by Vivek Shraya, illustrated by Rajni Perera
Arsenal Pulp Press
10/16/2016, hardcover
SKU: 9781551526683
In this beautiful children's picture book by Vivek Shraya, author of the acclaimed God Loves Hair, a five-year-old South Asian boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, the red dot commonly worn by Hindu women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.
Beautifully illustrated by Rajni Perera, The Boy & the Bindi is a joyful celebration of gender and cultural difference.
Target age: 5 to 8
Reviews:
"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
About the Contributors:
Vivek Shraya is a writer, musician, performer, and filmmaker. His previous books include the novel She of the Mountains and the YA book God Loves Hair, and he has been shortlisted for Lambda Literary Awards three times. He has read and performed at shows, festivals and post-secondary institutions internationally.
Rajni Perera is a Sri Lankan-born artist whose internationally showcased work floats between Western and immigrant culture.