Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar
By Mojdeh Hassani & Samira Iravani
The Story
A little girl heads to a crowded Tehran bazaar with her grandmother and worries about getting lost, imagining silly ways to hide under her grandmother's chador instead.
Why It's Special
For the kid who never wants to let go of a grown-up's hand in a crowd, this book turns that worry into something funny and shared.
- Big idea: Staying close to the people who love us can look silly, messy, or unexpected — and that's okay.
- Vibes: Playful, warm, and a little silly, with the comfort of a trusted grown-up nearby.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy silly transformations and imaginative pictures
- are working on feeling brave in crowded or new places
- like to imagine themselves as different animals
- respond well to stories about sticking close to a loved one
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why did Samira want to hide under Mama Shamsi's chador?
- Imagination: Which animal did you like best when Samira and Mama Shamsi turned into a donkey, a giraffe, a kangaroo, and a turtle?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Samira felt about getting lost in the crowded market?
- Real-life connection: What do you do to stay close to a grown-up when you're somewhere crowded?
- Imagination: If you could turn into an animal to hide with someone you love, which one would you pick?
