According to Kanoon General Directorate for Public Relations and International Affairs, “A Sun in Turkmen Sahara” with four other books by Iranian publishers were listed among 215 titles from 63 countries in 42 languages is put on the White Ravens List.
The catalog introduced the book this way: It is a delicate story which takes the readership to Aylar’s simple world, the Torkmen girl who feels guilty because of telling a minor lie to her old neighbor, therefore she cannot weave carpet anymore.
With the help of her mother and village women, Aylar learns the meaning of kindness and honesty. The story is taking place in the colorful Torkmen Sahara. It is paying respect to Torkmens’ traditions, art and resistance.
Being inspired by Torkmen carpet designs, Najla Mahadavi Ashraf illustrations has given the book special splendor.
These works will make way to the final stage at Bologna International Exhibition.
“White Ravens” is a catalog by The International Youth Library in Munich, is published in the 39th anniversary of its establishment. It includes the list of the latest books by the best publishers all over the world in 2025.
In the preface of this catalog, it is emphasized that the books introduced are reflections of the variety of culture and children literature all over the world. It includes a wide spectrum of voices and outlooks.
The editing of this collection is the result of the cooperation of twenty children and teenagers’ literature experts. Every year, experts from The International Youth Library in Munich with consultants and readers from various countries review thousands of books to recognize the best books.
Finally, the outstanding literal and artistic books with international topics and innovative approaches in design and brilliant narration are selected for this list.
There are five books from Iran in this year’s list. These books include:

1. “A Sun in Turkmen Sahara” written by Yousef Ghojagh, illustrated by Najla Mahdavi Ashraf published by Kanoon,
2. “The School of Smarties of the Jungle” written by Payam Ebrahimi and Ghazaleh Bigdelou published by ToTi Publication.
3. “The Stars Laugh Blue” written by Safoura Nayyeri, illustrated by Salimeh Babakhan published by Research Institute of Iranian History and Literature
4. “Wandering Coffin” written by Hamid Reza Shahabadi by Ofogh Publication
5. “Siagalesh, The Jungle Guard” written by Mohammad Reza Shams, illustrated by Parvin Heydarizadeh by Porteghal Publication.
Selecting and introducing these Iranian works are done by Leila Maktabi Fard, Iranian expert at The International Youth Library in Munich

Translated by: Mitra Khatoonabadi