Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen

Gr 1-3–Rostam is very happily living in the United States with his mom and is in the first grade. He misses his baba (father) who is still in Iran working. As much as he has adjusted to life in the U.S., there is an upcoming event at school that has him full of worry: Picture Day. His family hopes he will wear his pusteen, a sheepskin vest with fluffy wool and beautiful embroidery that his father also wore as a boy. Rostam is dreading the teasing he imagines will come from the other kids when he wears it to school. The struggle to avoid the situation and to face his fears develops at a perfectly pitched, agonizing pace with digitally created illustrations that capture the complete emotional journey. Readers who have themselves grappled with an awkward “face your fears” moment will connect with Rostam’s struggle and celebrate with the resolution. Despite Rostam’s concerns, his classmates are exuberantly curious and exceedingly respectful; Rostam is delighted when everyone wants to try it on. Emotive illustrations capture Rostam’s anxiety and pride in his family and culture. Readers will connect with the emotional journey that he goes through on multiple levels.