The Other Side of the Rocks - by Nahid Kazemi (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this picture book inspired by the meditations of the Persian poet Rumi, an adventurous frog leaves her familiar pond, goes beyond the rocks, and returns home--changed."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

In this picture book inspired by the meditations of the Persian poet Rumi, an adventurous frog leaves her familiar pond, goes beyond the rocks, and returns home--changed.

From the moment Froggy was born, she's lived in a familiar world of frogs and fish, surrounded by others who are just like her. But what lies beyond the pond she calls home? Encouraged by her conversations with a wise fish, she decides to take the leap into the unknown.

There, she discovers another universe, making friends with creatures she hadn't known before, as well as some that remind her of home. Time passes, and Froggy learns more than she could ever have imagined. And then one day, just as she once felt the call of the unknown, she hears the call of home--to which she returns, but not quite the same frog as when she left.

Review Quotes

A Children's Book Council Hot Off the Press selection, August 2025!

"At its heart, this is a tale about going out into the world to find yourself."--Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production (A School Library Journal blog)

One of 100 Scope Notes's New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books 2025 Predictions! "Inspired by the poems of Rumi, this book has a meditative quality that is well-matched by the soft, layered artwork."

--Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes (A School Library Journal)

"Invigorating... [This] inventive repurposing of the Persian poet Rumi's work is drenched in blues and greens reflecting Froggy's two competing lures: familiar waters and expansive skies. With their gauzy earthiness and cool tones dappled with counterpoint colors (the blunt red of the wise fish in the pond, the lemony sunshine lighting the sky, and so on), Kazemi's illustrations are strikingly original... All will appreciate winsome Froggy's journey."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Nahid Kazemi is an award-winning illustrator, author, and visual artist with 20 years of experience in publication. She has published over 70 children's books in Canada, the United States, Europe, the UK, China, and Iran. Her work is inspired by her personal life, Persian stories, classics like 1001 Nights, and Rumi's poetry. She received the 2022 Canadian Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature--illustrated books and has been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award several times. She combines personal and cultural themes in her stories, seeking to create a bridge between nations.