My Father's House

In a warm, vibrantly illustrated story drawn from the author’s childhood memories, the team behind My Grandma and Me follow a girl and her father as they explore the wondrous city of Isfahan, Iran—and his family home.

My father and I are explorers . . . He teaches me that there is no end to learning and the world is mine to explore.

With the first rays of the sun, Mina and her father begin a joyful day exploring the city streets of Isfahan, Iran, where Islam and Judaism intertwine and a community thrives. Mina imagines the ancient sites coming to life as her father points out the fascinating history and architecture of the churches, synagogues, and mosques they pass by. The two of them picnic with friends near Si-o-se Pol bridge, then finish the day at Mina’s father’s beautiful childhood home, savoring a dinner specially prepared by Grandma. In a love letter to a location she can no longer visit, Mina Javaherbin’s autobiographical story is a gorgeous, wistful celebration of culture, home, and family, glowing with Lindsey Yankey’s soft, intricate illustrations full of pattern and color. Back matter includes a glossary and a note from the author relaying more about Isfahan’s history and her personal ties.

Mina Javaherbin has written several award-winning picture books, including My Grandma and Me, illustrated by Lindsey Yankey; Soccer Star, illustrated by Renato Alarcão; and Goal!, illustrated by A.G. Ford. She lives in Southern California.

Lindsey Yankey studied illustration at the University of Kansas and is the author-illustrator of Bluebird and Sun and Moon, and the illustrator of My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin. She lives in Lawrence, Kansas.