Girl with a Brave Heart, The
Rita Jahanforuz, illustrated by Vali Mintzi
Vali Mintzi
Young Shiraz lives a lonely life with her stepmother and stepsister, completely unaware of the old woman who lives alone next door. . . until Shiraz's runaway yarn ball brings them face-to-face. This beautiful story from Tehran-born Israeli pop star Rita Jahanforuz explores the power of listening to others and the value of empathy.
Rita Jahanforuz is a well-known and highly respected singer in Israel. She was born in Tehran and her family emigrated in 1970, when she was eight years old. She never forgot her Persian origins and childhood memories, in which she found inspiration for The Girl with a Brave Heart. Vali Mintzi was born in Romania and studied at the prestigious Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. She works as an illustrator and graphic editor for the children's art magazine Einayim.