{"id":8152291999981,"title":"Bábo","handle":"babo","description":"\u003ch1\u003eBábo\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/astrid-kamalyan\"\u003eAstrid Kamalyan\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/anait-semirdzhyan\"\u003eAnait Semirdzhyan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eJoin Tato and her family as they help Bábo (grandmother) on rug-washing day, in this sweet and playful picture book tribute to Armenian cultural traditions.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLittle Tato sneaks a few cherry plums before racing off to help Bábo—her grandmother—with a favorite chore. Each year Tato looks forward to washing the family rugs. With bubbles and suds floating like clouds and snowflakes, Tato and her siblings help Bábo scrub the rugs clean. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith lively text and vivid illustrations, Astrid Kamalyan brings her charming childhood memories to life by inviting young readers to spend a day full of fun and love with an Armenian family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A book you just want to hug!\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Carrie Kruck, author of \u003cem\u003eWhat Francine Found\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Kamalyan's distinct language dances across the page with rhyming words tossed throughout the story. Her playful words describe, entertain, and engage all the senses. You feel the cold water, the frothy soap, and scrubbing brushes. Expressive faces and fun-loving play match text and illustration into this high-spirited book. Colorful, lovely Armenian rugs dry on stone walls. \"Read it again,\" will be a frequent refrain.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Joan Schoettler, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Honey Jar\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListen to an interview with author, Astrid Kamalyan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"border-radius:12px\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/5owI9NggsG2P9q8QWZwaWW?utm_source=generator\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/abuelita-and-i-make-flan\"\u003eAbuelita and I Make Flan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-one-day-house\"\u003eThe One Day House\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eVideos\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/af85nGoD8rM?si=JrUF2uu6mQa_PtKO\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e \u003calign\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/--JPyEy0Rfo?si=ngEpnzNyoktSQNo3\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/align\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!------------------------Enter Look Inside Below-----------------\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-spread.jpg?v=1680526050\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680524893\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1680524893\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-activity-kit.pdf?v=1693512063\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Kamalyan, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAstrid Kamalyan comes from a big, happy family and is the oldest of five. She spent most of her childhood in Armenia. As a child, she wished she could one day paint the beautiful mountains of Artsakh. Now she paints with words and writes for the most important people in the world—kids. Astrid holds an MBA degree from the American University of Armenia. She currently shares her time between Chicago and Yerevan, Armenia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/astrid-kamalyan\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Astrid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnait Semirdzhyan, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnait Semirdzhyan is an illustrator with a passion for children’s books. She grew up in a multicultural family and has lived in several countries with diverse cultures. Now she lives in the Seattle area with her husband and twin daughters. Anait enjoys afternoon walks with her four-legged shaggy friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/anait-semirdzhyan\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Anait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNew York Public Library Best Book of 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA Bookstagang Best Future Classic of 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTato, a young Armenian child, eagerly awaits rug-washing day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Tato gathers with siblings and neighbors outside under the watchful eye of Bábo (grandma), the space transforms into a lively playground where the children wash rugs. The book captures the essence of childhood, depicting the sheer thrill of jumping, scrubbing, and playing with bubbles and water. With compelling descriptions and inspired metaphors, young Tato paints a vivid picture of textures, smells, and sights. “Bounce clouds!” “Snowflakes!” squeals Tato as a sudsy foam forms. Tato is bigger and more mature since the last rug-washing day and gets to prove it by helping out when the chickens get loose. Cultural elements are seamlessly woven throughout the book, from the significance of a wedding gift rug to the apricot pie that delights the hardworking children at the end of the day. The intricate, vibrant rugs pop in the beautiful, earth-toned illustrations. Filled with action and dramatic angles, the art brings this tale to life and adds whimsy to the text. Armenian words in the Artsakh dialect are interspersed and explained in a glossary. In an author’s note, Kamalyan discusses how her own grandmother and her experiences growing up in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, inspired this story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn enchanting celebration of heritage and childhood joy. (about Armenian carpet-weaving tradition)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA young girl describes a beloved summertime-tradition for her Armenian-family. Guided by Bábo, or Grandmother, four children jump into action to “soak, soap, and wash” their treasured family rugs. The three sibling and a neighbor know exactly what to do: they gather their brushes, smother the rugs in bubbles and water, and brush the suds out before flipping the rugs over for a second cleaning. The kids and a dog twirl, slide, and dance together over the frothy surfaces. When at last the rugs are rinsed and drying, everyone goes inside for a special summertime treat. The text invites every sense to the experience: the sounds of the brushes (“bop-bop-bop”), the smell of the hot air (“like rose jam”), and the feeling of bubbles under toes (“so pleasant and just a little cold”). The digitally rendered illustrations are lively and full of specificity; occasional aerial views show the intricate details of the traditional hand-woven rugs. A glossary provides translations and pronunciations of Artsakh Armenian words peppered through the text; the author’s note and back matter provide more information about this story and the traditions behind it. A lovely reminder that fun can be found in the most seemingly mundane of tasks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeldom has a domestic chore looked as irresistible as rug-washing does in Kamalyan’s buoyant family tale. The outdoor ritual takes place under the watchful eye of grandmother Bábo as, “on the sunlit street... we will soak, soap, and wash the rugs.” There, Tato the narrator, along with siblings and a neighbor, all portrayed with pale skin, make a game around textiles spread out for their annual cleaning. Once the soapy rugs have been jumped on and scrubbed, “Swoosh. We glide.\/ Swoosh. Droplets splash....\/We twirl. Bubbles pop-pop-pop.” More about the heirlooms is revealed: as they work on “Mom’s favorite rug,” a sibling explains that it was a wedding gift from Grandpa. Semirdzhyan’s lively illustrations, digitally rendered to mimic pencil and watercolor, retain a looseness in keeping with action-oriented text as the work leads to satisfaction: “We all bit into sunny apricot pie. Powdered sugar flies.” A glossary, author’s note, and more about Armenian carpet-weaving conclude. Ages 3–7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho knew that chores could actually be a lot of fun? In this lively picture book, a young girl, Tato, is excited to help with her family’s annual carpet cleaning. From Armenian tradition, these rugs aren’t just any ordinary floor coverings, but are prized possessions that can take weavers months or even years to create. The carpets must be thoroughly washed, a process which involves scrubbing and gliding, brushing and stomping, and plenty of spraying and splashing, too. The rug must be covered in soap and soaked thoroughly, and it takes the combined work of Tato and several other kids to make it happen. They delight in the work, making it into a frolicking, rollicking game. The children’s grandmother, Baba, is there to direct them through every step and to keep everyone on task- more or less! Children will enjoy jumping along with the engaging, action-filled illustrations and descriptions. The intricate artistry of the carpets themselves are also on full display. Other cultural details are woven in as well, such as various Armenian vocabulary words. Readers will have a lot of fun with this story while also learning about a sentimental cultural symbol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-358-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2023-04-11T14:10:47-04:00","created_at":"2023-04-03T11:31:42-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Animals \u0026 Dinosaurs","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures","Browse by Subject_Story Time \u0026 Play"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":44044095324397,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"43587","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":38671333949677,"product_id":8152291999981,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-04-03T11:36:57-04:00","updated_at":"2023-04-03T11:36:58-04:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":480,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680536218","variant_ids":[44044095324397]},"available":true,"name":"Bábo - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":60,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623543587","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31266573156589,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.25,"height":480,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680536218"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680536218"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680536218","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":31266573156589,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.25,"height":480,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680536218"},"aspect_ratio":1.25,"height":480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680536218","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch1\u003eBábo\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/astrid-kamalyan\"\u003eAstrid Kamalyan\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/anait-semirdzhyan\"\u003eAnait Semirdzhyan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eJoin Tato and her family as they help Bábo (grandmother) on rug-washing day, in this sweet and playful picture book tribute to Armenian cultural traditions.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLittle Tato sneaks a few cherry plums before racing off to help Bábo—her grandmother—with a favorite chore. Each year Tato looks forward to washing the family rugs. With bubbles and suds floating like clouds and snowflakes, Tato and her siblings help Bábo scrub the rugs clean. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith lively text and vivid illustrations, Astrid Kamalyan brings her charming childhood memories to life by inviting young readers to spend a day full of fun and love with an Armenian family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A book you just want to hug!\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Carrie Kruck, author of \u003cem\u003eWhat Francine Found\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Kamalyan's distinct language dances across the page with rhyming words tossed throughout the story. Her playful words describe, entertain, and engage all the senses. You feel the cold water, the frothy soap, and scrubbing brushes. Expressive faces and fun-loving play match text and illustration into this high-spirited book. Colorful, lovely Armenian rugs dry on stone walls. \"Read it again,\" will be a frequent refrain.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Joan Schoettler, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Honey Jar\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListen to an interview with author, Astrid Kamalyan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"border-radius:12px\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/5owI9NggsG2P9q8QWZwaWW?utm_source=generator\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/abuelita-and-i-make-flan\"\u003eAbuelita and I Make Flan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-one-day-house\"\u003eThe One Day House\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eVideos\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/af85nGoD8rM?si=JrUF2uu6mQa_PtKO\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e \u003calign\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/--JPyEy0Rfo?si=ngEpnzNyoktSQNo3\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/align\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!------------------------Enter Look Inside Below-----------------\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-spread.jpg?v=1680526050\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-cover.jpg?v=1680524893\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1680524893\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/babo-activity-kit.pdf?v=1693512063\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Kamalyan, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAstrid Kamalyan comes from a big, happy family and is the oldest of five. She spent most of her childhood in Armenia. As a child, she wished she could one day paint the beautiful mountains of Artsakh. Now she paints with words and writes for the most important people in the world—kids. Astrid holds an MBA degree from the American University of Armenia. She currently shares her time between Chicago and Yerevan, Armenia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/astrid-kamalyan\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Astrid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnait Semirdzhyan, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnait Semirdzhyan is an illustrator with a passion for children’s books. She grew up in a multicultural family and has lived in several countries with diverse cultures. Now she lives in the Seattle area with her husband and twin daughters. Anait enjoys afternoon walks with her four-legged shaggy friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/anait-semirdzhyan\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Anait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNew York Public Library Best Book of 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA Bookstagang Best Future Classic of 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTato, a young Armenian child, eagerly awaits rug-washing day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Tato gathers with siblings and neighbors outside under the watchful eye of Bábo (grandma), the space transforms into a lively playground where the children wash rugs. The book captures the essence of childhood, depicting the sheer thrill of jumping, scrubbing, and playing with bubbles and water. With compelling descriptions and inspired metaphors, young Tato paints a vivid picture of textures, smells, and sights. “Bounce clouds!” “Snowflakes!” squeals Tato as a sudsy foam forms. Tato is bigger and more mature since the last rug-washing day and gets to prove it by helping out when the chickens get loose. Cultural elements are seamlessly woven throughout the book, from the significance of a wedding gift rug to the apricot pie that delights the hardworking children at the end of the day. The intricate, vibrant rugs pop in the beautiful, earth-toned illustrations. Filled with action and dramatic angles, the art brings this tale to life and adds whimsy to the text. Armenian words in the Artsakh dialect are interspersed and explained in a glossary. In an author’s note, Kamalyan discusses how her own grandmother and her experiences growing up in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, inspired this story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn enchanting celebration of heritage and childhood joy. (about Armenian carpet-weaving tradition)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA young girl describes a beloved summertime-tradition for her Armenian-family. Guided by Bábo, or Grandmother, four children jump into action to “soak, soap, and wash” their treasured family rugs. The three sibling and a neighbor know exactly what to do: they gather their brushes, smother the rugs in bubbles and water, and brush the suds out before flipping the rugs over for a second cleaning. The kids and a dog twirl, slide, and dance together over the frothy surfaces. When at last the rugs are rinsed and drying, everyone goes inside for a special summertime treat. The text invites every sense to the experience: the sounds of the brushes (“bop-bop-bop”), the smell of the hot air (“like rose jam”), and the feeling of bubbles under toes (“so pleasant and just a little cold”). The digitally rendered illustrations are lively and full of specificity; occasional aerial views show the intricate details of the traditional hand-woven rugs. A glossary provides translations and pronunciations of Artsakh Armenian words peppered through the text; the author’s note and back matter provide more information about this story and the traditions behind it. A lovely reminder that fun can be found in the most seemingly mundane of tasks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeldom has a domestic chore looked as irresistible as rug-washing does in Kamalyan’s buoyant family tale. The outdoor ritual takes place under the watchful eye of grandmother Bábo as, “on the sunlit street... we will soak, soap, and wash the rugs.” There, Tato the narrator, along with siblings and a neighbor, all portrayed with pale skin, make a game around textiles spread out for their annual cleaning. Once the soapy rugs have been jumped on and scrubbed, “Swoosh. We glide.\/ Swoosh. Droplets splash....\/We twirl. Bubbles pop-pop-pop.” More about the heirlooms is revealed: as they work on “Mom’s favorite rug,” a sibling explains that it was a wedding gift from Grandpa. Semirdzhyan’s lively illustrations, digitally rendered to mimic pencil and watercolor, retain a looseness in keeping with action-oriented text as the work leads to satisfaction: “We all bit into sunny apricot pie. Powdered sugar flies.” A glossary, author’s note, and more about Armenian carpet-weaving conclude. Ages 3–7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho knew that chores could actually be a lot of fun? In this lively picture book, a young girl, Tato, is excited to help with her family’s annual carpet cleaning. From Armenian tradition, these rugs aren’t just any ordinary floor coverings, but are prized possessions that can take weavers months or even years to create. The carpets must be thoroughly washed, a process which involves scrubbing and gliding, brushing and stomping, and plenty of spraying and splashing, too. The rug must be covered in soap and soaked thoroughly, and it takes the combined work of Tato and several other kids to make it happen. They delight in the work, making it into a frolicking, rollicking game. The children’s grandmother, Baba, is there to direct them through every step and to keep everyone on task- more or less! Children will enjoy jumping along with the engaging, action-filled illustrations and descriptions. The intricate artistry of the carpets themselves are also on full display. Other cultural details are woven in as well, such as various Armenian vocabulary words. Readers will have a lot of fun with this story while also learning about a sentimental cultural symbol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-358-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

Bábo

Bábo

A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day

By: Astrid Kamalyan / Illustrated by: Anait Semirdzhyan

Join Tato and her family as they help Bábo (grandmother) on rug-washing day, in this sweet and playful picture book tribute to Armenian cultural traditions.

Little Tato sneaks a few cherry plums before racing off to help Bábo—her grandmother—with a favorite chore. Each year Tato looks forward to washing the family rugs. With bubbles and suds floating like clouds and snowflakes, Tato and her siblings help Bábo scrub the rugs clean. 

With lively text and vivid illustrations, Astrid Kamalyan brings her charming childhood memories to life by inviting young readers to spend a day full of fun and love with an Armenian family.

"A book you just want to hug!"
—Carrie Kruck, author of What Francine Found

"Kamalyan's distinct language dances across the page with rhyming words tossed throughout the story. Her playful words describe, entertain, and engage all the senses. You feel the cold water, the frothy soap, and scrubbing brushes. Expressive faces and fun-loving play match text and illustration into this high-spirited book. Colorful, lovely Armenian rugs dry on stone walls. "Read it again," will be a frequent refrain."
—Joan Schoettler, author of The Honey Jar

Listen to an interview with author, Astrid Kamalyan

Maximum quantity available reached.

Astrid Kamalyan, author

Astrid Kamalyan comes from a big, happy family and is the oldest of five. She spent most of her childhood in Armenia. As a child, she wished she could one day paint the beautiful mountains of Artsakh. Now she paints with words and writes for the most important people in the world—kids. Astrid holds an MBA degree from the American University of Armenia. She currently shares her time between Chicago and Yerevan, Armenia.

Read more about Astrid.


Anait Semirdzhyan, illustrator

Anait Semirdzhyan is an illustrator with a passion for children’s books. She grew up in a multicultural family and has lived in several countries with diverse cultures. Now she lives in the Seattle area with her husband and twin daughters. Anait enjoys afternoon walks with her four-legged shaggy friend.

Read more about Anait.

  • New York Public Library Best Book of 2023
  • A Bookstagang Best Future Classic of 2023
  • Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year 2024

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Tato, a young Armenian child, eagerly awaits rug-washing day.

As Tato gathers with siblings and neighbors outside under the watchful eye of Bábo (grandma), the space transforms into a lively playground where the children wash rugs. The book captures the essence of childhood, depicting the sheer thrill of jumping, scrubbing, and playing with bubbles and water. With compelling descriptions and inspired metaphors, young Tato paints a vivid picture of textures, smells, and sights. “Bounce clouds!” “Snowflakes!” squeals Tato as a sudsy foam forms. Tato is bigger and more mature since the last rug-washing day and gets to prove it by helping out when the chickens get loose. Cultural elements are seamlessly woven throughout the book, from the significance of a wedding gift rug to the apricot pie that delights the hardworking children at the end of the day. The intricate, vibrant rugs pop in the beautiful, earth-toned illustrations. Filled with action and dramatic angles, the art brings this tale to life and adds whimsy to the text. Armenian words in the Artsakh dialect are interspersed and explained in a glossary. In an author’s note, Kamalyan discusses how her own grandmother and her experiences growing up in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, inspired this story.

An enchanting celebration of heritage and childhood joy. (about Armenian carpet-weaving tradition)

The Horn Book, starred review

A young girl describes a beloved summertime-tradition for her Armenian-family. Guided by Bábo, or Grandmother, four children jump into action to “soak, soap, and wash” their treasured family rugs. The three sibling and a neighbor know exactly what to do: they gather their brushes, smother the rugs in bubbles and water, and brush the suds out before flipping the rugs over for a second cleaning. The kids and a dog twirl, slide, and dance together over the frothy surfaces. When at last the rugs are rinsed and drying, everyone goes inside for a special summertime treat. The text invites every sense to the experience: the sounds of the brushes (“bop-bop-bop”), the smell of the hot air (“like rose jam”), and the feeling of bubbles under toes (“so pleasant and just a little cold”). The digitally rendered illustrations are lively and full of specificity; occasional aerial views show the intricate details of the traditional hand-woven rugs. A glossary provides translations and pronunciations of Artsakh Armenian words peppered through the text; the author’s note and back matter provide more information about this story and the traditions behind it. A lovely reminder that fun can be found in the most seemingly mundane of tasks.

Publishers Weekly, starred review

Seldom has a domestic chore looked as irresistible as rug-washing does in Kamalyan’s buoyant family tale. The outdoor ritual takes place under the watchful eye of grandmother Bábo as, “on the sunlit street... we will soak, soap, and wash the rugs.” There, Tato the narrator, along with siblings and a neighbor, all portrayed with pale skin, make a game around textiles spread out for their annual cleaning. Once the soapy rugs have been jumped on and scrubbed, “Swoosh. We glide./ Swoosh. Droplets splash..../We twirl. Bubbles pop-pop-pop.” More about the heirlooms is revealed: as they work on “Mom’s favorite rug,” a sibling explains that it was a wedding gift from Grandpa. Semirdzhyan’s lively illustrations, digitally rendered to mimic pencil and watercolor, retain a looseness in keeping with action-oriented text as the work leads to satisfaction: “We all bit into sunny apricot pie. Powdered sugar flies.” A glossary, author’s note, and more about Armenian carpet-weaving conclude. Ages 3–7.

Children's Literature

Who knew that chores could actually be a lot of fun? In this lively picture book, a young girl, Tato, is excited to help with her family’s annual carpet cleaning. From Armenian tradition, these rugs aren’t just any ordinary floor coverings, but are prized possessions that can take weavers months or even years to create. The carpets must be thoroughly washed, a process which involves scrubbing and gliding, brushing and stomping, and plenty of spraying and splashing, too. The rug must be covered in soap and soaked thoroughly, and it takes the combined work of Tato and several other kids to make it happen. They delight in the work, making it into a frolicking, rollicking game. The children’s grandmother, Baba, is there to direct them through every step and to keep everyone on task- more or less! Children will enjoy jumping along with the engaging, action-filled illustrations and descriptions. The intricate artistry of the carpets themselves are also on full display. Other cultural details are woven in as well, such as various Armenian vocabulary words. Readers will have a lot of fun with this story while also learning about a sentimental cultural symbol.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-358-7

Ages: 3–7
Page count: 32
10 x 8