02 Jul Review: A Bindi Can Be…
A Bindi Can Be…
Written by Suma Subramaniam; illustrated by Kamala Nair
Kids Can Press, 2024
ISBN: 9781525308031 (jacketed hardcover)
$21.99 CAD (jacketed hardcover)
32 pages
Ages: 3 to 8 years old
Review by: Cassandra Ricafort
As a young girl makes a bindi with her grandmother, she discovers that bindis are more than just a dot on the forehead. Bindis have many different names, can take different shapes and sizes, and wearing one can mean different things for different people. A Bindi Can Be introduces bindis to young readers in a fun and thoughtful way, without being overly complex. The illustrations are gorgeous and help to evoke the magic of bindis that the author conveys throughout the text. The warm, rich colours the illustrator uses really bring these illustrations to life. An author’s note at the end of the book includes more information on how bindis are made and why people wear them. A glossary of terms used can also be found on the last page. The short and easy text would make this a great option for early readers. It would be perfect for story time around a Hindu holiday such as Diwali or to just introduce the concept of bindis to young children. This Own Voices diverse picture book would be a perfect addition to a child-centric library.