ILLUSTRATED WORKS
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Shāh Nāmag (A 24-Volume Illustrated Series)
Arman Arian’s Shahnamag is a planned 24-volume illustrated series that retells Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh for Children and Young Adults, of which 6 volumes have been published to date. Written in a fluent, child-friendly style, the books follow the reigns of the Pishdadian kings—Keyumars, Hushang, Tahmuras, and Jamshid—culminating in Zahhak’s rise and Fereydun’s victory. Through these stories, Arian introduces foundational themes of wisdom, responsibility, and justice in a way that is accessible to readers aged six and above.
What sets Shahnamag apart is its innovative storytelling structure. Each volume begins with the voice of Maziar, a child who introduces himself as Ferdowsi’s grandson, creating a bridge between today’s young readers and the world of myth. The narration then shifts seamlessly into the third person to recount the epic tales themselves, supported by vibrant illustrations that capture the spirit of the stories. By combining simplicity with depth, humanizing the heroes, and preserving the mythic atmosphere, Shahnamag has become a model of adaptation in contemporary Iranian children’s literature—opening the treasures of the Shahnameh to a new generation.
Sepidbāl: The White-Winged Eagle
Arman Arian’s Sepidbāl (White Wings) is a 24-page standalone illustrated book that tells the story of a young eagle born in the Alborz Mountains. Unlike those around him who think only of survival, White Wings is restless with questions about the Sun, the Wind, the Clouds, and the meaning of existence itself. His quest takes him higher and higher—through nature, myth, and sky—until he finally reaches the Sun, whose revelations leave him in awe and serenity.
Though written for children in a simple, lyrical style, the tale is layered with symbolism drawn from Iranian mythology and mysticism. The eagle, the Alborz range, Mount Damavand, the Sun, and the Wind all appear as timeless emblems of Iranian culture, while the narrative echoes the spiritual journeys of Attar, Rumi, and Suhrawardi. More than a picture book, Sepidbāl offers readers of all ages a meditative parable on wonder, surrender, and the search for meaning.