I remember several years ago I visited Shirin Shamsi’s home. She read me a story of her heart…a story she wanted to tell…about the Partition and her mother’s experience.
Somehow, Shirin had found the exact perfect way to tell this story. I was connected from the very first moment…and I felt blessed for the opportunity to take a peek at what happened all those long years ago, from the eyes of a child.
This book is going to touch many hearts…and heal some as well.
I love every word. And the wordless spreads at the end are exceedingly poignant and filled with hope!
Here’s a little bit about the book from the Amazon sales page:
In time for the 75th anniversary of the Partition of British India, this picture book is a stirring account of the harrowing journey faced by millions of migrants in the aftermath of the division of India and Pakistan.
Azra knows that wherever she goes, her doll Gurya will follow. Even if it’s on a train that will take her far away from the house her family has lived in for generations. Even if there is a new flag flying in Dehradun, and no place left in it for Azra. At least she will be taking a piece of home with her.
But when Abba comes home and says they must leave right now, Gurya gets left behind in the scramble. Will Azra be strong enough to face the long journey alone? And what will happen to Gurya, now hundreds of miles behind them?
Inspired by the author’s family story, this lyrical, moving picture book is a testament to the strength, courage, and perseverance of the over 10 million refugees displaced by the largest forced migration in recorded history, and shares a young girl’s journey from her old home to a new one.
To learn more about Shirin’s books and to connect with her:
Shirin was born and raised in the UK. Having lived on three continents, she views herself as a global citizen and now spends her time sharing stories with children of the world. She has raised six children- three human and three feline, and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband.
Her books include the middle-grade novel, Laila and the Sands of Time, and several picture books:
ZAHRA’S BLESSING (Barefoot Books, Spring 2022) Illustrated by Manal Mirza
PLANTING FRIENDSHIP: Peace, Salaam, Shalom with Melissa Stoller and Callie Metler Smith, illustrated by Kate Talbot
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Moon-from-Dehradun/Shirin-Shamsi/9781665906791
www.ShirinShamsi.com
http://www. ShirinsBooks.com
@ShirinsBooks
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share in the celebration with this Book Birthday post…and even though it’s Shirin’s book’s birthday, she’s the one giving the gift! If you leave a comment on the blog, you’ll be entered in a giveaway of a copy of this beautiful book!
I hope you all have a wonderful week…be kind to each other.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Pingback: Happy Book Birthday: THE MOON FROM DEHRADUN Plus Giveaway - Ngon Giấc
I have heard great things about this book and would absolutely LOVE to have a copy to donate to my local library (although, I will read it to my grandson first). Thank you for the chance.
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This book looks brilliant. How amazing that you got to see it early on. I look forward to reading it!
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I’m so thrilled to see this important and beautiful story published and can’t wait to hold it in my hands. Huge congratulations to Shirin!
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I love reading about Shirin and the beautiful books she writes 🙂 Congratulations on this one!
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I have known this book since first draft – our critique group loved it even then. What a wonderful moment to see it in the world at last!
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I learn something new from the books presented here so many times. This is why I love to see what everyone has to offer. Congratulations on your new book.
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This book looks absolutely gorgeous!
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What an important & heartfelt story to share. Happy book birthday! Congrats!! What a special book.
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Congratulations Shirin! This is a very special story that needed to be told.
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This book is gorgeous and has such an emotional message. I can’t wait to read it.
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Sounds lovely, can’t wait to read it!
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Loving Shirin’s work to the moon and back! Her words are so beautifully written!
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I love how picture books like this one can introduce me to a topic I know little about. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for writing it, Shirin, and to Vivian for blogging about it!
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Thank you, Vivian, for sharing this with us. Congratulations, Shirin! Looking forwrd to reading this wonderful Story! 🙂
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WOW! This is such a BEAUTIFUL book, and such a BEAUTIFUL way to honor the author’s family and heritage. Just reading the few spreads, I was COMPLETELY taken in–my heart, most especially. At the get-go, I knew this would become a mentor text for me. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing it with us!
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Reading the excerpts and seeing the illustrations, makes this a must-read book for me. It goes straight to the heart! Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Wow, Shirin, your book looks so heartfelt and lovely!! Reading the sample spreads, your writing is gorgeous. I can’t wait to read the entire story!
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Dear Shirin has created a heartwarming story about the traumatic events surrounding the Partition. My father never wished to share his experiences with me.
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I went to boarding school near Dehradun. I am so interested to read the rest of this story! Thanks for shining a light on so many important and beautiful ones, Vivian.
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Wow! There is so much I did not know about the Partition of British India. Thank you for sharing your family’s story with the world.
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