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A Knot Is Not a Tangle
Knots are necessary and imperfection is a gift in this poignant picture book about an Iranian boy learning to make a new family rug with his grandmother, from an award-winning duo.
Here’s something to Even a rug can be a precious thing.
One morning, a young boy is woken up early by his grandmother. It’s time to make a new rug for the family. Together, they wash and dye the wool. When it’s time to knot the threads, the young boy grows nervous. He wants to make it perfect. But why aren’t the colors right? And why can’t he weave as swiftly as his grandmother?
In this lyrical picture book about imperfection, tradition, and togetherness, A Knot is Not a Tangle explores the memories woven into one family's Persian rug, and is a gentle reminder of imperfection's greatest gifts.
Here’s something to Even a rug can be a precious thing.
One morning, a young boy is woken up early by his grandmother. It’s time to make a new rug for the family. Together, they wash and dye the wool. When it’s time to knot the threads, the young boy grows nervous. He wants to make it perfect. But why aren’t the colors right? And why can’t he weave as swiftly as his grandmother?
In this lyrical picture book about imperfection, tradition, and togetherness, A Knot is Not a Tangle explores the memories woven into one family's Persian rug, and is a gentle reminder of imperfection's greatest gifts.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
48 pages, Library Binding
First published November 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Nayeri
30 books905 followersDaniel Nayeri is a writer and editor in New York City. He wrote and produced The Cult of Sincerity, the first feature film to be world-premiered by YouTube. He has had all kinds of jobs around books, including book repairman, literary agent, used bookstore clerk, children's librarian, Official Story-Time Reader Leader, editor, copy-editor, and even carpenter (making bookshelves). He's also a professional pastry chef. He loves Street Fighter 2, hates the word "foodie," and is an award-winning stuntman.
Daniel and his sister/co-writer Dina were both born in Iran and spent many young adult years in Europe. There they learned several languages between them and tried Frosted Flakes for the first time.
Daniel and his sister/co-writer Dina were both born in Iran and spent many young adult years in Europe. There they learned several languages between them and tried Frosted Flakes for the first time.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 11, 2025
Hello great author,
I truly admire your book, and I believe it has incredible potential to be brought to life visually—whether in 2D or 3D.
My name is Doyin, and I am a professional artist and animator specializing in comic art, manga, cover art design, and full 2D character animation. I transform written stories into captivating visual experiences, tailored to your preferred style—cartoon, anime, or any creative direction you envision.
If you’re interested in exploring a visual adaptation of your work, I would be honored to help bring your story to life.
Instagram: @doyinstudio
Telegram: @doyinstudio
Discord: https://discord.gg/U6eTJMYaw3
(Username: @doyinstudio)
Twitter: @Airyamstudio
Gmail: doyhinwealth@gmail.com
I truly admire your book, and I believe it has incredible potential to be brought to life visually—whether in 2D or 3D.
My name is Doyin, and I am a professional artist and animator specializing in comic art, manga, cover art design, and full 2D character animation. I transform written stories into captivating visual experiences, tailored to your preferred style—cartoon, anime, or any creative direction you envision.
If you’re interested in exploring a visual adaptation of your work, I would be honored to help bring your story to life.
Instagram: @doyinstudio
Telegram: @doyinstudio
Discord: https://discord.gg/U6eTJMYaw3
(Username: @doyinstudio)
Twitter: @Airyamstudio
Gmail: doyhinwealth@gmail.com
October 15, 2025
This story is about a boy who helps his grandmother weave a new rug for their house. They have to do all the steps, starting with getting the wool from the sheep and dyeing it up to designing the rug and then threading the loom and doing the weaving. The story takes place in Iran (Persia) and has a wonderful message of pride in your work, doing your best, and the power of things you make yourself. Loved this one.
November 28, 2025
.It’s a wonderful book that shows a tradition of Iran. We love learning about other cultures.
I didn’t know how persian rugs were made and all the work they required. We also looked at some videos because my 11 year old couldn’t quite get how the rugs were madeZ
I didn’t know how persian rugs were made and all the work they required. We also looked at some videos because my 11 year old couldn’t quite get how the rugs were madeZ
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December 2, 2025Having gained an appreciation from Everything Sad is Untrue for Nayeri’s love and respect for the art and heritage of Persian rugs, i enjoyed seeing that expertly translated into a beautiful and worthy story that conveys the same sentiments on a toddler/preschool level.
November 14, 2025
"Everything has a purpose." A wonderful, reassuring book whether soothing disappointment after making a mistake or a pep after a rough day. I know I needed it.
December 5, 2025
Connection, pride in your work, patience and learning about one's heritage and family. 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews