Azadeh Westergaard (ah-za-dé)

All I could think when I first watched the outstanding 2014 documentary NO LAND'S SONG by @ayatnajafi was how utterly brave and generous he and his sister @saraanajafi are—risking their lives to reveal and document the inner workings of Iran’s regime to the outside world. I’m grateful not only for their courage and artistry, but for the rare window they offer into a world shaped by censorship and repression. Please watch the trailer and share with friends — it’s important to understand why Iranian citizens are risking their lives for freedom. *** NO LAND'S SONG synopsis: Since the 1979 revolution, women in Iran have been forbidden from singing solo in public. NO LAND'S SONG follows Sara as she defies censorship by organizing a concert for female soloists, bringing together Iranian singers and artists from France: Élise Caron, @jeannecherhal , and @emelmathlouthi

Like so many of us, I have been utterly consumed, horrified, and heartbroken by the unimaginably gruesome events unfolding in Iran. Witnessing the photographic, audio, and video evidence of what's happening to Iranian citizens feels like a bad dream or a scene from a horror film—but unfortunately, the bloody massacre of thousands and thousands of unarmed protesters is the grim reality. As someone who finds solace in reading and research, I thought one small way I can help is to share information about some truly excellent documentaries made in Iran. Especially for my non-Iranian friends, I highly encourage you to watch these films and/or trailers —and to share them— if you are interested in learning more about the nuances of the political situation, why the Iranian people continue to rise up, and the unimaginable pain and cruelty they have endured over the past 47 years. I can only share one trailer at a time, but I assure you they are all excellent and eye opening. I believe most (if not all) can be found online via Kanopy, YouTube, or Amazon Prime, and I truly can’t recommend them enough. *** "Our Man in Tehran" offers a nuanced introduction to the life, culture, and politics of Iran post-1979 revolution from all angles. It was made over a span of 4 years by @thomaserdbrink and Roel van Broekhoven, and first aired on @frontlinepbs in 2018. I hope you'll take a look, share, and continue to amplify what's currently happening to Iranian citizens.

Last week, author and illustrator Azadeh Westgaard visited Pardis for Children to share her book, ‘The One and Only Googoosh,’ with our students. During the visit, students learned about the legendary singer @googoosh , and the personal story that inspired this book. Azadeh Joon spoke about bookmaking and creative process, and how to bring the story to life through illustrations. Students also had a chance to ask questions and explore the original illustration materials up close ✨📚🎤

Hi, I’m Azadeh Westergaard, a New York–based children’s book author and illustrator. I had the privilege of participating in PomExpo’s inaugural Norooz event in March, where I showcased my book, The One & Only Googoosh: Iran’s Beloved Superstar (Viking Books, Penguin Random House). The community energy that day was absolutely electric — it was deeply moving to see so many Iranian Americans come together in NYC to celebrate our shared heritage. One of my favorite things about making both books and art is engaging directly with readers, and I couldn’t be more delighted to return for the Yalda Market in December. In addition to my books, I will also have a limited number of signed archival prints available. I truly loved meeting you all last spring and look forward to reconnecting next month. Until then, you can find me online. @ahwestergaard

One of our absolute favorite books! ✨ The sweetest illustrations and so much nostalgia in every page. This beautiful story celebrates the legendary Googoosh — a true icon whose voice shaped generations and whose magic followed Iranians around the world. At our last event, people loved this book because it brings something fresh, heartfelt, and new to our community. 💛 Come meet the author and illustrator on December 13 and grab yours! 🎉 December 13 — Manhattan. Free ticket — link in bio. RSVP required. 🎟️🫶 @ahwestergaard . . . . #pomexpo #PomexpoHolidayMarket #YaldaMarketNYC #HolidayMarketNYC #FlatironHolidayMarket #NYCEvents #NYCHolidaySeason #WomenEntrepreneurs #ShopSmallNYC #SupportLocalArtists #CommunityEvent #CulturalCelebration #pomexponyc #ArtAndCommunity #WinterMarket #HolidayShopping #HandmadeGifts#UniqueFinds #GiftIdeas #FestiveVibes #HolidayMagic #SupportSmallBusiness #WinterMarket #prsian #iranianamericans #persianamerican #irooni #NYCArtScene #yaldanight

I am looking forward to being a panelist at two INCREDIBLE children's literature events in October! ~ Saturday, 10/4 at 1:15 PM NEW HAMPSHIRE BOOK FESTIVAL @nhbookfestival in Concord, NH Panel: "Home: Not as Advertised" with: • Adina King @mainelyadina • Karen Krossing @karenkrossing • Lita Judge @litajudge • Lisa Stringfellow @engagereaders Hats off to the trailblazing co-founders @emiliechristieburack and @sarahmccrawcrow for creating a truly inspiring gathering of book creators and book lovers in charming Concord, NH. ~ Tuesday, 10/28 at 11 AM THE JOURNEY OF A CHILDREN'S BOOK: FROM SKETCHES TO SHELVES CONFERENCE at The Society of Illustrators | @soi128 Panel: "How Unique Picture Book Illustrators Bring Stories to Life" with: • Isabel Roxas @studioroxas • Yevgeniya Yeretskaya @yaypapercuts This first-of-its-kind special event @soi218 will be held on Oct. 27–28 and is a kidlit event bonanza with: • masterclasses • industry mingling • portfolio reviews • insights from established kidlit authors, illustrators, and industry leaders! Special thanks to the conference creators @clarepernice and @iamcaroschwarz for putting this amazing event together! Registration links for both events in my bio.

A belated post about the 2025 @bolognachildrensbookfair which was even more inspiring than I imagined. 😍 A special thanks to The Society of Illustrators @soi128 , @clarepernice , Arabelle Leopold, and the lovely team from @mimasterillustrazione for the opportunity to host a book presentation and illustration workshop at the fair's Illustrators Survival Corner. My workshop centered around time/material limitations and the embrace of our beautiful messy mistakes... no erasers allowed! It was such a fun morning and a true delight to meet fellow artists from around the world. ❤️

Greetings from Italy! 😍 I am attending the Bologna Children's Book Fair from March 31-April 3 and in collaboration with The Society of Illustrators in NYC, I will be participating in a couple of events and an exhibition: ••• April 1, 3:30-4:30PM Portfolio Reviews ••• April 2, 11:30AM -1 PM Presentation + Art Workshop ••• The 2024 Original Art Show Exhibition My piece is one of 52 artworks representing the original NYC show. All events organized by @soi128 and hosted by @bolognachildrensbookfair . If you are attending, I look forward to meeting you there! #BCBF25

A special thanks to Hedieh Yousefi, the brilliant mastermind and producer of this year's @pomexponow NYC Nowruz Market and the founder of @pomejoygram . I am in awe of her grace, boundless energy, and extraordinary vision... and already can't wait until next year's event! It was a truly special experience to see so many members of the NYC Iranian-American community all in one place this past weekend. Thanks to @sanaznyc for this photo of me at my station and to everyone who stopped by to say hello and to purchase books and prints. I loved meeting you! I will be attending one more Nowruz event this weekend at the: Spring Equinox Festival @museumjewishheritage Sunday, March 23, 12-5PM 36 Battery Place Edmond J Safra Plaza Free Admission It promises to be a fun family day of music, dance, backgammon, and delicious bites. I will be there with my books and prints, along with several other artists and vendors. Please stop by if you're in the area!

Persian New Year, or Norooz, is almost here! This ancient celebration marks the first day of spring and is celebrated by Iranians throughout the world. I’m excited to welcome the new year at two wonderful cultural events this coming weekend — one in NYC where I live and one in Northern VA where I grew up. The NYC event is organized by the brilliant team at @pomexponow and will be held at: Detour Gallery 545 West 23rd St Sat, March 15, 10AM-7PM And the Northern VA event is organized by the lovely folks at @nowruzfestival and will be held at: Hilton Washington Dulles Airport 13869 Park Center Rd Herndon, VA Sun, March 16, 11AM-7PM (I will be in the indoor bazaar at Table 37) I’ll have a table with books and a limited selection of art prints for sale at both events. Please stop by if you're in the area — I'd love to see you!

It's been an exciting few weeks over here. Thank you so much for this incredible honor @bankstreetlibrary and a toast of thanks in memory of Flora Straus! ❤️ From Bank Street: Established in 1994 to honor Flora Straus, who led the Children’s Book Committee for many years, this award is presented annually for a distinguished work of nonfiction that serves as an inspiration to young people. Flora Straus stood for the values of courage, hard work, truth, and beauty while adapting to a changing world. She believed that books about varying cultures enrich and help all children in their growth. She championed diverse opinions and points of view and was a person of high principles, unfailing courtesy, and deep understanding.

I am delighted to share that "The One & Only Googoosh" won @scbwi 's Golden Kite Award in the Picture Book Illustration category last Friday! 🎉 Happy tears were definitely shed. I first joined SCBWI in 2001 with dreams of one day writing and illustrating my own books — so this was an incredibly meaningful full-circle moment and one I will cherish forever. A huge thanks to the category judges @oge_mora , @cindyderby , @danyaccarino and @scbwi for this immense honor. And as ever, I am thankful to the incredible support team behind this project, including: • my beloved family • literary agent, Alyssa Eisner Henkin • editor, Tamar Brazis • art director, @opal_roengchai • publisher @vikingbooks , @penguinkids , @penguinclassroom And first reader and early champion of the project when it was in early draft form: @emiliechristieburack