Baha’is see the young as the most precious treasure a community can possess. In them are the promise and guarantee of the future. Yet, in order for this promise to be realised, children need to receive spiritual nourishment, such as can be found in the children’s classes happening all around the world.
Mighty: A Children’s Resource About Abdu’l-Baha by First Valley Books
The dynamic team at First Valley Books that created the vibrant and engaging children’s book Little Champions of Justice have a new project in honor of Abdu’l-Baha as we commemorate the centenary of His Passing.
We’re beyond beyond grateful that the team at First Valley Books gave us permission to share this wonderful resource on Baha’i Blog. We wanted to share with you a little bit more about the book so we asked the team a few questions, and here is what they told us:
Baha’i Blog: Can you tell us a little bit about Mighty?
Mighty is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about Abdu’l-Baha, with seven short stories from His extraordinary life of love, justice, compassion and humility.
These inspiring stories are told through the eyes of a traveller, a doctor, an aristocrat, a writer, a young boy, a wealthy woman, and a little girl, all of whom encounter Abdu’l-Baha in the stories.
Baha’i Blog: What inspired you to put this book together?
The life of Abdu’l-Baha is a remarkable example for every one of us. In honor of the centenary of His passing this year, we wanted children to be able to draw inspiration from His life of service, and for their hearts to feel closely connected to Him.
Baha’i Blog: What languages will this book be available in?
English, Spanish, French, German, and Brazilian Portuguese — translated with the help of a dozen incredible friends. We’re sooo excited to make these stories available to more children around the world! (And we’re working on a few more languages too!)
Baha’i Blog: Who is its intended audience?
The book is written with 5-10 year olds in mind, and it’s not just for Baha’is!
We wrote the stories in a way that we could share the book with our friends and neighbors, including those who may not know much about the Baha’i Faith or Abdu’l-Baha.
Baha’i Blog: Who is the team behind the book?
We’re the same five-person team that made our first book Little Champions of Justice, collaborating across Canada, UK, Israel, the Philippines, and Aotearoa New Zealand. And, of course, our incredible community of children, parents and teachers who shared feedback on our many, many drafts.
Baha’i Blog: What is something you learned in the process of creating this book?
Writing and illustrating stories about Abdu’l-Baha needs a lot of diligent research. Every word in every story, every building and person in every illustration was considered to make sure it’s as accurate as possible.
Baha’i Blog: What do you hope readers will take away with them, long after they’ve finished reading?
Mighty is filled with captivating stories and stunning illustrations, and we think you’ll find children being really immersed in the book. Our hope is that these stories will ignite a deep love and connection to Abdu’l-Baha, and inspire children all over the world to follow in His example of service to the world.
Baha’i Blog: Thank you so much to the team at First Valley Books!
In her innermost heart, Sonjel is a stay-at-home parent and a bookworm with a maxed out library card but professionally she is a museologist with a background in English Literature. She currently lives on Prince Edward Island, an isle in the shape of a smile on the eastern Canadian coast. Sonjel is a writer who loves to listen to jazz when she's driving at night.
I received this book as a gift from a friend. I LOVE it. I’ve been reading it to my 5 year old. It’s wonderful how they made the main character a child in most of the stories. So relatable to children.❤️❤️
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia.
We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
Baha’i Blog is a non-profit independent initiative
The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent authoritative views of the Baha’i Faith.
This is first time hearing of First Valley Books please explain what your organization is and who or what organized it. Curious believer
Sheila Guttman (November 11, 2021 at 10:53 PM)
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for your question. You can find out more about First Valley Books by visiting their website: https://firstvalleybooks.com/
Sonjel Vreeland (November 11, 2021 at 11:03 PM)
I received this book as a gift from a friend. I LOVE it. I’ve been reading it to my 5 year old. It’s wonderful how they made the main character a child in most of the stories. So relatable to children.❤️❤️
Tahirih (January 1, 2022 at 4:23 AM)