Memory Garden

by Shahri Estakhry

I have been in the field of education for more than fifty years now, and it has been my belief the greatest gift we can give to our children is the possibility of education. The basis of a good education is providing our children with good books. Reading, reading, reading is the key to learning. Good books help our children learn more and be creative—they open the doors to so many possibilities and challenges for them. Children need to be guided and taught how precious books are.

I am so happy to introduce Zohreh and Susie Ghahremani, a mother and daughter team who have beautifully created the book Memory Garden. Zohreh writes with much feeling and takes you with her into every story that she writes about. Before you know it, one begins to be a side character in her stories (a sign of a very good writer). Whenever she takes to her computer to write, the words come from her heart. Her words are soothing and assuring. Likewise, Susie illustrates with her heart and mind the beauty of each story that she touches. It is the work of the illustrator to put color and liveliness to the story.

If your children or grandchildren have a personal library, Memory Garden deserves a place there. If not, it is an excellent book with which to start a library for them. I agree with Nana (Zohreh) when she refers to many of us growing up in gardens full of memories. I gave this book as a gift to all the children who came to see me for our New Year (Nowruz) celebration. It is a wonderful gift.

As the story of millions of immigrants to this country, I hope Memory Garden is considered and selected for KPBS’s One Book, One San Diego literary program, providing a wider exposure to this wonderful work of art.