BABAJOON'S TREASURE

Miriam suspects that Babajoon has a secret life.

Every summer, Miriam spends a week of “magical adventure” at Babajoon and Mamanjoon’s home. This year, after a picnic prepared by Mamanjoon, Babajoon takes Miriam out for a special treat. As Miriam’s grandfather is paying, Miriam notices a mysterious gold coin fall from his pocket. Then, as they eat their rocket pops, Babajoon begins singing a beautiful song to the birds. Miriam suddenly realizes…he must be a pirate! Miriam’s suspicion is seemingly confirmed when Babajoon takes Miriam to his friend’s store and speaks to him in a language that Miriam does not recognize. Concluding that they are speaking in a “pirate language,” Miriam becomes even more convinced that Babajoon has a hidden past. But when Miriam confronts Babajoon, the truth he tells the child about their Iranian ancestry feels just as special as the one that Miriam imagined. Miriam’s strong bond with Babajoon and earnest questions make for a lovable, relatable protagonist, while Ali’s art shimmers as the child’s vivid imagination comes to life. However, while the resolution of the protagonist’s confusion is charming, the idea that Miriam would not know Babajoon’s country of origin or at least recognize the sound of his mother tongue feels unlikely, especially given their closeness. Still, the story’s humor and heart manage to shine through this inconsistency. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A heartfelt celebration of the magic of ancestry.