Book Recommendations: Book that spark JOY A few months back while I was walking around my local park I came across a group of middle-aged people playing soccer. They were not young, not buffed, and did not move like gazelles.… Read More »Books That Spark Joy
It’s time for Kaitlyn Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal’s #springflingkidlit contest. I love working with prompts; they always push me to create something different. This time, for the spring theme, I imagined the kite festival played in some parts of India… Read More »Kite Strings, #SpringFlingKidlit 2022
WONDER is a beautiful thing. My son recently told me about a magical place in his school. “It has logs, some vines, a tarp covering, and space to run between!” he gushed. It didn’t sound like much, I thought. It… Read More »All About WONDER
It’s time for #50Precious Words! It’s always a fun challenge to write a full story arc in just 50 words. Thanks Vivian Kirkfield for the opportunity! Last year, I was inspired reading about Operation Mars 2020 in which a rover… Read More »Operation Mars 2020
Originally published in KQED Perspectives, Dec 23 2021 One cold, dark morning, the clouds seemed heavy, the sky ready to burst, and the air full of suspense. At school drop-off, I heard mounting whispers in the backseat of my car.… Read More »The Legend Of Lake M
Bella’s Recipe For Success Author: Ana Siqueira Illustrator: Geraldine-Rodriguez Publisher: Beaming Books A perfect book to read while you are baking treats for the holidays. Bella looks at her talented siblings and wonders what she might be good at. She… Read More »Book Review: Bella’s Recipe For Success by Ana Siqueira
A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor sheds light on Susanna, the first woman Mayor in the backdrop of 1887, and all the obstacles she faced in her path. In addition, Karen also brings it back to the present day highlighting the strong bond between Susanna the grandparent, and Ed, the grandchild.
It’s that time of the year. Fall is in the air and it’s time for the #FallWritingFrenzy contest! In India where I grew up, fall is also a time of festivities. The celebrations start and just keep going at this time. Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Navratri, Dushera, Diwali…it’s one big festival. The image that spoke to me this time was a picture of Durga Puja being celebrated.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTkbcmgAdk0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi this week, as the world seems wrapped in worries, here is a little dance poem to remind us stay innocent, invoke our inner strength and always keep going. We owe it to our… Read More »Poems: New Beginnings
See the poem in motion here https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSmlEEeAISA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link When I left my home for a new country, I carried with me – Three bags full; Of rice, lentils, utensils, oil for my hair, a tailored suit that I never wore. But… Read More »Three Bags Full
Our household, like many others, has been through numerous pandemic pursuits – hikes, swims, mid-day boogies, gardening, baking, board games, and every combination thereof. But one day, the books lying askew, the pom-poms strewn everywhere, the mud-soaked feathers and sticks lying on the carpet, the relentless meal planning, the fights for more screen time got to me –
I burst.
In this story, Srividhya Venkat effortlessly weaves together a strong storyline, likable characters, and an important message- that Dance is for everyone. Yali books always puts out books that don’t just entertain but make you pause and think. This one is no exception. Illustrations by Kavitha Ramdhandran are vivid, and detailed and capture the spirit of dance.
The status of the pandemic varies greatly depending on where you are, but Sandhya Acharya says the world is united by COVID more than ever.
This book, like, Ramadan, teaches kids and us all an important lesson in empathy.
..a masterfully crafted story that is gentle but powerful. As immigrants, first or second generation, we all struggle with nostalgia, the pressure to fit in, and the search for our unique identity. This book gives expression to all those feelings and turns the whole experience into something magical. It’s a therapy session in a picture book. Your kids will love it and so will you.