A Knot Is Not a Tangle

By Daniel Nayeri, Vesper Stamper (Illustrator)

A boy learns the beauty of imperfection while weaving a family rug with his grandmother.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 279 ratings

48 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

A young Iranian boy embarks on a journey of tradition and self-discovery as he helps his grandmother weave a new family rug. Struggling with the desire for perfection, he questions why his knots aren't as swift or colors as vibrant. Through this process, he learns that the true beauty lies in the imperfections and memories woven into the fabric. Will he embrace the lessons of patience and acceptance, or will his quest for flawlessness overshadow the joy of creation? Discover the heartwarming tale of family, tradition, and the gifts of imperfection.

From the publisher

Knots are necessary and imperfection is a gift in this poignant picture book about an Iranian boy learning to make a new family rug with his grandmother, from an award-winning duo. A BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Here’s something to remember: Even a rug can be a precious thing. One morning, a young boy is woken up early by his grandmother. It’s time to make a new rug for the family. Together, they wash and dye the wool. When it’s time to knot the threads, the young boy grows nervous. He wants to make it perfect. But why aren’t the colors right? And why can’t he weave as swiftly as his grandmother? In this lyrical picture book about imperfection, tradition, and togetherness, A Knot is Not a Tangle explores the memories woven into one family’s Persian rug, and is a gentle reminder of imperfection’s greatest gifts.

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