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 remember: 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.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/25/2025
ISBN: 9780593809693
Pages: 48
Weight: 1.25lbs

Review Citations: School Library Journal 08/15/2025 pg. 1
Publishers Weekly 09/08/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2025