Astrid Kamalyan’s ‘Bábo’ honored on NYPL Best Books for Kids 2023 list

‘Bábo: a tale of Armenian rug-washing day’, the debut book by Artsakh writer Astrid Kamalyan, was included in the list of the best books of the year for children by the New York Public Library (NYPL).

“With lively text and vivid illustrations, Astrid Kamalyan brings her charming childhood memories to life by inviting young readers to spend a day full of fun and love with an Armenian family,” the NYPL writes.

In the book, the author talks about the Armenian tradition of rug-washing, a vibrant childhood memory for many in Armenia and Artsakh.

Kamalyan said on Instagram that a portion of the purchased copies were donated to the Red Cross and other organizations that help the forcibly displaced families from Artsakh.