What do you think?
Rate this book
Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar
It's market day for Samira and her grandma! The bazaar is crowded, but this sweet pair knows how to stick together in this silly picture book set in Iran.
Mama Shamsi is off to the market, and today, Samira gets to go with her! Samira loves spending time with her grandmother, and she especially loves her chador, which Mama Shamsi wraps around herself every time they leave the house. As the pair get closer and closer to the market, Samira is worried about getting lost in the crowded streets of Tehran, until she has an idea: She can hide under her grandmother's chador. But when Mama Shamsi says no--if Samira hides under there, the pair of them will look like a strange animal! In imaginary spreads, Samira and Mama Shamsi turn into a donkey, a giraffe, a kangaroo, a turtle--hiding isn't working at all. But maybe there's some other way for Samira to stay safe with her grandma in the crowded market.
Mama Shamsi is off to the market, and today, Samira gets to go with her! Samira loves spending time with her grandmother, and she especially loves her chador, which Mama Shamsi wraps around herself every time they leave the house. As the pair get closer and closer to the market, Samira is worried about getting lost in the crowded streets of Tehran, until she has an idea: She can hide under her grandmother's chador. But when Mama Shamsi says no--if Samira hides under there, the pair of them will look like a strange animal! In imaginary spreads, Samira and Mama Shamsi turn into a donkey, a giraffe, a kangaroo, a turtle--hiding isn't working at all. But maybe there's some other way for Samira to stay safe with her grandma in the crowded market.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 11, 2023
This is such a heartwarming picture book. I love that it's set in Tehran, Iran. The illustrations are rendered in beautiful, nostalgic quality. The story's told in the style of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and I thought that was a lovely touch.
January 25, 2024
Loved the warm playfulness of the story, and the art with everyday life in Tehran! Rhymes had a bit of an awkward rhythm to me though.
November 6, 2023
As the author’s note explains, this story helps demystify the chador (veil) “as the safe and comforting space we always knew it to be.”
December 30, 2022
At first glance it might seem that this Iranian set book with a chador at it’s core is a political statement. I do not believe that it is. The backmatter does state that, “Our wish in writing this book is to add to the growing list of stories for children that demystify this veil (that is too often used as a symbol of hate) and instead present a different view of it as the safe and comforting space we always knew it to be.” This is an OWN voice authored book, from what I can find online the authors do not cover. It is a warm memory of finding love and humor and safety in the modest coverings worn by a grandmother. I do wear hijab and I choose to do it based on my understanding of what Allah swt commands, I have never been forced to cover by a person or government, and do not know how that would effect my love of fulfilling a tenant of my faith. But all that is an aside to make the point that this book to me is not weighing in on Iran’s politics, books are written and slated to be published years before they finally release, and this book is a silly heartfelt picture book about a girl and her chador wearing grandmother heading to the bazaar.
In the bustling city of Tehran, Samira is heading out to buy groceries in the big bazaar for the first time with her grandmother. Samira is nervous that it will be loud, and she might get lost, she asks her grandmother if she can rider under chador on her back. Her grandmother tells her no, she will look like a turtle.
Samira then suggest they walk in a line with grandma in front and her behind. Grandmother Shamsi says, na, na, na, she doesn’t want to look like a donkey. Various other suggestions involving hiding under the big black chador and staying close to Mama Shamsi are suggested, but all make grandma look like a funny animal, and she declines.
When at last they arrive at the bazaar, Mama Shamsi encourages Samira to not hide but to use her eyes, and ears, and nose to learn about the world around her. Hand in hand, they stick close together, and enter the market.
The love between the two characters is heart warming in the text and truly elevated by the remarkable illustrations. You love their relationship, you can feel Samira’s nerves, you appreciate Mama Shamsi’s humor to lovingly empower her granddaughter, and at the end you truly long to have your grandma next to you guiding you.
I enjoyed this book and don’t mind one bit reading it over and over again as kids giggle at the pictures and find details they hadn’t noticed before. The book releases in February, and I hope that presales can reinforce the power of OWN voice authentic tales to be shared.
In the bustling city of Tehran, Samira is heading out to buy groceries in the big bazaar for the first time with her grandmother. Samira is nervous that it will be loud, and she might get lost, she asks her grandmother if she can rider under chador on her back. Her grandmother tells her no, she will look like a turtle.
Samira then suggest they walk in a line with grandma in front and her behind. Grandmother Shamsi says, na, na, na, she doesn’t want to look like a donkey. Various other suggestions involving hiding under the big black chador and staying close to Mama Shamsi are suggested, but all make grandma look like a funny animal, and she declines.
When at last they arrive at the bazaar, Mama Shamsi encourages Samira to not hide but to use her eyes, and ears, and nose to learn about the world around her. Hand in hand, they stick close together, and enter the market.
The love between the two characters is heart warming in the text and truly elevated by the remarkable illustrations. You love their relationship, you can feel Samira’s nerves, you appreciate Mama Shamsi’s humor to lovingly empower her granddaughter, and at the end you truly long to have your grandma next to you guiding you.
I enjoyed this book and don’t mind one bit reading it over and over again as kids giggle at the pictures and find details they hadn’t noticed before. The book releases in February, and I hope that presales can reinforce the power of OWN voice authentic tales to be shared.
October 4, 2023
Is it just me, or is there anyone else struggling to keep kids OUT of their hijabs while praying? Well, at least Mama Shamsi is sailing the same boat. The struggle is real.
.
While Chador/ Hijab is always a controversial issue, let's keep political debate about hijab for women aside in Iran and take a look at this book. Honestly, breath-taking illustrations of an old market in Iran, cultural food is worth seeing while reading rhymes in this new picture book by penguinrandom house. (dial books) Scenes are set in Tehran, Iran.
Zanbil woven basket to carry groceries
Black Chador
Bazaar
Persian signboards
vendors selling bread
grilled corn
Shahr-e-Farang Gold apparatus
Tajrish bazaar
In this picture book Mama Sham is visiting the market place with her grandchild who wants to hide under her chador while Mama Shamsi is trying to give her different examples how she might look like to keep her grandchild Samira out of the chador. Natural fear in a child being anxious out in the world, Mama Shamsi is encouraging Samira to use her 5 senses to see the world outside.
.
While Chador/ Hijab is always a controversial issue, let's keep political debate about hijab for women aside in Iran and take a look at this book. Honestly, breath-taking illustrations of an old market in Iran, cultural food is worth seeing while reading rhymes in this new picture book by penguinrandom house. (dial books) Scenes are set in Tehran, Iran.
Zanbil woven basket to carry groceries
Black Chador
Bazaar
Persian signboards
vendors selling bread
grilled corn
Shahr-e-Farang Gold apparatus
Tajrish bazaar
In this picture book Mama Sham is visiting the market place with her grandchild who wants to hide under her chador while Mama Shamsi is trying to give her different examples how she might look like to keep her grandchild Samira out of the chador. Natural fear in a child being anxious out in the world, Mama Shamsi is encouraging Samira to use her 5 senses to see the world outside.
April 12, 2023
This story takes place in Tehran.
For the very first time, Samira gets to go with her grandmother to the big bazaar. But she's a bit shy and is worried that the bazaar will be too big and noisy for her. So she asks her grandmother if she can hide in her big black chador - on her head, on her back, in the front. But Mama Shamsi explains why each of these would be a bad idea. Of course, she has a better idea!
I had no idea what a chador was - though the illustrations made it clear that it was the big, black cloak type garment that Mama Shamsi wore. So I learned new things by reading this delightful picture book.
Be sure to read the notes at the end because they add a lot to the story.
For the very first time, Samira gets to go with her grandmother to the big bazaar. But she's a bit shy and is worried that the bazaar will be too big and noisy for her. So she asks her grandmother if she can hide in her big black chador - on her head, on her back, in the front. But Mama Shamsi explains why each of these would be a bad idea. Of course, she has a better idea!
I had no idea what a chador was - though the illustrations made it clear that it was the big, black cloak type garment that Mama Shamsi wore. So I learned new things by reading this delightful picture book.
Be sure to read the notes at the end because they add a lot to the story.
July 1, 2023
Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar is a lovely book which opens young readers to a new perspective on the practice of hijab (the principles and practices in Islam relating to modesty and morality) and the women who choose to wear chadors (as does the grandmother in this book), hijabs, niqabs and burqas. The authors says something really eye-opening at the end, that they wrote this book to "demystify this veil" and "present a different view of it as a safe and comforting space" instrad of a symbol of hate. They do this by introducing Mama Shamsi's chador as a place her granddaughter Samira seeks safety and comfort when she's worried she might get lost at the marketplace in Tehran.
March 28, 2024
Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar is based on the authors' memories of their grandmothers' chadors (veils). It’s a delightful book that readers will relate to from across cultures. Many people have or have had an elder they shopped with, had fun with, imagined with, and so on. The chador is also seen as a cozy fabric, since the main character would like to hide in the folds of her grandmother’s cloak so that she won't get lost at the bazaar. This was a sweet image, as readers are sure to think of items or articles of clothing that remind them of an older loved one. The wonderful illustrations were a perfect match to the characters, their dialogue, and their setting.
May 28, 2023
A sweet and funny look at the relationship between grandma and granddaughter as they visit the bazaar because the girl wants to stick close and hide under her grandmother's chador. But the grandmother jokingly tells her that with every iteration of how she wants to stick close, they'd look more like an animal than humans.
The background compliments the foreground in the story as the two carry on their conversation.
The background compliments the foreground in the story as the two carry on their conversation.
December 14, 2023
Delightful journey as a little girl ventures to the market for the first time with her grandmother. This story is full of warmth, creativity, and humor.
From the "About the Author" in the back: "Mojdeh Hassani has always felt that if you know people, you can't hate them, and this is what drives her to share stories from her homeland, Iran."
Themes: grandmothers, markets, imagination, Iran culture
Ages: K-2nd grade
Pub year: 2023
From the "About the Author" in the back: "Mojdeh Hassani has always felt that if you know people, you can't hate them, and this is what drives her to share stories from her homeland, Iran."
Themes: grandmothers, markets, imagination, Iran culture
Ages: K-2nd grade
Pub year: 2023
January 22, 2024
A sweet tale of a an Iranian grandmother and her granddaughter going to market, and the granddaughter trying to share her grandmother's chador. The safety and protection that the chador evokes and the loving denials of Grandma Shabs speak to the little girl's timidity at being in the busy marketplace for the first time. But Grandma keeps her safe, reassuring and holding her hand. Illustrations by Samira Iravani.
April 2, 2024
This is a lovely story of a shy, apprehensive little girl going on her first adventure to the market with her grandmother. It takes place in Tehran, but is a universal story. It shares a very relatable moment for many children, who may be scared of big loud busting places, but trusting their adult to protect them. Samira wants to hide in her grandma's chador, but in the end takes her hand and bravely ventures in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
A beautiful story of a bond between a grandmother and granddaughter. This story is a warm fuzzy one of a grandmother and granddaughter visiting a Lebanese market. I really enjoyed reading the author's notes how they wanted to share their childhood stories and portray the message of grandmother's black chador as a warm and tender space, not a symbol of hate often shown in the media.
March 6, 2023
Incredible art and the text flowed like a beautiful song. The repetition and refrain between Mama Shamsi and Samira would make this a very fun read a loud.
I loved the little cultural Easter eggs that the illustrator explained in the back matter that as a Western viewer I did not realize the significance of. Curious as to the meaning of the art on the title page.
I loved the little cultural Easter eggs that the illustrator explained in the back matter that as a Western viewer I did not realize the significance of. Curious as to the meaning of the art on the title page.
January 23, 2023
I am absolutely in love with this gorgeously written, gorgeously illustrated book set in a marketplace in Tehran, Iran!❤️
Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani
Illustrator: Maya Fidawi
Publisher: Dial/Penguin Kids
Written in the rhyme style of “brown bear, brown bear-what do you see”, this book is a humorous joyous story of a granddaughter walking through the marketplace with her grandmother.
Samira is worried and anxious about all the noises at the bazaar. So she uses her grandmother’s chador to hide- but each time, Mama Shamsi, lovingly pretends they are an animal- and redirects her granddaughter to stand by her side. And by the time they reach the market, Samira has confidence enough to use her senses (and hold her Mama Shamsi’s hand) to navigate it together.
I just loved how the chador was used (according to the author’s note) as a comfort for the granddaughter- and it really challenges stereotypes about hijab and headcovers commonly presented in media.
I considered current events in Iran before posting this review- but as an own voices book, I respect the creators visions for their story- and furthermore, as a woman who wears hijab myself, I firmly believe in the right to choose- women in Iran or anywhere else (such as areas like France where hijab is banned in schools) should have the choice of what to wear freely.
The illustrations were truly gorgeous and downright breathtaking and my kids enjoyed looking at them (so did I)! The style reflected the setting beautifully and the marketplace was my favorite image.
Def recommend this book❤️
#iran #picturebooksformuslims #muslimkids #muslimparenting #booksaboutiran #persianbooks
Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani
Illustrator: Maya Fidawi
Publisher: Dial/Penguin Kids
Written in the rhyme style of “brown bear, brown bear-what do you see”, this book is a humorous joyous story of a granddaughter walking through the marketplace with her grandmother.
Samira is worried and anxious about all the noises at the bazaar. So she uses her grandmother’s chador to hide- but each time, Mama Shamsi, lovingly pretends they are an animal- and redirects her granddaughter to stand by her side. And by the time they reach the market, Samira has confidence enough to use her senses (and hold her Mama Shamsi’s hand) to navigate it together.
I just loved how the chador was used (according to the author’s note) as a comfort for the granddaughter- and it really challenges stereotypes about hijab and headcovers commonly presented in media.
I considered current events in Iran before posting this review- but as an own voices book, I respect the creators visions for their story- and furthermore, as a woman who wears hijab myself, I firmly believe in the right to choose- women in Iran or anywhere else (such as areas like France where hijab is banned in schools) should have the choice of what to wear freely.
The illustrations were truly gorgeous and downright breathtaking and my kids enjoyed looking at them (so did I)! The style reflected the setting beautifully and the marketplace was my favorite image.
Def recommend this book❤️
#iran #picturebooksformuslims #muslimkids #muslimparenting #booksaboutiran #persianbooks
April 7, 2023
A trip to the bazaar becomes an adventure as this young girl soon learns from her grandmother. Her worries are changed to laughter as Mama Shamsi guides her through the market and fills the day with fun!
June 5, 2023
Brief summary: Samira is a bit nervous about going to the bazaar with her grandmother for the first time to buy groceries. She repeatedly asks Mama Shamsi to hide in her chador, but the woman wisely resists using humor to soothe her granddaughter's fear.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
June 6, 2023
Samira is a little anxious about the outing to the market with her grandma. She wants to hide under her grandma’s chador. Instead, Grandma coaxes Samira to walk alongside her, experiencing the wonders the market has to offer. I liked that the text was a mix of rhyme and prose.
June 27, 2023
A cute little book about a grandmother going shopping and the first time for her grandchild. All what the chador can do. Authors' notes at the end are very enlightening. Several images within the story are actual things used/eaten or places within Tehran.
August 18, 2024
Author notes: “Our wish in writing this book is to add to the growing list of stories for children that demystify this veil”- symbol of hate, provide a view of it as a safe, comfort space- she knows it to be!
Read
July 27, 2022This is charming! Sometimes the rhyming is a bit too precious for my taste, but otherwise it's a solid story about grandparent-grandchild special outings.
February 28, 2023
Beautifully illustrated with a touch of whimsy
March 13, 2023
What a lovely book! It brought back memories of my visits to the bazaar when we lived in Teheran.
March 29, 2023
Inspired by the bazaars in 1970s Tehran, this book is both visually beautiful and a sweet tale of a creative grandmother and her granddaughter.
April 4, 2023
Adorable! Mama Shamsi is humorous and encouraging to her granddaughter who has fears of getting lost at the loud market.
July 3, 2023
The book is very funny.
July 6, 2023
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy!
October 24, 2023
Obsessed. Just a perfect children's book.
December 22, 2023
So cute!! PLAY, TALK, phonological awareness
December 28, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book with my son. I hope to visit Iran someday and to experience magical bazaars there. Thank you for this beautiful book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews