Magic of Rainbow
Democratizing publishing so every child’s story can be told, in every language.
The Challenge
Iran is home to many cultures and languages, but most books are published only in Persian. Millions of children speak Turkish, Kurdish, Balouchi, Lori, Gilaki and others at home, and many first encounter Persian at school. With few books in their own languages, children lose cultural connection and feel unseen.
Our approach
Through workshops with educators, librarians, and community members, SEED identified the need for stories created locally. Magic of Rainbow supports books rooted in language, place, and community.
Project in Action
- Local creative teams work in each province, bringing together authors, illustrators, and designers to produce stories that reflect children’s lives and identities.
- Books are published in mother tongues and later translated to share across regions.
Project Year
- 2019 to Present
Written by Parviz Fekrazad and beautifully illustrated by Vida Karimi, this is the story of a little honeybee who, after leaving the hive, comes to understand the true value of cooperation and working together.
A Baluchi translation by Majed Sepahian of Samad Behrangi’s classic story Olduz, illustrated by Maliheh Rigi.
A collection of beautiful poems by Vida Heshmati, illustrated by Lida Heshmati, in Turkish.
A Baluchi translation by Majed Sepahian of Samad Behrangi’s classic story Little Black Fish, illustrated by Maliheh Rigi.
Written by Parviz Fekrazad and illustrated by Vida Karimi, this beautiful story explores empathy and care for one another, telling the tale of an old tree that does not bloom in spring and how others help it blossom once again.
Written by Parviz Fekrazad and illustrated by Vida Karimi, this beautiful story shows how a grandmother helps her granddaughter feel less homesick while traveling through Iran.
Written by Parviz Fekrazad and illustrated by Vida Karimi, this story explores inclusion and diversity as peers help a little elephant overcome barriers and keep learning.
Written by Fatemeh Mahmoodi and illustrated by Nasrin Naderi, this story presents death in a new, meaningful way, portraying it as rebirth.
A collection of five books written by Gilaki authors and illustrated by Marzieh Toraji, with each book featuring ten beautiful short stories from northern Iran.
Written by Majed Sepahian and illustrated by Maliheh Rigi, this beautiful story from Baluchi oral traditions explores how someone takes their life and opportunities for granted.
