chapter-book, Canadian-author, Indo-Tanzanian, creative-solutions, artisans, artist, self-identity, Tamil-Canadian, gender-expression, mehndi-henna-artistry, wedding-madness, cultural-differences, cultural-diversity, cultural-exploration, cultural-heritage, family-dynamics, family-history, family, relatives, encouragement, self-worth-issues, apologies, India*****

Tehzeeb learns to do the art of mehndi and also learns that adults can apologize for being wrong.
During the new year celebrations he meets a famous mehndi artist and begins to learn the art. Later his uncle tells him that this is not an art form for boys. This causes him great distress and nearly ruins his joy in the art. But he also remembers that his uncle said "practice makes progress" and that it is a way of learning through mistakes. On his cousin's wedding day it seems as if she might have to do without her mehndi, but he saves the day.
I was delighted to see that one of the children waiting for her mehndi while he was practicing and delighting his classmates and others was in a w/c.
The story takes place in India.
Illustrations by Jani Balakumar are delightful, fun, imaginative, colorful, and beautiful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or teacher or your public library!
I requested and received an uncorrected proof from Annick Press Ltd/Annick Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
The mehndi trivia and drawing activities were not yet available.

Canadian author and illustrator ( )