The One and Only Rumi

by Rabiah York, Maneli Manouchehri (Illustrator)

The inspiring story of Rumi’s journey from a young refugee to a renowned poet shows how his childhood helped shape his poetry.

Young Muhammad adores his home, and he loves waking up each day to the sound of birds singing. His father encourages him to keep singing through happy days as well as sad—just like the birds. And there are indeed sad days ahead when his family is forced to flee from Genghis Khan’s army, becoming refugees. As they travel, Muhammad takes many lessons from nature, and his positivity and spirit of largess lights the way.

This moving story based on the life of the beloved thirteenth-century poet Rumi celebrates showing love to everyone and offers a beautiful message of hope in troubled times.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Poetry, Middle East, History, Family, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute book about a famous 1300s poet.
The thing is, my 10 year old asked who Rumi was and I told her we had to read the story to find out, but it turns out nowhere in the story is the name Rumi mentioned. It’s not until you get to the author’s notes that you find out who Rumi is and why he is famous.
I am not a 1300s poet expert and I am not from any of the countries which claim him, so I would have appreciated the book more if that would have been included in the story.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Picture Book

Moving picture book about Rumi, the great Persian poet who had to flee what in now known as Afghanistan because of Genghis Khan and the Mongols. His family was never to return but always remembered his home. A great picture book for Afghan refugees and refugees in general who have lost their homes. Nice introduction to Rumi too!

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars (It was okay)

I do have to say that the illustrations were really pretty. However, overall this book confused me a bit. I've heard a little about Rumi (in that I knew he was a poet) but I assumed this book was going to explain more about him, which is didn't really. This is more of a refugee story than a story about the childhood of a poet.

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story about young Rumi before he became the famous Sufi and poet. The author describes how he had to flee his home from the Mongol invasion and travel to distant places to finally settle. The illustrations are detailed, colorful, and full of nature scenes.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting story inspired by the youth of the poet Rumi who lived in the 13th century and had to flee his home because of Genghis Khan’s army. Rumi is now a very famous poet, but that must have been a rough childhood.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rumi learns to listen after fleeing his home as a child with his family.

[Ross Felton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art and story, a fine introduction to Rumi for kids

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

About Rumi's childhood, especially centered on the experience of fleeing the Mongols.

Beautiful illustrations (which seems to be a pattern in pb biographies of Rumi).

[Salamah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute picture book about Rumi as a child.