Chitra SoundarKirja-arvosteluja

Gauri and her family prepare for the Hindu festival of Holi in this sweet picture book from expatriate Indian author Chitra Soundar and Indian illustrator Darshika Varma, each one making a different gulal, or colored powder or liquid to be used in the celebration. Although angry at first that she didn't get her favorite color, Gauri is reconciled to the situation after listening to her grandfather relate the traditional Holi story of how Prahlada defeated his demoness aunt Holika, without ever descending into anger. Deciding that she too can avoid anger, she realizes that the color she was assigned (red) symbolizes many wonderful things...

I have enjoyed many of Chitra Soundar's books, including her Farmer Falgu picture books, her folktale-inspired collection, Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship: Stories from India, and her other Hindu holiday picture book, Shubh Diwali!, so I was excited to track down Holi Hai!. There is a dearth of good children's stories about this festival of colors here in the states, so I was very pleased to see that she had produced one! If found her story here engaging, and think that many young children will be able to relate to Guari's feelings of disappointment, even if the holiday itself is unfamiliar to them. The accompanying artwork from Varma is colorful and cute, in a somewhat cartoon-like way, and adds to the sense of fun, while the author's afterword gives more specifics about the holiday, as well as a glossary of terms used in the book. Recommended to picture book readers and listeners looking for good Holi stories, or children's books with an Indian cultural background.

Soundar’s rhyming picture book gives readers an overview of the Hindu celebration of Diwali as it is celebrated in large parts of North India and by the North Indian diaspora.

Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon, and so after “Grandpa watches the waning moon” and notes that “the festival is coming soon,” an Indian boy and girl help their family clean and decorate the house. Then they all don new clothes, sing hymns and light lamps together, and exchange gifts and sweets with their neighbors, all in celebration of the holiday. Family members wear a combination of traditional Indian and Western attire; the suburban setting looks Western. It ends with a joyful greeting: “Shubh Diwali, to one and all. / We wish you joy, big and small!” Soundar’s use of “Shubh” in the title—meaning “auspicious” or “holy”—instead of “Happy” is welcome, as is Chua’s inclusion of neighborhood diversity (white and black families as well as a person using a wheelchair). As an entry on the holidays shelf, it breaks little new ground, but North American shelves hardly overflow with Diwali titles. An author’s note explaining the regional and religious differences in the celebration of Diwali across South Asia and the diaspora and a glossary of common terms provide readers with additional scaffolding.

A solid introduction to a holiday celebrated by millions. (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review

Gr 1–3—Sona's mom is having a baby, and Sona wonders if she'll be the very best big sister. She struggles with the
idea of having a new younger sibling and sharing her belongings and her family's love. This chapter book offers a
look at Hindu baby-welcoming ceremonies and customs, while accurately capturing a new older sibling's range of
emotions.

This was a lovely book telling the story of a polar bear and her cubs as they arise out of the winter and the cubs see the outside world for the first time. The art work was tremendous! I thank my friend Linda for sending this book to be, she knows how much I love bears!½

This is my first Farmer Falgu book. My daughter liked that the text was different sizes and colors since she's learning to read. I liked the repetition, the cheeky parrot, and the problem solving. I will definitely seek out the rest of the series.

Side note: A few Hindi(?) phrases in the text, "Hai dahiya" and "Oiee maa," are not translated, though also not crucial to the story. I googled the phrases, but couldn't find translations that made sense.

A delightful collection of stories featuring Prince Jeera and his best friend/best advisor Suka teaching everyone from greedy moneylenders to spiteful royal granduncles a lesson in being fair, being honest and being decent human beings.

Will best friends Veera and Suku be able to use their wit and cunning to solve a variety of problems? Follow them as they navigate their way through four original stories from India as only they can do.
The author and illustrator recreate traditional Indian tales in a way that is relatable to modern readers. The reader will get a taste of the Indian culture while enjoying the wit and humor that each tale provides. This book will appeal to readers in grades 3-5 and would be a great suggestion to that boy who reluctant to read.

This is another stunning book by the incredible team of Soundar and Mistry. In this lush book, they turn to the Artic and polar bears.

Mama bear digs into a warm space and gives birth to two bear cubs. As they grew snug in the cave, mama bear says "You''re snug with me!" As they move about the den, they become very curious and once again, mama bear repeats the mantra of safety, telling her babies that the hard snow will enable them to safely walk on the land at the appropriate time.

Mama bear answers their question about what lies beneath the thick ice and snow. She tells them the ocean contains ice from a long time ago. She tells them that as long as the ice remains frozen, they will not go hungry. Teaching them about the need of the dark and the earth dancing when she tilts. Nights get shorter and spring will be back.

The cubs are worrisome babies and ask a lot of questions. The mother always cleverly answers and lists those who will share the land and they are not alone in the world.

First and foremost, this is a book that stressess the importance of taking care of the earth and the delicate balance that keeps everything in place. The need to take care of the earth is importantly stressed, and done so without preaching.

"We should only ever take what we need" is the response to the babies questions. And always, she ends with her comment about not to worry and they are snug with her.

And when spring arrives, the babies can slip and stumble and play while remaining close to mama.

As always, the artistry of Poonam Mistry is breathtaking.

Highly recommended. Five Stars

Previously I read You're Strong With Me by the team of Soundor and Mistry this is yet another lovely, stunningly illustrated book by Poonman Mistry with beautiful rich text of Soundor.

This is a tale of a baby giraffe and her loving mama. There is so much to be afraid of in the African savannah. A baby giraffe has a short period of time to get up from the ground where it was dropped from it's mother. The lion's await to snatch the baby.. There is smoke, and the fear of a new experience of an ox pecker bird who flies suddenly landing on the back of the baby giraffe.

Through it all, the mama giraffe encourages the baby to stay still, that the bird that may hurt, this will help your skin grow stronger and thicker and thus it will no longer hurt. And then there is the tart scary smell of smoke coming from the edge of the area where the baby and mama are. Again, the mother teaches the baby that the fire is licking and eating the dry grass, creating opportunity for new grass to pull through. The mama tells her baby she is aware of the sting to the throat, but soon the smoke will be replaced by refreshing rain. "You are Strong With Me." the mother repeatedly tells her baby. "And, soon, as your legs grow taller, it will be more safe and enable you to run faster."

The area where the baby is born is filled with challenges and dangers. And through this beautiful illustration, the artists pull the reader in to the world of mama and baby as together they must over come the danger in order to survive.

Lush, incredible, stunning the art work of the illustrations are like non others. The books by the team of these two talented people invite the reader to observe both the dangers and the beauty of the early life and existence of the baby who cannot survive without a mother to teach her, as quickly the baby must learn or will perish.

Thank you to this team who invite adults and children to understand both he danger and beauty of nature.

Five Stars

There is a lot of GOOD for using this book in storytime

1.) Colors
2.) Indian heritage
3.) Using colors as emotions

BUT it runs long. Plus it also delves into the Holi legend that *might* not be appreciated by the residents where I live. I mean, mentioning a demonness might not go over well ;)

Reading Age: 8-9 years

There really aren't enough words to describe the beauty of this book. In the text, jungle babies are frightened by the changes night brings, but Mama Elephant explains each one and repeats her mantra, "You're safe with me." It's a simple, reassuring message of love and security.

But, oh -- the artwork. Poonam Mistry's intricate illustrations, rife with swirling movement and singing colors, lift this short, simple picture book into the realm of art, and Lantana Publishing has acknowledged this in the production values with luxurious, heavyweight, glossy paper and border-to-border color.

The style is exotic, the colors are rich enough to eat, and though some of the animals may be unfamiliar to children (or rendered in ways that make them difficult to identify), it doesn't really matter.

This is not a 3-minutes-and-off-you-go-to-bed experience. Each page continues to reveal more detail, more surprises, the longer it is studied. Plants, insects, raindrops -- all have something to say are transposed by Mistry's artistry.

Stunningly beautiful, breath-taking illustrations both the author and illustrator are of Indian heritage, and the illustrations and rich folktale blends India and its culture, natural beauty.

In this tale, night is fast approaching, and the baby animals of the jungle are getting nervous because of the natural elemental happenings. The moon arose and the stars accompanied it. Darkness and night time noises made the babies exceedingly nervous. It is mama elephant who soothes the babies by telling them "hush" and rocking them saying "You're Safe With Me."

The trees are making sounds as a result of the wind. And, as the book notes, the babies awake and are afraid. Beautifully, the mama reminds the babies that the wind is not an enemy, rather it is a friend that helps scatter seeds from other countries. In particular, the monkey is very scared. Reminded again that "You're Safe With Me," which then allows the babies to lose their fear.

When the thunder claps loudly while clapping and echoing throughout, again there is fear. And again, the mama elephant reminds the babies they are safe and there is necessity in the thunder and the ensuing rain which enables the forest to grow those seeds that the wind scattered. All is natural; all is a necessary part of life.

And with the thunder, the rain pours down and the lightening is bright as it rends the sky. Now, mama reminds the babies that the thunder will help the stars shine. And, the same mantra reminds the babies they are safe.

Throughout the book when each natural element makes noise, the babies learn that nature is natural and exceedingly necessary. Always giving the reason why there is a reason, and they should feel safe.

I read and let the beauty of the images take over, creating a sense of peace. Like the baby animals, I was mesmerized by the images and the repeating soft message allowing the necessary sleep to overtake them.

I've read many illustrated books, thus far those illustrated by Poonam Mistry are by far the most beautiful, soul inspiring peaceful art!!!

I am fascinated by Indian culture so I was delighted to see this offered on NetGalley. Nothing is more helpful to learn about other cultures than fables meant to teach children. You get a simple understanding of complex ideas, plus there are beautiful illustrations and fun characters. The themes addressed in this book are great lessons for readers of all ages and would make a great read aloud for any classroom or bedtime. I look forward to adding this book to my personal collection.

I will be ordering this book from our local independent bookstore and I am hoping they’ll allow me to host a reading of the book with some Indian sweets.

This book was so sweet! It perfectly captures the stress of a new baby and includes some awesome vocabulary. Overall I loved it!

I think this will be fun for toddler storytime -- lots of good noises to make together, and movements as well.

I really enjoyed reading this book and it kind of reminded me of Noah's Arc from the Bible. It is about a man who ends up growing a large pumpkin and when a flood comes, he piles in animals, himself, and his wife as they sail away on a river away from the oncoming flood. Once they reach land again, they make a new home and plant another pumpkin. I would recommend this book for all elementary students because I think it has good representation of Indian culture and the illustrations are beautiful.

Picture Book
2019

Shubh Diwali is a beautiful introduction to the Hindu celebration - festival of lights, or Diwali. In it, we meet a family excited to celebrate this holiday. From the very first page, family is introduced. A young girl sits on her grandfather's lap awaiting the waning moon and the signal of the start of the celebration. As the story continues, we witness the entire family pitching in to clean the house for the upcoming party - grandparents, parents, brother, sister, even the dog! They explain what decorations they will put up (mango leave bunting) and what it is supposed to signify (to welcome the gods). As the story continues, we see a grandmother and two young girls (and the dog!) painting Rangoli - traditional artwork - throughout the house. We are invited to see the new clothes they will wear for the special occasion. As the story continues, we see people of different backgrounds included in the celebration. Stories are told, especially about their gods - the grandmother tells these stories to a group of children. We are then show that they pray, light lamps, sing, exchange gifts - all the while the family is sharing with their friends and neighbors and inviting them to exchange gifts with them and partake in their food. Later, the family sits together for a delicious looking meal!

The story is about family but is also a diverse narrative. It is easy to read, rhymes, and is brightly illustrated - all ways to encourage young readers to read about this celebration. The book focuses on the main family, but shows people of all cultural backgrounds, of all abilities, sharing and enjoying each other. Nearing the end, it shows the family saving their money in a piggy bank, preparing extra clothing for donations, and a promise for new beginnings.

At the back of the book, there is a glossary of terms used, an explanation about the five days of Diwali, and the author's note regarding her own experiences growing up in India, celebrating the different holidays, and joining with neighbors of all faiths in the evenings.

I think this book both shows the differences and the similarities of other holidays without coming right out and saying it. If you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or any other similar celebration - I think you can see yourself in these pages - the gift giving, the meal preparation, the cleaning, the time spent with family. Hopefully this book helps to show that we are similar and different and that is nothing to be scared of or shunned.

A fun way to read this book, would be to imitate cleaning on the front pages, have a craft where children could make their own bunting or rangoli art with washable markers, crayons, etc. If they made this craft before the story was read, when this part comes up, the could hold up their artwork for all to see. Bells could be rung during the story as well. In promoting the program, you could ask that patrons or children bring in old toys, books, clothes, etc. in the spirit of Diwali and then donate them to a local mosque that helps the homeless or to a crisis nursery.

I received a free copy of Sona Sharma Very Best Big Sisiter by Chitra Soundar in exchange for an honest review.
This is a charming little chapter book about a little girl transitioning from being the baby in the family to a big sister. The worries and excitements that our main character, Sona, faces are universal and very relatable. As Sona learns to grapple with her new reality, the readers learn a little bit about Hinduism and a few Tamil words.
The illustrations by Jen Khatun are lovely and add to the cultural learning journey for those readers new to Indian traditions.
This book is refreshing because there are few books for children with the setting outside of USA, Canada, or England.½

Pattan and his gigantic pumpkin manage to hold the local animals and plants as they float in the floodwaters. Colorful illustrations bring to life the people and village life of the Sahyadri foothills.

This is a sweet book that gives us a glimpse into the traditions surrounding the arrival of a new baby in India while dealing with the common theme of an only sibling's jealousy and uncertainty. However, even though the characters/family members are introduced in the beginning, I got a little lost, so I imagine a child reading this might also. In addition, it's an early chapter book, but I couldn't pronounce some of the Indian names and phrases, so I see that as problematic for an early reader, too. Still, a child with Indian heritage may have someone at home to help, so I'll be adding a copy to our school library.½

I received this book for free from Early Reviewers. This was such a cute book! I loved all the characters even the grumpy President (aka her grandmother). Lots of interesting facts about India and the different ceremonies they have for a new baby.

The rest of the review can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/v_2zJtXyfSU

Enjoy!

A nice introduction to the sprawling context of Indian culture. To focus on a few things - it touches on their collective history, the myriad of different religions and their approaches towards the arts. The illustrations give a clearer view of the topics that are discussed, which was a nice touch.