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Pavadais in bright gold colors 
Jersey shirts and faded jeans
Swapping, changing, feeling seen 
Which is the color of me?   
  

"For fans of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, this poetic story filled with expressive art empowers South Asian children living in the United States and celebrates being bicultural." ​
Order American Desi here
Link to Teacher Guide
Praise for AMERICAN DESI !

★ “What a celebration of self! This is a joyful book, for every age. ..This rhythmic picture book articulates a common experience for young children who straddle two cultures. Highly recommended.   School Library Journal gives it a coveted STAR!

"I love that younger students can just enjoy the two different cultures, while older students can dig into the meaning of the text with beautiful figurative language. The main character describes how there are blurring lines, worlds colliding, and the need to be seen. There is so much to discuss!  Jessica Rogers, Literary Fusions 
"This captures the strong duality of a child who has strong claims to her Indian Heritage and equally strong ties to the culture she is absorbing in the U.S. Each spread juxtaposes cultural elements that she values: Bollywood dance and hip-hop; cricket matches on TV and baseball games at the park; Hindi, Tamil, and English languages. Rather than the conventional tension we see in many books about bicultural people, this wields a more inquisitive tone. The girl is seeking a cultural balance that incorporates the various aspects of her identity, and she finds it in the people around her. Sumptuous illustrations formed by collages of textured and printed fabrics provide the visual metaphor for the many threads that weave together harmoniously in the girl’s community."  ALA Booklist

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Order My Paati's Saris Here
Link to Teacher Guide
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My paati's saris SWIRL.
Peacocks preening,
lotus blooms peeking,
elephants parading -
my paati's saris SING 
to me



​
"A Tamil boy explores his love for his grandmother and her colorful sari collection in this tale of expressing your true self."

A School & Library Journal 2022 Best Picture Book of the Year!
A New York Public Library Best Book For Kids of 2022!
Bank Street Best Books of 2022!


Praise for MY PAATI’S SARIS !


“…A story of love and acceptance.” – Booklist

“A simple yet empowering journey through a cupboard of saris and stories.”  – Kirkus Reviews

 
★“A buoyant picture book about burgeoning identity and family lineage.” – Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

 
★“An expression of love threaded into the weave and weft of a boy’s yearning, this recommended purchase should be on the shelves for use in cross-generational units, LGBTQIA+ acceptance, and cultural awareness.” - School & Library Journal, starred review


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​In his desert world
there are lines in the sand
that keep you in your place.
Boy OR girl.
Man OR woman.
The boy knows this


Order Desert Queen Here
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5 stars for DESERT QUEEN!


“A love letter to gender fluidity, accompanied by stunning art full of vibrancy and warmth.” – Betsy Bird, Fuse8

★ “Vibrant, kaleidoscopic illustrations inspired by the desert environs and the textiles, architecture, and artwork of the city of Jaisalmer capture the joyful dancer's whirling and swirling movements… Lyrical poetry mirrors the sounds and beats of the local folk music and complements the dreamlike visuals. Evocative and electrifying.”– Kirkus (starred)

★ "...this powerful biographical picture book is both a celebration of art and a manifesto for living on one's own terms" - Publisher's Weekly (starred)

★ "As gorgeous and indefinable as Queen Harish herself, this book belongs on every shelf. " - Booklist (starred)

★ "Desert Queen is a fearlessly triumphant depiction of the wonder, magic and sparkle of dance." - BookPage (starred)

★ "Celebratory...striking." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred)



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 In an ode to the power of             music and community, this     vibrantly illustrated picture   book steps out on the balcony   for a shared moment of   spontaneous joy and   celebration.
 
​Out Jan. 16, 2024



Pre-order One Sweet Song Here
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​ Two sisters on a backyard adventure get   into a fight - will they forgive each other   and  go back to making the most   magnificent magical kingdom of all?             
  Out July 16, 2024 

​           

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  • Home
  • About
  • Out now
  • FORTHCOMING BOOKS
  • School Visits
  • Contact
  • IN THE MEDIA
  • Inspiration
  • Resources
    • For Writers >
      • KidLit Community
      • Blogs
    • For Teachers >
      • Poetry in your classroom
      • The Story of Words
      • The Story of Play
      • Science is Everywhere
      • Publications and Presentations