Thirsty Trees and Two Other Stories

Thirsty Trees is the latest story collection by Mostafa Rahmandoust, released in print alongside an audiobook narrated by the author himself. The book contains three connected and imaginative stories centered on a little girl named Azar. Azar is friends with the Moon and, every night before going to bed, tells the Moon about the best things she has done during the day. In return, the Moon helps fulfill one of her wishes.

The stories are accompanied in the epilogue by a short lullaby composed by Rahmandoust himself. The tales in Thirsty Trees are gentle and imaginative, emerging from the pure and tender nature of children. They aim to cultivate kindness and goodness in children, reminding them of healthy and nurturing habits. The care for plants and animals, woven into the imaginative core of the stories through the protagonist’s conversations with other creatures, beautifully strengthens a sense of friendship and affection between children and nature.

In one story, Azar tells the queen and a sea fairy about the suffering of the trees that remain thirsty and asks her to bring rain. In another story, after sharing her food with birds, she spends a night as their guest among the clouds, moon, and stars. Perhaps the most moving part of the book is the depiction of the simple yet loving relationship between Azar and her mother, where the mother tells her that even if the Moon is not in the sky tonight, her mother is still by her side.

This blending of imagination and reality, infused with maternal love and warmth, is one of the most significant achievements of these simple, heartfelt stories. Rahmandoust, who has a notable background in composing lullaby-themed tales with a humane and emotionally stirring approach, guides children to encounter ethical and moral concepts, gently helping them internalize these ideas to build a kind and beautiful framework for their lives. The book is also enriched by the enchanting illustrations of Nazanin Abbasi, whose unique technique brings to life the imaginative dreams of the story’s young protagonist.