My Father's House

3.8

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Author(s)

Mina Javaherbin

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Lindsey Yankey

Publisher

Candlewick Press

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

November 19, 2024

ISBN

978-1536225532

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In a warm, vibrantly illustrated story drawn from the author’s childhood memories, the team behind My Grandma and Me follow a girl and her father as they explore the wondrous city of Isfahan, Iran—and his family home.

My father and I are explorers . . . He teaches me that there is no end to learning and the world is mine to explore.

With the first rays of the sun, Mina and her father begin a joyful day exploring the city streets of Isfahan, Iran, where Islam and Judaism intertwine and a community thrives. Mina imagines the ancient sites coming to life as her father points out the fascinating history and architecture of the churches, synagogues, and mosques they pass by. The two of them picnic with friends near Si-o-se Pol bridge, then finish the day at Mina’s father’s beautiful childhood home, savoring a dinner specially prepared by Grandma. In a love letter to a location she can no longer visit, Mina Javaherbin’s autobiographical story is a gorgeous, wistful celebration of culture, home, and family, glowing with Lindsey Yankey’s soft, intricate illustrations full of pattern and color. Back matter includes a glossary and a note from the author relaying more about Isfahan’s history and her personal ties.

Editor review

1 review

A Walk Down Memory Lane

January 12, 2025 (Updated: June 03, 2026)

Overall rating

3.8

Plot

3.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

In this picture book trip down memory lane, we visit Isfahan, Iran with the author and her father, in about 1972. It was the last trip that she took there before her family was forced to relocate in 1982. Knowing this adds another layer of longing and nostalgia to the text, since the places depicted may no longer exist, and likely have not existed for a long time. The two meet up with the father's old friends, and see houses of worship for different religions, which are all peacefully coexisting. They get snacks from street vendors, and visit more of the father's childhood haunts. Finally arriving at his mother's house, they are greeted by his childhood nanny, and made welcome. They play with the cat, visit the stables, and eagerly await the dinner that is being prepared. At the end of the day, the little girl dreams of exploring with her father, who has told her that "When you bring your own light, the world becomes your home." A note from the author explaining the her history is included at the end.

Good Points

The mixed media illustrations have a soft, pastel quality to them that mimics the haze of recall that permeates many memories; for older generations, it might be sepia tones, but for someone the age of the author (or myself!), memories often have a fuzzy quality that can be seen in the square photographs of the 1970s. The style seems older as well, with the faces being rendered in a very realistic, art class way that isn't at all stylized or cartoonish. The real draw of the book is the illustrations of the places, which are very beautiful.

While there isn't a lot of movement to the story, it will speak to even the youngest readers who may long for a place and people that are no longer there. Nearly everyone could write a similar book about grandparents who are gone and places that can't be visited, but the historical significance of Iran's past makes this story even more poignant.

Rosie's Grandpa is Here also has Iranian ties, and readers who want to take virtual visits to see grandparents will also want to pick up Gopal's My Pati's Saris, Quang and Lien's Hundred Years of Happiness, Courtney's Poppy's House, and Ferneyhough's Nana, Nenek, and Nina.