As is the custom in late nineteenth-century Persia, Anahita’s future husband will be chosen by her parents. The offer from a local government official would ensure her family’s tribe would have plenty of access to the waterways upon which their nomadic existence depends. But Anahita has little desire to marry, and then only if she can choose her mate. Her real hope is to apprentice to her uncle the dyemaster and help create perfect hues for the weaving that has been the traditional craft in her tribe for centuries. But her father insists she marry, and she counters with a challenge. She proposes a contest: the man whom she will marry must solve the riddle she will weave into her marriage rug. To Anahita’s surprise, she finds herself taking great interest in three of the potential suitors in Meghan Nuttall Sayres’s captivating story that is woven with vivid details about Muslim customs and nomadic culture in the Middle East. Persia (now Iran) has a long tradition of beautiful lyric poetry which is also incorporated into this novel about a fiercely proud and independent young woman. Between the rich sound of the language and the rich colors of the carpets, it’s a book that is a treat for the senses. (Ages 11–15)

Children’s Book Council of Iran enjoys close ties with IBBY as the Iranian national section; it has contacts with both BIB and IYL and it implements projects with UNICEF and UNHCR. Almost all of its activities are carried out on a voluntary basis.

Growing up as part of a Muslim nomadic tribe in Iran, Anahita has always been headstrong and independent. When her parents try to make a marriage match between her and her tribe's khan (a type of inter-tribe leader), Anahita rebels. She will gladly marry, she says, but only to the man who can solve the riddle she weaves into her wedding carpet.