An Invisible River to Cross - by Taraneh Matloob (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In a world of unfamiliar words and new beginnings, Afsi discovers that imagination, kindness, and art can help her cross the invisible river of language and find her voice

In this poignant and poetic picture book, a young girl named Afsi navigates the invisible river of learning a new language and finding her voice in a foreign land. Her name, rooted in fairy tales, contrasts sharply with the overwhelming reality of her new classroom, where English words snare her like spiderwebs and classmates appear before her like giants. If only Afsi could summon some fairy tale magic to help her bridge the overwhelming divide. But when a simple act of kindness-a pad of paper and colored pencils-reignites her love for drawing, Afsi discovers that creativity can bridge the distance between two worlds. As she draws, Afsi finds calm in the current of change and begins to cross the river that once seemed impassable. A moving exploration of language, belonging, and resilience, An Invisible River to Cross is a tender reminder that expression takes many forms-and that quiet bravery is sometimes what it
takes to find your voice in a new world.

Review Quotes

"The protagonist's intense emotional experiences are given full expression in vivid, lyrical language and metaphor, paired with Balouch's bright, childlike illustrations that resemble cut-paper collage. . . Readers unfamiliar with the challenges of learning a language will be enlightened, while those who have been in Afsi's shoes will feel seen. All will find plenty to ponder and discuss on every spread. A dreamy and layered work that honors children's complex emotional landscape."

-- "Kirkus Reviews" (11/22/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Taraneh Matloob is an associate professor of children's literature with a specialty in creative writing and multicultural children's literature at the University of Northern Iowa. Matloob has published several picture books in Persian, and her first book in English, Dear New Friend, was also published by Red Comet Press. Her stories appeal to fans of social, cultural, and emotional representation in picture books. She also serves on the Outstanding International Books (OIB) committee of the United States Board on Books for Young Children. Matloob was born in Tehran, Iran, and now makes her home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Kristen Balouch is a designer, author, and illustrator of more than a dozen award-winning books for children, including One Million Trees and If You Are the Dreamer. She won the Ezra Jack Keats award for Mystery Bottle, recounting an intergenerational relationship between a boy and his grandfather in Iran, inspired by her son. Balouch lives and works near Lake George in Upstate New York. You can visit her on Instagram at #kristenbalouch.