My Dadima Wears a Sari by Kashmira Sheth & illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi
My thoughts: This is a beautifully illustrated book and the story is an excellent account of multigenerational respect and love. The story is an authentic presentation of Indian culture lived out in America. It will give those of Indian heritage an appreciation and respect for their own heritage and give non-Indian readers an opportunity to glimpse into the home of a family that spans three generations.
The beautiful traditional sari is represented lovingly and I think shows the gracious living one can accomplish while wearing their accustomed garment.
I think this culturally explicit book would be a wonderful addition to libraries.
About the book: Every day, Rupa's grandmother wears a beautiful Indian sari. Each is brightly colored and very beautiful. "Don't you ever want to wear a gray skirt and red blouse with round buttons like Mommy or a green dress like me?" Rupa asks. But Dadima prefers to wear her traditional saris. She shares with her granddaughter all the wonderful things that saris can do--from becoming an umbrella in a rainstorm to providing a deep pouch to carry seashells. Soon Rupa's own imagination is sparked as she envisions saris protecting her in the scary Gir Jungle, bandaging up an injured knee, and holding a special secret for her and Dadima to share.
Kashmira Sheth provides young readers with a unique view of Indian culture and tradition through this affectionate, sensitive portrait of a grandmother and her American granddaughter. Hindu words defined and sprinkled throughout the text further add to the authenticity of the story. Yoshiko Jaeggi's sweeping, colorful, and fanciful watercolor illustrations capture the extraordinary bond of love that unites families across generations despite cultural differences. A note from the author and instructions for wrapping a sari are included.
Lali's Feather by Farhana Zia & illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
My thoughts: This is a wonderfully bright, delightful book. I just love little Lali and her charming character. She exudes joy.
She finds a feather and just wants to get it back to it's rightful owner. But no bird she asks claims it as theirs and they seem to look down their "beaks" at the very idea that such an inferior feather would be their's.
Then Lali demonstrates ways she can use the pretty feather and they are all in awe.
I like that at the end and following the saga of the feather Lali then finds a shiny button. Now I just wonder......
A delight for any child to read or have read to them.
About the book: This endearing story of identification and values shows the rewards in looking closely and thinking imaginatively.
Lali finds a little feather in the field. Is it lost? Lali sets out to find feather a home, but one bird after another rejects it. The feather is too small for Rooster, too slow for Crow, and too plain for Peacock. Once Lali decides to keep the little feather and discovers all the things she can do with it, the other birds begin to recognize its value.
Farahan Zia's charming tale employs an inventive circular structure that reveals the importance of looking beyond first impressions. Illustrator Stephanie Fizer Coleman brings this delightful story of imagination and inspiration to life.
Two of their books that I like are: 1. Watercress 2. Luli and the Language of Tea.
ReplyDeleteNancy
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