What do you think?
Rate this book
So Loud!
A fun and touching debut that explores the power of finding your voice.
Rudābeh (Rudy for short) loves to talk, sing, jump and shout. There’s just one problem: the adults in her life are always telling her that she is SO LOUD. When her grandmother (Māmān Bozorg) visits from Iran for the first time, Rudy worries that she might be too loud for her. But as she tries to be quieter, Rudy starts to feel less and less like herself. Listening closely to the many sounds in her world—from husky howls and streetcar chimes to Māmān Bozorg’s roaring sneezes—Rudy tries to figure out the full range of her own voice, discovering along the way the joy in being loud.
With exuberant illustrations by Shiva Delsooz, this charming story will resonate with readers who love to make noise and are still learning where and when to take up space.
- GenresPicture BooksCanada
36 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2024
29 people want to read
About the author
Sahar Golshan
1 book2 followersSahar Golshan is the author of the picture book So Loud! (Annick Press, 2024)
So Loud! is illustrated by Shiva Delsooz. It is now available in Canada and the United States.
Get your copy of SO LOUD! today: https://www.annickpress.com/Books/S/S...
Sahar is a writer, a language learner, and the director of the short documentary KAR (2019). She is a winner of the Marina Nemat Award for Creative Writing in Non-Fiction and the Air Canada Short Film Award. Her writing has appeared in Room, Taclanese, Shameless, The Ex-Puritan, and Tongues: On Longing and Belonging through Language. She enjoys teaching and facilitating workshops in academic and community spaces like the University of Guelph and the Toronto Public Library.
So Loud! is illustrated by Shiva Delsooz. It is now available in Canada and the United States.
Get your copy of SO LOUD! today: https://www.annickpress.com/Books/S/S...
Sahar is a writer, a language learner, and the director of the short documentary KAR (2019). She is a winner of the Marina Nemat Award for Creative Writing in Non-Fiction and the Air Canada Short Film Award. Her writing has appeared in Room, Taclanese, Shameless, The Ex-Puritan, and Tongues: On Longing and Belonging through Language. She enjoys teaching and facilitating workshops in academic and community spaces like the University of Guelph and the Toronto Public Library.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 15, 2024
It's nice how many books exist about being quiet, and how rad it is to be an introvert in a world where no one shuts up--but until recently there were very few books for the loud girlies.
It's true society favours extroverts, but they can be quite cruel to EXTRAverts like Rudābeh, a young girl who is so loud that "it sounds like there's a tiny megaphone in [her] throat." Rudābeh keeps getting in trouble at school, and at home for her voice. She begins to clam up and fears speaking, even when she needs to make herself heard.
As someone who also has a megaphone in their throat, this one hit home! I mostly love my voice, and have a sense of humor about it. It helps me onstage in musicals, it keeps the attention of noisy kindergarten classes during storytime, and back when I was a barista people always knew when their order was ready.
On the other hand, like Rudābeh I have gotten some pretty pointed feedback about it. Sometimes it's very diplomatic (excuse me sir, you have a very rich voice--is there a room I can go that's more quiet?) sometimes it's very mean (can you either shut up, or stand out in the parking lot until I'm done shopping?). Even friends and family sometimes say I'm embarrassing them in public!
So I thought it was nice that Sahar Golshan found different ways to celebrate and normalize having a big voice. For instance, Rudābeh's family lives above a noisy husky and she wonders why it's always howling. She discovers to her surprise that "being loud is who they are".
Huskies are pack dogs that have to communicate across long distances and socialize with other members of their pack, and so they've naturally developed a loud and diverse array of howls and whines and cries. Pretty soon Rudābeh starts howling with the husky (much to her neighbor's chagrin). I've frequently been compared to a husky myself, and I liked the analogy because it feels truthful without being hurtful--it's just nature.
There were also really nice moments between Rudābeh and her noisy grandma who explains that in Iran, loud women are known as "shir zan" or "lion women". Rudābeh begins to see her voice in a more positive light, a well as something that connects her to her grandmother, who once woke an entire train up with a sneeze. Even the title is understanding--it's "SO LOUD!" not "TOO LOUD!".
While I would say I was biased in favour of this book, I do think there was enough there that even non-noisy people could enjoy it. The illustrations are well done, there's some great Iranian representation and culture woven in (even the name Rudābeh is taken from Persian mythology), and it's a story that encourages kids to make themselves be heard, and embrace who they are.
It's true society favours extroverts, but they can be quite cruel to EXTRAverts like Rudābeh, a young girl who is so loud that "it sounds like there's a tiny megaphone in [her] throat." Rudābeh keeps getting in trouble at school, and at home for her voice. She begins to clam up and fears speaking, even when she needs to make herself heard.
As someone who also has a megaphone in their throat, this one hit home! I mostly love my voice, and have a sense of humor about it. It helps me onstage in musicals, it keeps the attention of noisy kindergarten classes during storytime, and back when I was a barista people always knew when their order was ready.
On the other hand, like Rudābeh I have gotten some pretty pointed feedback about it. Sometimes it's very diplomatic (excuse me sir, you have a very rich voice--is there a room I can go that's more quiet?) sometimes it's very mean (can you either shut up, or stand out in the parking lot until I'm done shopping?). Even friends and family sometimes say I'm embarrassing them in public!
So I thought it was nice that Sahar Golshan found different ways to celebrate and normalize having a big voice. For instance, Rudābeh's family lives above a noisy husky and she wonders why it's always howling. She discovers to her surprise that "being loud is who they are".
Huskies are pack dogs that have to communicate across long distances and socialize with other members of their pack, and so they've naturally developed a loud and diverse array of howls and whines and cries. Pretty soon Rudābeh starts howling with the husky (much to her neighbor's chagrin). I've frequently been compared to a husky myself, and I liked the analogy because it feels truthful without being hurtful--it's just nature.
There were also really nice moments between Rudābeh and her noisy grandma who explains that in Iran, loud women are known as "shir zan" or "lion women". Rudābeh begins to see her voice in a more positive light, a well as something that connects her to her grandmother, who once woke an entire train up with a sneeze. Even the title is understanding--it's "SO LOUD!" not "TOO LOUD!".
While I would say I was biased in favour of this book, I do think there was enough there that even non-noisy people could enjoy it. The illustrations are well done, there's some great Iranian representation and culture woven in (even the name Rudābeh is taken from Persian mythology), and it's a story that encourages kids to make themselves be heard, and embrace who they are.
January 17, 2024
As a mom of a couple LOUD little boys, and the daughter of a very loud man I learned long ago not to tell them they are too loud. What I normally will do is say “hey look up there…..what’s that? “They answer with, it’s the ceiling
Then I normally tell them”yes, let’s use our inside voices. “
I think this can be a very good lesson for kids in knowing that it is ok to be different. This is not the book if you’re trying to teach them to be quieter as it encourages them to use their voice.
Then I normally tell them”yes, let’s use our inside voices. “
I think this can be a very good lesson for kids in knowing that it is ok to be different. This is not the book if you’re trying to teach them to be quieter as it encourages them to use their voice.
October 13, 2023
Book 123 of 200 ~ 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
THIS IS SUCH AN ADORABLE BOOK *OMG* OOPS... okay.. time to use regular voice versus loud voice.
I feel this book should be read by everyone. There are so many noisy, inconsiderate parents who have no idea how to manage their noisy mini-mes.
Hopefully, if they both read it together, they can learn from it. Kids usually follow their parents' examples, so... adults, go read this and find your quiet voice. LOL.
The story is so cute, and the illustrations made me squeal with delight! What I loved was that it was the stereotype of characters or protagonists as it featured an Arab family, and I enjoyed that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, @netgalley
#book123of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2023 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
THIS IS SUCH AN ADORABLE BOOK *OMG* OOPS... okay.. time to use regular voice versus loud voice.
I feel this book should be read by everyone. There are so many noisy, inconsiderate parents who have no idea how to manage their noisy mini-mes.
Hopefully, if they both read it together, they can learn from it. Kids usually follow their parents' examples, so... adults, go read this and find your quiet voice. LOL.
The story is so cute, and the illustrations made me squeal with delight! What I loved was that it was the stereotype of characters or protagonists as it featured an Arab family, and I enjoyed that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, @netgalley
#book123of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2023 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
March 30, 2024
Rudy is told that she is too loud. But her grandmother’s Maman Bozorg’s voice resonates with heartiness and character. What version of Rudy should she be? Readers will love the boldfaced font declaring the howl of a husky, the chants in the schoolyard, the chimes of the subway, the roar of a lion, Maman’s sneeze, the gurgle of a river,… and Rudy is a bit of everything.
Author Sahar Golshan’s debut picture book is a sensory declaration of what it means to self-express, take up space, to be one’s self, for all to hear. Shiva Delsooz’ illustrates an urban landscape vibrant with colours that swirl in blues, pinks, purples, and peach. Thick and thin lines zigzag across her apartment, in her city, on the subway. Large fonts accentuate declarations.
Out Loud welcomes the voices of girls to be bold and live out loud. Like its title, one needs to read this story aloud.
Author Sahar Golshan’s debut picture book is a sensory declaration of what it means to self-express, take up space, to be one’s self, for all to hear. Shiva Delsooz’ illustrates an urban landscape vibrant with colours that swirl in blues, pinks, purples, and peach. Thick and thin lines zigzag across her apartment, in her city, on the subway. Large fonts accentuate declarations.
Out Loud welcomes the voices of girls to be bold and live out loud. Like its title, one needs to read this story aloud.
April 2, 2024
Do you ever feel like you’re TOO loud & need to tone it down a bit….? That’s just how the character in this story feels- Ruby feels like she is always TOO loud, and keeps being told to be quiet. But then…. she is also asked to speak up…
So, what SHOULD she be like? How loud is too loud? How much is too much?
Ruby’s grandma- Māmān Bozorg- comes to visit, and she realizes that Māmān is loud too!!! Ruby begins to learn that being loud isn’t always a bad thing. And it’s what makes her who she is.
The illustrations in this story are vibrant and full of expression, and really propel this story. You truly FEEL the emotions across each page.
Thank you to @annick_press for sharing this book with our library!
So, what SHOULD she be like? How loud is too loud? How much is too much?
Ruby’s grandma- Māmān Bozorg- comes to visit, and she realizes that Māmān is loud too!!! Ruby begins to learn that being loud isn’t always a bad thing. And it’s what makes her who she is.
The illustrations in this story are vibrant and full of expression, and really propel this story. You truly FEEL the emotions across each page.
Thank you to @annick_press for sharing this book with our library!
April 15, 2024
So Loud! features the extremely relatable Rudy as she reasons out the best way to be herself and, through her journey, we, the reader, are also reminded to be true to ourselves and to not fear being too much, especially with the ones we love. It is a great lesson for those growing up as well for those who are grown, as we may also lose track of who we are during difficult times.
The illustrations wonderfully showcase the characters' emotions as well as the thoughts in Rudy's fantastical mind. I can tell that a lot of care was put into making the illustrations and story fit together, and I really love all the tiny details that Sahar and Shiva have hidden in plain sight. ;)
So Loud! is a lovely read, as much for children as for adults!
The illustrations wonderfully showcase the characters' emotions as well as the thoughts in Rudy's fantastical mind. I can tell that a lot of care was put into making the illustrations and story fit together, and I really love all the tiny details that Sahar and Shiva have hidden in plain sight. ;)
So Loud! is a lovely read, as much for children as for adults!
June 7, 2024
As someone who has been told they are too loud this book speaks to me. A child is constantly told they are too loud and rambunctious. But when they’re quiet, people say they miss the child ‘s voice. This is about characters learning how the voices are like a fountain and sometimes you need to turn on the tap dependent to the situation. I like the story, I also like the part of this story that includes the grandmother and how loud women are like lions. Their voices are heard. I like the illustrations; I think they are very fun and support the book very well. However, I do think the book is overly long. It has a message it gets it across, but it gets a bit weary in the end.
April 26, 2024
A delightful picture book about understanding and appreciating the power of your own voice--especially important for girls who are so often told to stay quiet and be polite! A moving story and funky illustrations make Golshan's book an enjoyable read. As a speech and drama teacher, I've enjoyed using this book with little ones the past few weeks. They love saying "So loud" VERY loudly and howling like the noisy husky, and they get a good laugh out of the grandmother's noisy sneeze! I enjoyed SO LOUD SO MUCH!
July 19, 2024
What I loved: Iranian representation, including Iranian holiday, language, names and nicknames, and an explanation of the concept of "lion women," an expression in Farsi which encourages women to speak up. Illustrations were great. Canadian author.
What I didn't love: The plot is basically: girl is told that she's too loud all the time, and then she meets her grandmother who is also loud and encourages her to be herself.
In conclusion: Good for adding diversity, not so much for story or plot.
December 31, 2023
Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital ARC.
3.5 rounded up to 4
This book discusses the importance of learning when to share your voice and the power in that. It would also lead to good discussions about when to use your voice and letting others share theirs as well as places to use it and not. Enjoyed some of the comparisons to the wolf, lion and the tap as I think these become places to discuss things from for kids.
3.5 rounded up to 4
This book discusses the importance of learning when to share your voice and the power in that. It would also lead to good discussions about when to use your voice and letting others share theirs as well as places to use it and not. Enjoyed some of the comparisons to the wolf, lion and the tap as I think these become places to discuss things from for kids.
February 1, 2024
Powerful story with beautiful illustrations. Purchased it to read with my 2-year old. While a bit too young to fully understand the story, he's always excited to point out his mamani in the book (especially when he goes to pick up mamani at the airport and receives all those "boos-es!")
Looking forward to sharing this book with him over the next few years.
Looking forward to sharing this book with him over the next few years.
April 3, 2024
A sweet book about a young girl with a loud voice. Rudy is learning to keep her voice quiet, as her teacher and parents tell her often that her voice is too loud. When her grandmother visits, she learns that her voice is something to be celebrated!
This book warmed my heart! It’s especially perfect for teaching young girls that their voices matter.
This book warmed my heart! It’s especially perfect for teaching young girls that their voices matter.
October 28, 2025
This book was about a girl that was told by her family and teachers that she was too loud, so stopped talking. But when she didn't talk, they would tell her they missed her voice. Her grandma came for a visit and reminded her that her voice is like a river, ever flowing and changing and it gave her the voice she needed. The pages were so colorful and detailed!
April 9, 2024
This is THE most beautiful picture book I have read in a while! Accompanied by stunning illustrations, the story of Rudy is relatable to kids and adults alike. Can't recommend it enough, gift it to your kid or the kids in your circles and watch them learn to shamelessly be themselves!
April 30, 2024
I saw this book being promoted on Instagram so grabbed it. It was a cute fast read about Ruby who has a loud voice and her story of trying to find the balance between loud and mute with the help of her Grandmother. We also enjoyed the illustrations. We would recommend this book to others.
June 18, 2024
This book is a joyful read and one that reminds us of how unique we are. It points out how what we’re told about ourselves can sometimes suppress our voice. We learn from Rudy who does much self-reflection and arrives at accepting who she is. The narrative is fun, engaging as well as moving—the illustrations are spectacular.
November 8, 2023
Empowering story encouraging kids to be who they are-even if it isn't in the "norm"
Read my full review on my website: https://www.rainydayreader.net/review...
Read my full review on my website: https://www.rainydayreader.net/review...
January 17, 2024
Cute book with great message… your voice matters. Colourful engaging illustrations. Loved this story and will be getting a copy for our school library.
March 25, 2024
This is a book about my own volume lol.
April 3, 2024
Cute story about a girl who has a strong voice. Reminds me of some of my students!
Lesson: it's okay to be yourself!
Lesson: it's okay to be yourself!
April 10, 2024
SO LOUD! just like its main character Rudy, is characteristically heart-filled, curious and brave, and will resonate with children of the diaspora, young and old, seeking to find and celebrate their voices.
Moving through this book's pages is a lively, empowering, and fun ride!
Moving through this book's pages is a lively, empowering, and fun ride!
April 8, 2024
Love the story and the comparison of your voice to a faucet. The imagery is amazing as I read it. The illustration is exceptional as well.
April 8, 2024
MUST HAVE CHILDREN'S BOOK ON YOUR KID'S SHELVES! It's one of the best children's books I've ever read. Sahar Golshan is this generation's Robert Munsch
April 9, 2024
Sweet and vibrant, this is the story I needed as a little girl and my inner child devoured it. Sorry— MY INNER CHILD DEVOURED IT!
April 10, 2024
I so loved SO LOUD!
November 12, 2024
Main character learns to embrace who she is with her loud voice
September 4, 2025
Great book for little girls everywhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews