"Thoroughly gentle and 'kid friendly' in tone and presentation, "Empty and Me: A Tale of Friendship and Loss" is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children." -- Midwest Book Review * "Powerful while still sensitive to the target audience, this picture book follows the gradual journey of loss." -- Foreword Reviews , starred review * "The sepia and gray-toned images, although digitally rendered, mimic colored pencils and set a solemn tone that reinforces the girl's loneliness in a vast world without her mom. The character of Empty is soft curves and bright white, the perfect complement for the sharp edges of loss. A strong purchase to introduce loss and, not incidentally, expose students to translated works." -- School Library Journal , starred review "Featuring exquisite, muted illustrations, this heartbreakingly tender story includes spare text in both English and Persian. The author and artist portray the protagonist's grief starkly and frankly while leaving plenty of literal and metaphorical space for readers to apply their own experiences.A devastatingly honest book about loss, mourning, and recovery.

" -- Kirkus Reviews Junior Library Guild Selection 2023.