Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Sari Sisters
Anitha Rao-Robinson’s “Sari Sisters” is a delightful children’s book that delves into the bond between two sisters and explores how traditions mesh with modernity in today’s world.
The plot is centered around the younger sister, Ruhi, who eagerly waits for her older sister, Kayra, to get ready for their favorite tradition: weekend dancing. However, as Kayra prepares to don a sari for the first time at a family gathering, Ruhi feels left out, as she is still too young and clumsy to drape one herself.
Determined to maintain the bond between her and her sister, Ruhi embarks on a journey to master the art of sari draping in hopes that it will bring back their favorite pastime. When she puts on a sari for the first time, Ruhi throws a sari party for her family. The story reaches its climax when Ruhi pulls Kayra along to dance, and her sari unravels in the process. Kayra calmly aids her sister in putting it back together again, and they happily spin around together, dancing as Sari Sisters.
This book’s narrative is brought to life by Anoosha Syed’s vibrant, rich illustrations, which include a palette of bright, captivating colors and intricate patterns one may find on a sari. Ruhi’s innocence and clumsiness are captured through her mismatched socks and a ponytail that sticks out like the sprout of a plant.
Rao-Robinson is a Canadian author and conservationist with a passion for writing, especially children’s books. In 2020, she wrote the children’s book A Family for Faru after retiring from her occupation as an accountant. In addition, she’s also written a YA science fiction trilogy, “Broken Worlds,” and hosts a podcast called “Kindness Is Everything,” where she shares inspirational stories of kindness to animals, humans, and the world. We can’t wait to see more from Rao-Robinson in the future!
I Dream of Ganesha
Sonali Zohra’s “I Dream of Ganesha” is a captivating children’s book that merges adventure, self-discovery, Hindu culture, and mythology.
The story follows Maya, a young girl who dreams of an enchanting world after experiencing a long, hard day. However, Maya soon becomes lost while exploring the jungle of this dreamland, frightened and in need of assistance. Then, she encounters Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity commonly seen in Hindu mythology.
As the revered remover of obstacles, Ganesha guides Maya through the shadowy, ominous jungle. They encounter distracting animals and evil spirits along the way, but Ganesha’s calming and gentle encouragement leads Maya back home. When she wakes up, Maya feels refreshed and ready to have a great day.
The illustrations bring Zohra’s narrative to life by showing children a physical imagery of Ganesha and the obstacles he can potentially help them overcome. This book is especially insightful for the younger kids of this generation, as it is a fun way for them to get in touch with their culture and start their spiritual journey.
Zohra’s foray into the world of storytelling began in Bangalore. When she was a child, her grandfather, a letterpress printer who was proficient in five languages, fueled her passion for bookmaking and storytelling. Her creativity with books was sparked by their discussions on fonts, book layouts, and the nuances of publishing. Always engaged in illustrating since her childhood, she was, interestingly, motivated to turn her talent into a career when she adopted a cat; in her own words, it was his “curiosity for the mundane, his agile beauty and his peculiar temperament” that stimulated her to observe the environment around her and create art out of it.
Zohra’s other artistic works include an illustrated retelling of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, two other fundamental epics in Hindu mythology.
Mustafa’s Mithai
Mustafa has a problem. The most important South Asian holidays and familial events are effectively over, meaning there are no more opportunities to indulge in mithai, the vast array of sweets offered during times of celebration. Fortunately, he has thought of a delectable solution to the problem.
Besides the core message of the story that mithais are sweetest when shared, the book also depicts the joy that comes from sharing one’s culture with others. Mustafa’s enthusiasm surrounding mithais shows that celebrations can be as small as sharing a favorite food with a group of friends or indulging in sweets alongside family during Eid, and yet, immensely meaningful.
Sana Rafi is a Pakistani-American writer who showcases her talent and passion for writing stories about joy, identity, and tradition through Mustafa’s Mithai. Her other books, including Little Seeds of Promise, A Mermaid Girl, and Together on Eid, have inspired many children to take pride in their roots and share their culture with the world.
Mustafa’s Mithai is brought to life by Nabi H. Ali, a Tamil-American artist known for his previous works, Laxmi’s Mooch and Beautifully Me.
Mustafa’s Mithai celebrates one of the most important elements in South Asian culture. It teaches the reader that the joys of that tradition are better when shared, especially through sweets.