An introspective and entrancing fairytale, this spectacular debut from Iranian-Italian author Sahar Doustar asks us to consider our place in the grand beauty of the wider world.

Once upon a time in Persia, there lived a girl who learned to recognise her reflection, not in a mirror, but in the shape of the stars and the earth around her.

On her wedding day, she sees herself in a mirror for the first time and does not recognise herself. Heartbroken, she runs away, mistakenly believing another bride has taken her place. Her love desperately follows her, trying to persuade her that the reflection she saw was in fact herself. Protesting, the woman must explain to her love that her shape cannot be contained so neatly, for she is the shape of water in the lake, of the sun when it rises and sets, and the moon when full and at crescent.

Once Upon a Time in Persia promises to entrance readers with its painstakingly detailed illustrations inspired by the rich vivacity of Persian illuminated manuscripts, and prompts them to celebrate their place in the grand beauty of the wider world.

Beautifully illustrated in illuminated Persian manuscript style, this introspective fairy tale prompts the reader to consider their connection and place in the world.

About the Author
Sahar Doustar was born in Tehran in 1985. She studied at the University of Science and Technology of Iran where she graduated in Architecture and Engineering. She also has a Master's Degree in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano. She is currently attending her two-year specialization in Graphic Design for Illustration at ISIA, in Urbino. Once Upon a Time in Persia is her first book as an author. Daniela Tieni was born in Rome in 1982. She graduated in scenography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. She also has a Masters Degree in Art-therapy from Roma Tre University. Currently, she works as a freelance illustrator for Italian and foreign magazines and publishers. Her work was selected by Ilustrarte Biennial in 2016, 2012, 2014, 2009; by Bologna Children's Book Fair in 2019, 2017 and 2012, and by the American contest 3X3 Magazine No.13. Since 2017 she has been teaching at Idea Academy Illustration Master.


Book Information
ISBN 9781849768290
Author Sahar Doustar
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Tate Publishing
Publisher Tate Publishing