Five Iranian Literary Gems Selected for the Prestigious 2025 White Ravens List
Exciting news for literature enthusiasts! The 2025 White Ravens Catalogue, curated by Munich’s International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek, IJB), celebrates the exceptional contributions of Iranian authors with five remarkable titles. This year’s selection showcases a diverse range of children’s and young adult literature, illustrating the rich tapestry of global storytelling.
In a heartfelt preface, Christiane Raabe, the director of the International Youth Library, expressed her enthusiasm for the 2025 edition of The White Ravens. This esteemed annual compilation highlights outstanding books for young readers from around the globe, emphasizing the essential collaboration among publishers, authors, institutions, and illustrators. Raabe acknowledged their vital role in providing review copies, which enable the publication of this treasured catalogue.
The 2025 list features an impressive collection of 215 notable titles from 49 languages across 63 countries. This eclectic array reflects the diverse voices, themes, and innovative storytelling methods found in contemporary children’s literature. A dedicated team of experts meticulously reviews thousands of donated books, focusing on literary quality, visual impact, and thematic relevance during the selection process.
The primary aim of the catalogue is to promote international excellence in children’s literature, fostering cross-cultural understanding and inspiring young readers worldwide. Here are the five highlighted Iranian works from the 2025 White Ravens Catalogue:
- The Marvelous Zippy Whiz Cub Academy
- The Stars Laugh in Blue
- A Sun in the Turkmen Sahra
- The Wandering Coffin
- Siyagalesh, the Forest Guardian
Written by Payam Ebrahimi and illustrated by Ghazaleh Bigdelou, The Marvelous Zippy Whiz Cub Academy is a vibrant story set in a lively jungle. The narrative revolves around animal parents who are eager for their children to earn certificates, yet they struggle to grasp the true importance of these accolades. At the Zippy Whiz Cub Academy, the headmaster mandates a standardized curriculum that pushes all students to learn the same skills, regardless of their innate abilities. This thought-provoking narrative raises crucial questions: Can a fish truly learn to fly, or can a turtle run swiftly?
The Stars Laugh in Blue, a beautiful poetry collection by Safoura Nayyeri, delves into the emotional landscapes of teenagers, capturing their dreams, feelings, and the subtle beauty of everyday life. Each poem invites readers to pause, reflect, and connect deeply with the world around them, as well as the often-overlooked depths of their own thoughts and emotions. Recurring symbols such as rain, birds, gardens, and stars create a tapestry of longing and curiosity, making the collection both intimately personal and universally relatable. Salimeh Babakhan’s gentle illustrations enhance the book’s warmth and emotional resonance.
A Sun in the Turkmen Sahra, penned by Yousef Qoujaq and illustrated by Najla Mahdavi-Ashraf, transports readers into the simple yet profound world of Aylar, a young Turkmen girl. The narrative captures her childhood innocence and the turmoil that ensues when she tells a small lie to an elderly neighbor. This seemingly minor deception disrupts her tranquil life, leading to feelings of guilt that hinder her ability to weave carpets. With encouragement from her mother and the women of her village, Aylar learns valuable lessons about honesty and kindness. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Iran’s Turkmen Sahra, this story beautifully portrays a rich cultural landscape filled with tradition and resilience.
Written by Hamidreza Shahabadi, The Wandering Coffin is a gripping novel that intricately blends elements of fantasy, horror, and historical fiction. Set during the Qajar dynasty, it follows Samad, a medical student in Tehran, as he embarks on a perilous journey to deliver a mysterious corpse concealed within a chest to a medical school in Tabriz. As Samad navigates this treacherous journey, he encounters terrifying external threats, including supernatural entities. These harrowing experiences force him to confront buried fears and painful memories, ultimately leading to profound self-discovery and growth.
Siyagalesh, the Forest Guardian, authored by Mohammadreza Shams and illustrated by Parvin Heidarizadeh, draws inspiration from northern Iranian folklore surrounding the legendary figure of Siyagalesh, a protector of herders’ livestock. Residing deep within the forest, Siyagalesh safeguards wildlife and punishes those who harm animals. This modern interpretation shows Siyagalesh falling into a trap set by hunters, with the twist being that the animals come to his aid. The story also highlights Iran’s rich biodiversity, showcasing various native animal species and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
The White Ravens catalogue serves as an invaluable resource for literary discoveries, guiding publishers, libraries, literary festivals, international bookstores, and agencies interested in exceptional children’s literature from around the world. Its mission to promote international excellence in children’s literature aids in fostering a love for reading among young audiences globally.
Photo: This combination photo displays the front covers of the Persian books selected for the White Ravens Catalogue 2025.
