The Lunar New Year begins this week! 2026 will be the year of the horse. We have done quite a bit with the lunar new year in the past. Today we are looking at a Persian New Year Holiday that honors spring. It is Nowruz. This year it will be March 20, 2026. It begins at the precise time spring begins every year. To learn about it we are sharing a newly released book called Celebrate Nowruz! A Persian New Year Holiday to Honor Spring by Zohreh Ghahremani and illustrated by Susie Ghahremani. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
Learn more about this springtime holiday recognized by millions around the world. Nowruz means “new day” in Persian, and it’s the best time of the year to celebrate mother nature!The vernal equinox is the very first moment of spring, and once it draws closer, we know it’s time to prepare for Nowruz. For over twenty-five centuries, people from all over the globe have celebrated this holiday—including Ariana and her family. But, with Mom out of town, it’ll be up to Ariana and Dad to arrange the haft-seen and prepare for the holiday. Will they be able to get everything done in time? It’ll take the whole family coming together to make this the best Nowruz ever!
Bright art and sweet text create a perfect read aloud for before, during, and long after Nowruz. Written and illustrated by the loving mother-daughter duo who created Memory Garden, this is a celebration of community you won’t want to miss.
From Me:
Ariana is excited for the upcoming holiday, Nowruz. However her mom is out of town, so it is up to her and her father to set up the special haft-seen. Will they remember everything? Ariana facetimes her nana to get some expert help. She visits Nana and helps her bake baklava. Ariana and her father go shopping and try to find everything they need but where are mom's candles. When her mom returns home, she has a pleasant surprise and is so proud of Ariana for all the work she has done. Then they go off to celebrate the holiday.
Throughout the story is information about Nowruz. Ariana has a new dress and they paint eggs. They gather things like an apple and garlic and more. Ariana's visit with Nana shares so many stories and information about the celebration. Nowruz is thought of like a birthday party for Mother Nature. People visit loved ones on the holiday and share tea and sweets. The holiday lasts for two weeks. Like many new year celebrations, houses are cleaned and new clothes are bought. Spring flowers also are part of the celebration.
After the story there are pages explaining more about Nowruz and the traditions. It includes the history as well as various names for the traditions. It explains in more detail the various traditions and things shared in the story as well. This book is perfect for learning about Nowruz and is just fun and educational. It will make a great story time book so kids who do not know about Nowruz will learn and those who celebrate will feel special. The book is beautiful and informative and a fun story.
