Wow, so beautiful! I love the quite, introspectiveness of this book as young Leila encounters things, people, and moments around her family and their house that make up her heritage and who she is. There is focus on the emotional, physical, and intellectual parts of Leila that showcase her as an individual, and I think it's an excellent thing for young readers to see. Plus, the art is absolutely luscious and filled with lovely patterns and colors. ( )

In the begging of the book Leila is not able to find much that she likes about herself. Her grandma helps her discover how amazing she is. She does not focus on physical characteristics and instead on her personality and culture. I would say that this is good for middle elementary levels, could create a writing prompt about what each student likes about themselves. ( )

Loved this. The illustrations, the palette, the message. Just lovely. ( )

A young girl who isn't sure she likes what she sees when she looks in the mirror, Leila gets some much-needed affirmation during her weekly visit at her Naani's house, as her extended family all get together for food and music. Wearing a saffron scarf of Naani's, she suddenly sees her own beauty, and through the love and praise of her family, who compliment her curries, realizes that she has talent...

A sweet and heartwarming story of family love and self-worth from author Rukhsanna Guidroz is paired with gorgeous artwork from illustrator Dinara Mirtalipova in Leila in Saffron. This is the second title I have read from Simon & Schuster's new "Salaam Reads" imprint, intended to highlight and represent the lives of America's Muslim children, and it is definitely an inducement to read more. I don't know that the story here is all that memorable, although it is certainly engaging, but the artwork is so lovely - colorful, vibrant, beautifully-designed - that I added an extra star to my rating. I would certainly seek out more work from Mirtalipova! Recommended to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-book art, as well as to those seeking children's stories with a Pakistani-American cultural background and/or a message of self worth and affirmation. ( )