Shabaviz Publishing Company - Iran

Shabaviz Publishing, based in Tehran, is one of the most amazing children's book companies that I've ever encountered.  The artistic quality of their publications is phenomenal and frequently the recipient of many international book awards. Nearly all of Shabaviz's books are available for reading on the International Children's Digital Library website, where readers can zoom-in on the text of each page. I've read a few of their books with my Persian class at IU and with the aid of a dictionary, any student of Farsi can work through the texts. It's a great resource for learning idiomatic phrases and colloquial styles of narration. Here are a few of my favorite book covers to give you a sense of their creative spirit.

Blossoms

Shabaviz Covers

Guest House مهمان خانه

This evening I randomly opened to page 109 of the book, The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks, which features one of Rumi's most celebrated poems titled: The Guest House. It's a short poem, but its message is significant-- embrace all experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant, as a guide from beyond.

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.