TITLE: Naji and the Mystery of the Dig
AUTHOR: Vahid Imani
PUBLISHER: Stormpot Publishing
ISBN: 979-8367619584
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
Naji and the Mystery of the Dig is the first book in Vahid Imani’s Naji’s Adventure series. In December 2022, Stormpot Publishing released the graphic novel adaptation of this award-winning middle-grade chapter book, complete with study projects and discussion questions suitable for group readings.
The story takes place in Tehran. Naji, the youngest daughter in the household, awakens to some strange noises in the courtyard. It turns out that her father has hired workers to dig a deep pit into the yard - over fifty feet deep, in fact - for the new outhouse. The depth of the hole, and the addition of strangers to the household, worries Naji. What if they awaken the jinn with their digging? What if they run across looloos, or other monsters?
Imani’s book is steeped in Persian culture and folklore. Scattered through the pages is knowledge about the different household customs and folkloric beliefs common to Persia. The book goes into detail about folkloric creatures such as djinn and looloos. It also muses on which stories exist more to help children stay safe in the streets, and which are considered a more serious matter of belief.
Naji is a compelling protagonist – her curiosity is infectious, even as it leads her into potentially dangerous situations. Her family, likewise, are very lovable. As Naji continues her investigations, the reader can rest assured that her family will help her and take her seriously. Her dad in particular, with his patient explanations, is encouraging and a valuable model for young and old readers alike.
The illustrations in the comic artfully depict the characters and the architecture of Tehran. The colours are vibrant, and the more fantastical imagery helps the reader’s imagination run as wild as Naji’s. This book is an exciting adventure that ultimately shows how truth can somehow be stranger than fiction – and just where our folklore comes from and what purposes it can serve.
AUTHOR: Vahid Imani
PUBLISHER: Stormpot Publishing
ISBN: 979-8367619584
PODCAST EPISODE: None
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
Naji and the Mystery of the Dig is the first book in Vahid Imani’s Naji’s Adventure series. In December 2022, Stormpot Publishing released the graphic novel adaptation of this award-winning middle-grade chapter book, complete with study projects and discussion questions suitable for group readings.
The story takes place in Tehran. Naji, the youngest daughter in the household, awakens to some strange noises in the courtyard. It turns out that her father has hired workers to dig a deep pit into the yard - over fifty feet deep, in fact - for the new outhouse. The depth of the hole, and the addition of strangers to the household, worries Naji. What if they awaken the jinn with their digging? What if they run across looloos, or other monsters?
Imani’s book is steeped in Persian culture and folklore. Scattered through the pages is knowledge about the different household customs and folkloric beliefs common to Persia. The book goes into detail about folkloric creatures such as djinn and looloos. It also muses on which stories exist more to help children stay safe in the streets, and which are considered a more serious matter of belief.
Naji is a compelling protagonist – her curiosity is infectious, even as it leads her into potentially dangerous situations. Her family, likewise, are very lovable. As Naji continues her investigations, the reader can rest assured that her family will help her and take her seriously. Her dad in particular, with his patient explanations, is encouraging and a valuable model for young and old readers alike.
The illustrations in the comic artfully depict the characters and the architecture of Tehran. The colours are vibrant, and the more fantastical imagery helps the reader’s imagination run as wild as Naji’s. This book is an exciting adventure that ultimately shows how truth can somehow be stranger than fiction – and just where our folklore comes from and what purposes it can serve.