The Parrot and the Merchant

This poignant story is based on the fable by Rumi, a thirteenth century Persian poet, philosopher and mystic. It is a timeless tale about freedom and true love – setting free what you hold most dear – that is still just as relevant today. Award-winning Iranian illustrator Marjan Vafaian has brought a very modern twist to this ancient fable by casting a woman as the merchant. The illustrations look like a rich tapestry, with a mix of beautiful birds, fabrics and strange human characters that seem to cleverly emphasise the sense of captivity versus freedom in a metaphorical way. - Outside In World

The Parrot and the Merchant is a beautiful retelling of a Rumi fable in clear language that is accessible to even the youngest of readers. The story, like many of the best stories, is simple, but it conveys an important, timeless message about love and freedom. And Marjan Vafaian’s illustrations are magnificently different, unlike any artwork I have experienced before. - Planet Picture Book

Exquisite, jewel-like illustrations grace every page of this thought-provoking retelling of the ancient fable from the pen of 13th C poet/philosopher Rumi. Gloriously visualised by Marjan Vafaian who has made the merchant a woman, it tells of said merchant, named Mah Jahan who collects and cages beautiful birds for her own pleasure, and one particular bird, her favourite an Indian parrot. A parrot that is able to talk. – Red Reading Hub