The Boy & the Bindi

A small boy asks his mother about her bindi, the dot Hindu women wear on their foreheads: "Above her nose is where it goes./ What is this dot? I want to know!" He looks up at her in the bathroom as she peers into the mirror to make sure it's in the right position. "My bindi keeps me safe and true," she explains. "My bindi tells me where I'm from." She offers the boy his own bindi--a break from convention, since they are more commonly worn by married women--and he senses its effects for himself. "As soon as it's on, I feel so calm--/ Like all the noise around is gone." The bindi watches over the wearer, "Making sure I don't hide/ Everything I am inside." Newcomer Perera's illustrations sometimes stumble into cliche with stars and tie-dye effects, but other spreads compel attention. A tight-focused portrait of Ammi gazes out from the page; she's strikingly beautiful, with dark skin, dark eyes, and swirling black hair. Shraya's (God Loves Hair) story defines and affirms important values of Hindu culture--and nudges gender norms, as well. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--A young boy, curious about his "Ammi's dot...a bright and pretty spot," innocently asks, "Why do you wear that dot?/What's so special about that spot?" His mother crouches to eye level so he can touch her forehead as she explains, "It's not a dot... It's not a spot, it's a bindi!" As for the why, her simple response resonates: "My bindi keeps me safe and true." When the boy receives his own golden bindi--his mother's is red--he connects with generations past and is inspired to embark on a journey of empowered discovery. Indian Canadian musician/filmmaker/writer Shraya (God Loves Hair) makes her picture book debut with gentle rhymes and warm whimsy, amplified by Toronto artist Perara's richly hued illustrations. The author, a transgender woman, deftly explores difference and self-acceptance, the subversion of gender expectations, and the power of "making sure I don't hide/Everything I am inside." While acknowledging the bindi's significance to the boy's own family, Shraya seems to purposefully avoid discussing its historical/religious meaning or the possibility of cultural appropriation. VERDICT Imparting an important lesson on inclusivity and individuality, this multicultural, intergenerational story of young agency is a timely acquisition for all libraries.--Terry Hong, Smithsonian BookDragon, Washington, DC

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The easy rhyming and vivid colors make this an unforgettable look into Hindu culture. —Kirkus Reviews

Suitable as a gentle introduction to Hindu culture, this simple reflection will complement multicultural collections. The beautiful and detailed illustrations, such as those of Ammi's traditional dress and jewelry, provide additional cultural context. —Booklist

Shraya's story defines and affirms important values of Hindu culture — and nudges gender norms, as well.—Publishers Weekly

The story is simple but incredibly touching and the words are accompanied by the most vibrant illustrations, ones that truly suit the vibrancy of South Asian culture. This may also be a great book to reach for when introducing Hinduism to anyone who is curious or confused about it. —Book Riot

Shraya makes her picture book debut with gentle rhymes and warm whimsy, amplified by Perara's richly hued illustrations. —School Library Journal