This story for young children didn't do much for me. It's about a little girl in Iran whose family needs a new well dug for their house. She's afraid of monsters being everywhere until she realizes they aren't real. Then the diggers find some underground bazaar where the story ends feeling unfinished. Something interesting finally happens and kids don't get an explanation? Readers get exposed to a bunch of different aspects of growing up in Iran but none for this ancient bazaar sitting in a cavern below their house? It makes no sense to end the story there. How about an explanation of how old Iran is and sometimes things like this are found while digging? That's all you needed.

Naji and the Mystery of the Dig is the first book in Vahid Imani’s Naji’s Adventure series. In December 2022, Stormpot Publishing released the graphic novel adaptation of this award-winning middle-grade chapter book, complete with study projects and discussion questions suitable for group readings.

The story takes place in Tehran. Naji, the youngest daughter in the household, awakens to some strange noises in the courtyard. It turns out that her father has hired workers to dig a deep pit into the yard - over fifty feet deep, in fact - for the new outhouse. The depth of the hole, and the addition of strangers to the household, worries Naji. What if they awaken the jinn with their digging? What if they run across looloos, or other monsters?

Imani’s book is steeped in Persian culture and folklore. Scattered through the pages is knowledge about the different household customs and folkloric beliefs common to Persia. The book goes into detail about folkloric creatures such as djinn and looloos. It also muses on which stories exist more to help children stay safe in the streets, and which are considered a more serious matter of belief.

Naji is a compelling protagonist – her curiosity is infectious, even as it leads her into potentially dangerous situations. Her family, likewise, are very lovable. As Naji continues her investigations, the reader can rest assured that her family will help her and take her seriously. Her dad in particular, with his patient explanations, is encouraging and a valuable model for young and old readers alike.

The illustrations in the comic artfully depict the characters and the architecture of Tehran. The colors are vibrant, and the more fantastical imagery helps the reader’s imagination run as wild as Naji’s. This book is an exciting adventure that ultimately shows how truth can somehow be stranger than fiction – and just where our folklore comes from and what purposes it can serve.
Naji and the Mystery of the Dig is the first book in Vahid Imani’s Naji’s Adventure series. In December 2022, Stormpot Publishing released the graphic novel adaptation of this award-winning middle-grade chapter book, complete with study projects and discussion questions suitable for group readings.

The story takes place in Tehran. Naji, the youngest daughter in the household, awakens to some strange noises in the courtyard. It turns out that her father has hired workers to dig a deep pit into the yard - over fifty feet deep, in fact - for the new outhouse. The depth of the hole, and the addition of strangers to the household, worries Naji. What if they awaken the jinn with their digging? What if they run across looloos, or other monsters?

Imani’s book is steeped in Persian culture and folklore. Scattered through the pages is knowledge about the different household customs and folkloric beliefs common to Persia. The book goes into detail about folkloric creatures such as djinn and looloos. It also muses on which stories exist more to help children stay safe in the streets, and which are considered a more serious matter of belief.

Naji is a compelling protagonist – her curiosity is infectious, even as it leads her into potentially dangerous situations. Her family, likewise, are very lovable. As Naji continues her investigations, the reader can rest assured that her family will help her and take her seriously. Her dad in particular, with his patient explanations, is encouraging and a valuable model for young and old readers alike.

The illustrations in the comic artfully depict the characters and the architecture of Tehran. The colors are vibrant, and the more fantastical imagery helps the reader’s imagination run as wild as Naji’s. This book is an exciting adventure that ultimately shows how truth can somehow be stranger than fiction – and just where our folklore comes from and what purposes it can serve.

Move over Nancy Drew, there's a new detective in town! 'Naji and the Mystery of the Dig' is a thrilling adventure that will keep you guessing until the very end. I loved learning about Persian culture and folklore through Naji's exciting journey. The illustrations are stunning and perfectly capture the atmosphere of the story. Whether you're a fan of graphic novels or middle-grade chapter books, this is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Naji gets up to next!

Discover a world of Persian culture and folklore in this captivating graphic novel. Naji's curiosity leads her to a deep, dark hole in her yard, filled with secrets and the potential for danger. Despite warnings from her father, Naji bravely investigates the site, only to find herself in the midst of a neighborhood-wide panic. Are the mythical Looloos to blame? The surprising answer will keep you on the edge of your seat. Based on the award-winning middle-grade chapter book, this graphic novel includes study projects and discussion questions that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of Persian culture.

As soon as I saw that this book is available as a graphic novel, I knew I have to read it and also give it to my 10yr old to read. Mostly because I do not remember seeing any graphic novels that show life in Middle East. I knew that this book will open some new doors here, mainly ones where we get to talk about a country my daughter had never heard of, living far away from it in Europe. And I was not wrong. It did just that. We had a lengthy conversation about the country’s name, about history and about present day life in Iran.
I read the book too and I though it was nice. I loved the drawings, loved the text. Loved the story. Loved how it is made.
Then my daughter read it, and it turns out it was her first book ever with sort of an open ending, and she was kind of confused. She was asking if there is part two, or any kind of sequel or follow-up. She says she loved the story, but turns out she is not a fan of open endings. To each their own, right? At some point she was also a little bit spooked, but not too spooked and wanted to keep reading.
Overall, this is a solid five star read. The sorta-kinda-open-ending might be a deal breaker for some though. But the cultural background and the doors it opens to learning about other countries is totally worth it.

I was intrigued by this picture book/comic. I liked the age appropriate language, and the artwork complements this. The story allows a little insight into Persian culture that might allow conversations about different cultures and their peoples. I also think it could lead to questions about a child’s reaction to the simple fairytales, myths and monsters we create for fun, and how these are perceived by children. Here for example Looloos or in Britain the boggy monster or the monster under the bed. Thank you to Stormtop Publishing and NetGalley for the picture book comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.