talent in both storytelling and illustration.

“Lili, Where Are You?” is a heartfelt exploration of loss, creativity, and community, making it an essential resource for educators looking to discuss sensitive topics with empathy and understanding.

_{[By Niloufar Nikbonyad]}

Sharptooth, the protagonist in “Wedding with the Sun”, is the bravest mouse on earth. He defeats all of the strong and warrior mice and wins every contest. Sharptooth rejects the marriage proposals of the lady mice and instead seeks to marry the strongest being on Earth. 

Like humans, he dons a suit and sunglasses for a short journey in pursuit of his goal. He looks for the strongest beings to propose to but every time he meets someone stronger than the last.  So, he keeps on to the next. But how much longer can he do this? Who is the strongest of all? Sharptooth is not one to call it quits. He will not rest until he finds his match.

This story is a rewriting of an old tale with a modern narration by Ahmad Akbarpoor. It is a narrative adorned with lively and colorful illustrations of Hamideh Khosravian and crafted meticulously into a quality book that stands out among the many retellings.

“Wedding with the Sun” not only entertains with its reader-friendly story, but also subtly reminds the reader of the significance and value of paying attention to internal and external qualities, whether they are superiorities or limitations, and provides today’s children a more tangible definition of concepts like greatness, power, and superiority.

_{[By Hamid Abazari]}

Beatriz Montero addresses the question “How do we live with stories?” in her book “The Secrets of Storytelling” by suggesting that we do so through reminiscing on memories rather than merely retaining them in our minds. Some stories possess a subject matter that easily evokes our personal experiences. Mehdi Rajabi’s Junk Food Jane, illustrated by Maryam Tahmasebi, serves as an example.

It is hard to find a child who doesn’t have memories of indulging in food and overeating, and harder to find one who has not been scolded by adults for this tendency and indulgence.
The story of Junk Food Jane is a recollection for everyone, reminding adults of their childhood memories as well. Overindulgence in junk food is common between children and adults. It is an ongoing memory for the former and for the latter, it serves as a reminder of a past they have outgrown.

Throughout the history of eating junk food, the names and varieties have constantly evolved. In this story, Jane’s junk food names are genuinely distinctive. The snacks featured are inventive combinations, born from creative wordplay, and cannot be found in any store. An example is “Dommies,” a fusion of donuts and gummies, or “Roll-upsicles,” a blend of fruit roll-ups and popsicles. The story is filled with numerous other snack combinations, which you can discover as you read on.

According to the author, the story of Junk Food Jane is perfect for children who are fed up with constant commands from adults, “Eat this!” and “Don’t eat that!”. But in this story, two voices or in Wittgenstein terms, two world-pictures exist: One world-picture of childhood and another of adulthood. The childhood world and its inclination towards eating junk food, along with the world of adulthood and its warnings and restrictions.

Throughout the story, both world-pictures undergo transformations in a way that the reader begins the story with one world-picture but concludes with another.
Much of the narrative explores this contradiction, and towards the end, the two perspectives meet without the child yielding to adult demands. Instead, Jane and the reader experience the grown-ups’ warnings by excessive junk food consumption and facing the potential consequences wholeheartedly not through bitterness but through play which is the nature of a child’s life and through imagination which is a child’s thinking tool.

While an adult’s authoritative voice is present in the story, it remains neutral—as though acknowledging the futility of advice and warnings. Therefore, the story can be an enlightening read for adults who tend to be controlling. However, Nietzsche’s quote implies that some adults with lots of junk food memories might still resist the lesson: “I have done that,’ says my memory. ‘I cannot have done that’- says my pride and remains unshakable. Finally, memory yields.”

_{Yashar Hodaei, writer and researcher of children’s literature}

The 35th Tehran International Book Fair (8 – 18 May 2024) was a beautiful experience. We met many of our readers and their families, talked about books, read together, and enjoyed this bookish gathering with our amazing readers, authors, illustrators, and translators.

Best-sellers
? Our original top-selling titles were:
Junk Food Jane
It’s All Mine
The Roc Girl
A Kiss for the Monster
The Pomegranate Girl
An Umbrella with White Butterflies
A Forest for Everyone
My Dad & I Series
Bahram & The Tale of Seven Domes
Little Pea & The Sneaky Beast

? Our translated top-selling titles were:
Whose Poop is That?
Sidewalk Flowers
This is How We Do It
Spork
Inside the Amazing Box
Sam’s Pet Temper
The Color Monster

TUTI Books’ dedicated team went above and beyond to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere for visitors, guiding them through a delightful experience filled with thoughtful recommendations, engaging conversations, and unforgettable bookish encounters.

We hope to gather again next year!

In her captivating YA novel “Beyond the Sea of the Dead,” originally published in Farsi by TUTI Books, author Masoumeh Miraboutalebi presents readers with a profound exploration of mortality, drawing inspiration from the influential philosophical ideas of Gilbert Durand.

At the heart of the narrative is the protagonist, Afshin, whose haunting journey of self-discovery serves as a vehicle for the author to grapple with the complex interplay between the fear of death and the transformative power of the imagination.

Durand’s Dual Regimes of the Imagination

Miraboutalebi skillfully incorporates Durand’s theories on the dual regimes of the imagination into the fabric of her storytelling.

The diurnal regime, represented by the ominous “Sea of the Dead,” embodies the universal human dread of the inevitable, while the nocturnal regime, embodied by the serene “Meadow of Remembrance,” acts as a moderator of this primal fear.

Through the use of evocative symbolic imagery, the author confronts her young adult audience with a multifaceted portrayal of the experience of mortality, challenging them to confront their own deeply held beliefs and anxieties about death.

Afshin’s Journey of Confronting Mortality

After the loss of his beloved mother in a tragic accident, Afshin has been grappling with a profound sense of guilt, unable to fully navigate the process of mourning. When he learns of his grandfather’s illness, Afshin is thrust into a new journey of reckoning with his own mortality, driven by a desperate desire to prevent another devastating loss.

The recurring motif of the blackbird, a harbinger of death, serves as a haunting presence throughout Afshin’s odyssey, mirroring his internal struggle to come to terms with the inevitability of death. As he navigates between the diurnal dread of the “Sea of the Dead” and the nocturnal solace of the “Meadow of Remembrance,” Afshin’s journey reflects the universal human experience of confronting the realities of mortality.

Addressing the Psychological Impact of Death on Youth

Miraboutalebi’s novel touches upon the complex psychological and emotional impact that the concept of death can have on children and adolescents. The author deftly explores the consequences of an “imperfect understanding of the concept of death in children,” which can lead to a debilitating sense of guilt in the face of the loss of a loved one.

By delving into Afshin’s experiences, the novel sheds light on the importance of guiding young readers through the process of mourning and providing them with a more nuanced understanding of the biological, social, and cultural aspects of death.

The Transformative Power of Imagination

At the heart of “Beyond the Sea of the Dead” lies Miraboutalebi’s exploration of the transformative power of the imagination in confronting the most fundamental questions of human existence. By drawing on Durand’s theories, the author has crafted a work that invites readers to delve into the depths of their own mortality, ultimately offering a glimmer of hope and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Reviewers have praised the novel’s ability to balance the heavy subject matter with emotional resonance, creating a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. “Beyond the Sea of the Dead” stands as a testament to the enduring ability of literature to grapple with the universal human experience of life, death, and the boundless potential of the human mind.

_{[Adapted from the article “Examining the Role of Artistic Images in the Rational Confrontation of the Adolescent Audience with the Concept of Death Based on the Model of Imagination System Structures from the Perspective of Gilbert Durand (Case Study: “Beyond the Sea of the Dead” Novel)” by Ayyoub Moradi and Sara Chalak, published in the biannual journal “Thinking and Children”.]}

TUTI Books’ interview with Alireza Goldouzian; Hans Christian Andersen Award 2024 Nominee

Where were you born?

I was born in Tehran.

How did you become interested in art and illustration?

At first, I disliked picture book illustrating very much, because I felt like it was pointless. I had to create lots of frames for the book, and I didn’t have the patience for repetition. Since I always liked variety, I kept thinking that I had to repeat the same frame with the same characters, actions, colors, and compositions repeatedly, just repeating and repeating… Then, at some point, I felt like my mood changed, my temper changed. And then I started to enjoy it. I looked at illustration books and followed famous illustrators. I liked it at said ‘Let me give it a try,’ and that’s when I started doing those things and the result is what you see from me now.

How many books have you illustrated?

I guess more than 150 or 160…

How do you describe “The Pomegranate Girl” in a few words?

“The Pomegranate Girl” was the only book that came to me during one of the worst, and perhaps then the best, times of my life. It was the book I was working on when my mother passed away, and I had illustrated a few frames for it. After my mother’s passing, I couldn’t work for a year. Then Mrs. Sahar Tarhandeh (TUTI Books’ director) said: “We are fine… hand over the work whenever you feel like, and considering the circumstances, Fatemi Publication (TUTI Books) stood by me so patiently and kindly in this project…

Because I felt a commitment to myself that I shouldn’t let my sorrow and sadness into the work. As a result, it took me a year to get back to the frames I had worked on, get back to the same mood, and resume the very same thing and it was too difficult for me, too challenging.

Because my mood had changed, and so did my personality, and I had become a different person. Meaning, that my life is divided into two parts: before my mother’s death and after my mother’s death. It was as if a new person had done the rest of the work, and practically I didn’t know how it would turn out because I didn’t have the same mindset, many things had lost their appeal to me, and many things had become more serious for me, and that is why my mood had changed.

I found the idea of “The Pomegranate Girl” very interesting, and Ahmad Akbarpour’s rewriting was excellent. The atmosphere of “The Pomegranate Girl” was appealing to me, the circumstances, the fact that it had turned into a new setting and new actions, and in short, it had turned a simple story into a story that could now be read, narrated, and illustrated, and overall, it was witty and delightful and I liked the ambiance.

What do you think about TUTI Books?

In my opinion, (of course, with all due respect to other publishers who are making the same efforts) TUTI Books’ performance is so powerful, representing excellent books in terms of content and is incredibly professional which I truly think is commendable.

What do you wish for Iranian children and young adults?

My wish for our children and youth is that TUTI Books and other publishers with the same standards are not so scarce. I hope to live in a society where hundreds of publishers work parallel to those who claim to be active in Europe and America. Our publishers should be able to compete, and we should be able to illustrate any book we are asked without worrying about the result or the outcome, how it will be presented, or whether it will even be published. Sometimes, this happens when dealing with other publishers, or some publishers in Iran have shown irresponsibility. I wish for children to have access to good books from such publishers and for there to be not just one but a hundred, thousands, thousands of TUTI Books…

“Champ”, The English edition of “Ace” by Payam Ebrahimi, illustrated by Reza Dalvand, has been selected for the prestigious Books for Keeps Children’s Books of the Year 2024 list. Books for Keeps, a respected British publication dedicated to reviewing and recommending children’s books since 1980, annually publishes a list of selected books from top publishers.

“Champ” shines on this list, alongside its previous feature in The Bookseller, one of Britain’s most reputable book industry magazines with a history dating back to 1858. Despite the entire family being sports champions, Abtin is entirely different, and now his story has become a global phenomenon, and he continues to shine with pride.

Capturing the essence of individuality and self-determination, ‘Champ’ is described by Publisher Patricia Aldana as follows: ‘In many countries today, people are penalized for who they are, what they do, or say. Champ comes from two Iranian creators about a child, born into a family of athletic champions, who is completely unlike the rest of his family. He loves making art, reading, dreaming, and thinking. His family strongly disapproves. When he thinks of a way to make them like and accept him, he fails spectacularly. But we know that he will persist. A beautiful tribute to self-determination from a country with great children’s book creators whose work we rarely see.’

We are celebrating the remarkable Alireza Goldouzian, who has been nominated for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award.

Renowned for his captivating illustrations in “The Pomegranate Girl”, Goldouzian’s artistic journey spans over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on children’s and young adult literature. With his works gracing national and international exhibitions and earning numerous accolades, Goldouzian’s nomination is a testament to his extraordinary talent.

The Hans Christian Andersen Award, often referred to as the Little Nobel, recognizes the lifetime achievements of individuals who have made a profound contribution to children’s literature. Goldouzian’s nomination is a celebration of his unique and influential approach, as well as his role in shaping the next generation of young illustrators.

We warmly congratulate Alireza Goldouzian for his nomination for the Hans Christian Andersen Award — a testament to his unparalleled artistry and unwavering dedication to the world of children’s literature.

TWO PLANETS has been selected for the prestigious WHITE RAVENS list 2023!

This captivating picture book is about #tolerance, #attitude, #perspective, and #peace.
The universal theme, enchanting illustrations, and engaging storyline make it a perfect addition to any Child’s collection.

“Somewhere in the #universe, there are two planets called Corto and Shonto, both of which revolve around the same sun.
They are connected to each other by a huge and ancient bridge.
The people of these planets lived together in peace until, one day, a scientist from Shonto invents a device with which outer space can be seen more clearly.
The scholar enthusiastically draws a map of the #sky and the stars.

But this map leads to conflicts among the people of the two planets because the sky of Corto does not look the same as the sky of Shonto.

What is wrong?
The answer to this question is exactly the point that the book tries to raise with the reader:

• what impact do our respective attitudes and perspectives have on what we see?
• And wouldn’t it be wise and sometimes necessary to look at the world through the eyes of others in order to understand that others can be just as right as we are?

With “Two Planets”, the highly talented author and illustrator Masoud Gharehbaghi gives another example of his excellent and creative work.”

Being included in the White Ravens list is a testament to Two Planets’ #quality and #creativity.
TUTI Books is honored to have its titles recognized among the best in children’s #literature worldwide throughout the years! ?✨

“A Magical Sleep” by Mahsa Hedayati has been selected for The White Ravens list 2022.

The “White Ravens” catalogue, is the most important annual publication of the International Youth Library. This year, the “White Ravens” contains a selection of 200 notable children’s and young adult books from 53 countries published in 37 languages.

Like any other human activity, sleeping may involve different customs in different cultures. Thus, it might be interesting for children living in Western and Northern countries to learn about the Middle to the Fareast where people traditionally used to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Although in Iran this tradition has gradually faded, one still can find people keeping their mattresses, pillows, and sheets packed in a corner during the day.

Illustrator Mahsa Hedayati has made this memorable custom the basis of her wordless book in which children play with bedding material during the day. This turns into a fantastic game full of joy, imagination, color, and adventure – a magical world in which everything is possible: One moment, the children find themselves in a beautiful garden, the next moment they dive into a leaf full of water, so that forest animals have to come to their aid, until, in the end, they fall asleep again. These illustrations are interesting to children all over the world and can lead to both, developing their imagination and their familiarization with Persian culture and traditions.

Previously, these titles from TUTI Books had been selected for The White Ravens list: “Cricket, Why Do You Sing?”, “The Boxer”, “Ace”, “What a Brilliant Idea”, and “The Orange Girl”.