Mule Cart

A journey through fear, love, and hope-told through a child’s eyes.

Cannons boom. Clouds gather. A little girl named Anoosh and her family climb aboard a mule cart and leave everything behind. As they travel from Aintab to Aleppo, Anoosh finds courage in her mother’s songs, comfort in the familiar taste of lavash and pickles, and glimmers of hope in swallows, stars, and a gray mule.

Inspired by true stories of the Armenian Genocide, Mule Cart honors the strength of refugee families and the quiet bravery of a child finding her voice.

Includes historical and cultural notes, map, glossary, and the Armenian song Dzidzernagi Kalousduh (“Coming of the Swallow”).

Author Biography

Arpie Cherchian Cort grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by Armenian language and traditions. As a child, she never saw herself in the pages of picture books. There were no stories about families like hers-no reflections of Armenian culture or heritage. That absence became her mission. Today, she is passionate about creating books that fill those empty spaces, bringing Armenian stories and voices to children everywhere. Arpie holds degrees in English and Education from UCLA and California State University. She has been an educator for over 32 years, working in Special Education, Elementary Education, and English Language Learning. She loves family, friends, foods from many cultures, and children’s picture books. It has long been her dream to see this story come to life. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband, David. David Louis Cort has spent his life exploring cultures and languages with deep respect and love. He backpacked across the Middle East as a student at the University of Haifa, taught Lushootseed at Tulalip Elementary School under the guidance of tribal elders, and recorded the stories and songs of his Armenian in-laws for decades. Somewhere along the way, they declared him an “Honorary Armenian”-a title he wears with quiet pride. He and his wife, Arpie, practice Armenian every day by reading Գորտն ու Դօդօշը (Frog and Toad)-dictionary close at hand. David holds degrees in Hebrew and History from UCLA. Nicole Nielsen has loved creating illustrations ever since she was little. These days she works primarily digitally, always seeking a warm, watercolor, and hand-done style in her drawings. She studied fine art at Belhaven University, and has had several solo art shows. She has recently rediscovered her childhood love of illustrating stories, and is excited to follow this path, wherever it may lead.