Once Upon a Time in Persia

An introspective Middle Eastern fairy tale that prompts the reader to consider their connection and place in the world, from author Sahar Doustar and illustrator Daniela Tieni, whose evocative full-color art reflects illuminated Persian manuscripts.

Once upon a time in Persia, there was a woman who had never seen her reflection. On her wedding day, she sees herself in a mirror for the first time and does not recognize herself. Heartbroken, she runs away, mistakenly believing another bride has taken her place.

Her love desperately follows her, trying to persuade her that the reflection she saw was in fact herself. Protesting, the woman must explain to her love that her shape cannot be contained so neatly, for she is the shape of water in the lake, of the sun when it rises and sets, and of the moon when full and at crescent.