Q&A with Rashin Kheiriyeh

What inspired you to write Rose Weaves a Garden? 

What ins­­pired Rose Weaves a Garden was a very personal memory—my grandfather, Baba Joon, was a rug weaver in the city of Kashan, Iran, a place famous for its beautiful­ rugs. I grew up eating, playing, drawing, and sleeping on Persian rugs. Every Iranian family co­ver the floors with it with patterns inspired by gardens. That memory has stayed with me.­

Rose W­­eaves a Garden grew from that connection. I wanted to show the beauty of Persian rug design, but also highlight the bond between generations, the value of slow creation, and how art can grow from love, memory, and place.

What was the most difficult part about writing the book? What part was the easiest?

The most difficult part of writing the book was when Baba Joon gets sick, and Rose has to stay positive and motivated enough to finish the rug on her own. Emotionally, it was tough to write that moment of uncertainty and responsibility through Rose’s eyes. From an illustration perspective, one of the hardest challenges was capturing the quick, skillful movements of Baba Joon’s hands while weaving. I tried several approaches—like repeating the hands in motion—but it didn’t quite feel right. Eventually, I added motion lines to emphasize the speed and rhythm. It was really important to me to show the energy, focus, and love he put into his craft.

The easiest part? That was definitely writing and illustrating the connection between Rose and Baba Joon. I simply imagined myself as Rose, having warm conversations with my own grandfather. Showing the rug-making process—like dyeing yarns with flowers from the garden or tying each knot by hand—was pure joy. Those memories are so vivid and close to my heart that the words and images came naturally.

What element of the book do you identify with the most and why?

The element I identify with most is Rose’s curiosity and her love of learning from her grandfather. Like Rose, I was always full of questions—and I also connected deeply with her dream of designing her own rug, one filled with new colors and a unique story. I used to imagine rugs that looked nothing like the traditional ones—like a pink Persian rug with a magical garden that included me, Baba Joon, and even our cat! That mix of tradition and imagination is at the heart of Rose’s story, and it’s a big part of who I am as an artist.

And it might sound a little silly, but Rose even looks like me! We both braid our black hair, and she has a little mole on her chin—just like I do. 😊

What do you want kids today to take away from this story?

I want kids to take away the idea that creativity can grow from love, memory, and connection. Rose Weaves a Garden is about honoring tradition while also making space for your own imagination. I also want to remind them that machine-made rugs can never replace the beauty of traditional handmade rugs. Similarly, as artists, we need to remember that AI or any technology will never replace our memory, our imagination, or our creativity. These are the things that make our work truly unique and meaningful. I hope children see that their stories and their creativity have the power to make something beautiful, just as the memories of their loved ones can shape what they create.

You work in so many different art styles. How did you land on the one you used for this book?

That’s true—I enjoy working in different techniques, and the style I use often depends on the story itself. It’s usually a collaborative decision between me and the editorial team to find the best fit for each book.

For Rose, I knew I needed a traditional medium. Since the story touches on the beauty and craftsmanship of handmade Persian rugs, it felt right to use a more classic, painterly approach. I used oil paint and a tiny brush to carefully illustrate all the intricate patterns and designs, capturing the texture and soul of the rugs in a way that felt authentic and respectful to their heritage.

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading Shahnameh: The Book of Kings by the great Persian poet Ferdowsi. Written in the 10th century, it’s one of the most important works in Persian literature. Ferdowsi played a crucial role in preserving the Persian language.

★ “A small black and white cat is Rose’s sidekick as her garden grows knot by knot in this work that spotlights intergenerational affection and the power of persistence.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“An important volume that celebrates the value of family and cultural heritage.” —School Library Journal

“A loving familial tale with deep roots.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[An] affectionate narrative of intergenerational love, learning, and appreciation of beauty.” —The Horn Book

“Highlighting patience, perseverance, and love, Rose Weaves a Garden is a beautiful homage to handmade artistry, intergenerational relationships, and the ties that bind.” —Booklist

The Creators in Conversation series is in coordination with the RHCB DEI Book Club committee.