Mitali Banerjee Ruths

Picture book about a girl who celebrates the holiday Diwali. She is nervous to share it with her friends. They come over to celebrate and they learn a lot about the holiday and her culture. She and her friends end up having a great time and learn a lot!

I liked this book because it teaches children about a different holiday than their own. It’s very informative and entertaining for kids to learn about. I would use this book for 1st-3rd graders because it's informative but also easy to read for all age levels.… (más)

Living in the rural Midwest of the US, I have never had the opportunity to enjoy being at a wedding between people from India, nor spent much time understanding the rituals and celebrations of the people. Thank goodness for those who have given us the ability to learn and enjoy (even if we have to look elsewhere to listen to the music). This is a marvelous book!
The illustrations by Parwinder Singh are fun, imaginative, brilliantly colorful, and positively delightful!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 30 Apr 2024… (más)

This is a really sweet book. Highlights: graphic presentation (lots of pictures), activity for a cause (using her money to save animals), very kid-centered planning and decorations (achievable! Not too hard or expensive, but creative), love the ecologically friendly plans (buy less). It also really centers that the best way to celebrate people is to show them that you care, and you can do that in a lot of ways, ranging from showing up to making them things.

After reading this, I did find myself wondering if the entire current purpose of children's books right now is to create a willing workforce, because I've read a LOT of books that focus on entrepreneurship lately. I'm not sure why that is -- is it to encourage people to pursue their dreams and passions and seek fulfillment from a young age? Is it to free people from the capitalist pipeline? Is it to convince creatives that they shouldn't be paid for their work? Something to ponder.… (más)