"A moving exploration of the delicate balance between preserving tradition and acknowledging individual efforts" – Kirkus Reviews

Can Roohi find the courage and rhythm to play the rabab at her school's Eid concert?

"To play the music of the mountains, you must feel the rhythm, feel the beat of your people."

Roohi's most treasured time of the day is when she gets to listen to her grandfather play the rabab, the traditional stringed instrument of the Pashtun people. All she wants, more than anything in the world, is to be able to play songs full of rhythm like him. But even with lessons everyday, she sounds nothing like Neeka Baba's clap-de-clap-clap rhythm and beautiful melodies.

With Eid celebrations coming up, Roohi is supposed to play the rabab at a school concert, but Neeka Baba has fallen ill, and she must perform without his help. He tells her, "Play with the courage of those who came before you." Can Roohi draw on her ancestors' strength and share the melody in her heart at the Eid concert?

• Explores the connections made possible by music and the transformative power of learning to play a traditional instrument.
• Set in a contemporary Pashtun village in rural Pakistan.
• End notes include more information about the rabab, Pakistani music, Pashtun culture, and Eid.

Prizes

Commended for An Inclusive Books for Children Top Pick, June 2025 2025

A moving exploration of the delicate balance between preserving tradition and acknowledging individual efforts. - Kirkus Reviews

"A narrative steeped in tradition and family with a modern plot, this book will be a welcome addition to picture book collections" – School Library Journal

"Whether you’re learning about Pakistan, have an upcoming unit on string instruments, or just want to introduce your pupils to an uplifting, engaging story, Roohi’s journey is ripe for both enjoyment and learning opportunities" – Teach Primary

Sabrina Shah is from the heartland of England, UK. She worked in publishing for years before pursuing her dream of writing fun and lyrical picture books, spooky middle-grade mysteries, and YA rom-coms. Sabrina currently lives with her husband and two children in Singapore. Her rainy day special is writing with a hot cup of chai and a plate of pakoras.

Manal Mirza is a designer and illustrator based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Manal creates her paintings digitally and draws inspiration from her experiences. Being a young Muslim American Pakistani woman, her illustrations highlight the different identities that she juggles day to day. Manal brings her own positive outlook to her work, aiming to empower women around the world.