Hi, friends! My name is Spotty!
I love playing hide and seek. Every week, I find a new place to hide in the library and wait for all of my friends to find me! But here’s the thing. When I’m hiding, I have to be super quiet, so I can’t tell you about all the other things I love to do!
One of my favorite things to do is TRAVEL! I love to experience new places and meet new people! Sometimes, I get to travel by plane, boat, bus, or train and see new places in real life. Sometimes, I use my imagination and explore the world by reading BOOKS!
I really want to go to India! While I wait and wait for a chance to go in real life, I love learning more from my Indian friends and reading books about India’s places, holidays, foods, and customs. Today, I’m going to share a few of my very favorite Indian stories with you!
1. Holi Hai! by Chitra Soundar
This joyous book captures the spirit of the Hindu festival of colors with vibrant illustrations, an introduction to common traditions, and a valuable lesson about letting go of anger. Young Gauri is upset when she doesn’t get to make the color she wants, but after hearing one of the traditional legends of Holi, she turns her heart toward celebration and love.
Where can I find this?: Juvenile Nonfiction Books – 394.265 SOU
2. Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari
This book carries us to Jaipur, India and invites readers to imagine ordering a cup of tea and watching the chaiwala at work. With a text full of sensory details and paper collage art illustrations, this story is short, immersive, and sure to make you smile.
Where can I find this?: Juvenile Picture Books – MAHESHWARI
3. Kalamata’s Kitchen by Sarah Thomas
Kalamata is nervous for her first day at a new school, but she finds comfort and bravery when she remembers the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of an Indian spice market. This book allows readers to join Kalamata and her favorite stuffed animal as they embark on an imaginative food adventure!
Where can I find this?: Juvenile Picture Books – THOMAS
4. The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir and Surishtha Sehgal
“The Wheels on the Bus” is reimagined in this creative picture book that takes young readers on a ride through an Indian town. To be sung or spoken, this book is a fun introduction to features of daily life in a country across the ocean.
Where can I find this?: Juvenile Picture Books – SEHGAL
5. Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed
Bilal invites his friends over to try his favorite dish – daal! – in this book that promotes patience, open-mindedness, teamwork, and being helpful. With colorful illustrations and an inviting text, this story is a delightful celebration of community and food from around the world!
Where can I find this?: Juvenile Picture Books – SAEED
BONUS for older readers – You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins
This book for young adults tells the multi-generational story of one family as they reckon with what it means to be Indian American. Love, self-discovery, family drama, and questions about culture and race come together in this touching novel that offers multiple perspectives on the immigrant experience.
Where can I find this?: Young Adult Fiction Books – PERKINS
I hope I get to see you in the library next week! See if you can find my new hiding spot and tell me about the places you call home!
Happy reading,
Spotty
