Tahmaseb, Ryan Bani. Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen. Fateme Mokhles, Illus. Charlesbridge, 07/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4381-5. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
First grader Rostam and his Maman have lived in the US for three months while his Baba (father) is still in Iran. Rostam is going to a new school and making new friends, but when his parents want him to wear his father’s pusteen (a sheepskin vest) for picture day, Rostam is worried that his new friends will think it’s weird and might make fun of him. Rostam is drawn as tan-skinned with dark curly hair; his classmates are illustrated with a variety of skin tones and hair styles including puffs, braids, and a mohawk. Some students wear glasses and one uses a wheelchair. Back matter includes a short glossary of Farsi words and an author’s note about Tahmaseb’s father’s childhood as a young immigrant to the United States, where he experienced joy and inclusion when he wore his father’s pusteen on school picture day.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District