Winner of the A. Orr Fantasy Award and Wishing Shelf Book Award finalist, Laleh and the Language of the Birds is an eco-fantasy feminist retelling of a Sufi legend, in which the studious Iranian-American teen Laleh must join forces with her unpredictable older cousin and two goofy scientist crows to travel through the realm of birds to save Laleh's father from a mythological evil bent on destroying the natural world.
It's a race against time full of dangerous tests, moments of rich depth and nerdy joy, and a final twist that will smash you to bits and build you back up from the rubble.
Preorder Laleh by April 14 to get a packet of “Bird Nerd” goodies.
Get a free Bird Nerd sticker, a Laleh bookmark (both designed by the wonderful Iranian-Canadian illustrator Shabnam Adiban), and a signed bookplate when you preorder Laleh.
Praise for Laleh
“A well-balanced story that delivers on promises of facts, fantasy, and fun.” --Kirkus Reviews
“In this feminist retelling of a twelfth-century Persian legend, Gurel offers a fantastical, empowering story of a girl who
hears truth in birdsong—a soaring debut!”
—Amy Makechnie, critically acclaimed middle-grade author
“Gurel’s beautiful ornithological descriptions interwoven with Sufi poet Attar’s work serve as a backdrop for steadfast Laleh and her spirited cousin’s gripping quest to save her father and the birds from her merciless uncle. Laleh and the Language of Birds is a poignant exploration of family, devotion, and the quiet yet enduring courage required to protect those who matter most, all imbued with a sense of wonder that lingers long after the final page.”
—Dr. Haleh Massey, author of Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!
“A stunning flight into myth and imagination, Laleh's skyward quest is as heartfelt as it is thrilling. This enchanting debut novel will sweep readers into a world of magic, led by a delightfully witty pair of talking crows. Bravo!”
—Lisa Schmid, author of Ollie Oxley and the Ghost and Hart & Souls
“At its core, this adventure celebrates bravery, friendship, and the power of combining science and imagination. Fans of fantasy quests, fast-paced adventures, and stories about defeating evil will find this tale absolutely flap-tastic.”
—Sharon Brown, elementary school librarian and member of Operation Literature, whose goal is to elevate children's literature for all children and in all cultures
“This beautifully crafted novel invites readers into a world where every sentence shimmers with precision and lyrical grace. Suspense and enchantment weave through every chapter, pulling the reader into a narrative rich with metaphors and insights. This is a book that is not only profoundly compelling but is an absolute joy to read.”
—Imam Jamal Rahman, author of Spiritual Gems of Islam
“This is a tale of belonging, family, and faith—a story that reminds us of the power of connection in uncertain times. At a moment when hatred and misinformation shape our world, Gurel’s novel offers something urgent and necessary: a celebration of Truth, Love, and the courage to listen to one another.”
—Lana Sirri, author of Islamic Feminism: Discourses on Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Islam and Shababz! A Graphic Exploration of Islamic Feminism and Decolonial Discourses
A mysterious legend.
A soul-sealing poison.
Two wingless teens on an airborne quest…
Laleh and the Language of the Birds (winner of the 2025 A. Orr Fantasy Award, coming soon from Wildling Press)
Hi friends,Silver the crow scientist here!Flaptastic news: the humans have written a novel, using their fleshy fingers. (I guess that’s the consolation prize for not having wings.)In this feminist eco-fantasy inspired by a Sufi legend, a thirteen-year-old “bird nerd” must travel to the sky realm of ideal bird habitats to save her father and their bird sanctuary.You’ll like this one if you like:1. Fierce, diverse protagonists2. Fantasy fiction inspired by West Asian and North African traditions3. Lab coats (No? Just me?)Anycaw, make sure you’ve signed up for their newsletter below, so you don’t miss it.See ya in a few wingbeats,— Silver
A painting of the mythical bird Simorgh (British Museum).
Marjane’s original drawing from when she first conceptualized the story at age 8.