Picture Book Friday: Bindu’s Bindis

Summary: Bindu’s Bindis

Bindu’s bindis are her favorite accessories — and she has a lot of them! Her Nani (grandmother) sends her a new pack every week and Bindu loves changing them to match her mood, outfits, or the occasion. Bindu loves her culture and the heritage the bindis represent, but most of all, they make her feel connected to her Nani. But when Nani comes to visit and the family is confronted with xenophobic protests outside the airport, Bindu wants to hide her bindis and the parts of her culture that make her feel “other.”

When her school has a talent show, she’s afraid to perform the cultural dance she’d planned. But Nani saves the day.

The Good

I love how vibrant this book is. Bindu’s bindis are truly colorful and widely varied in style. Bindu herself is an exuberant, delightful child. The bond between her and her Nani obviously transcends distance. Readers see how she moves from elation and cultural pride to shrinking when people make her family feel unwelcome. Even at her school’s talent show, despite preparing her performance, she holds back until her grandmother steps in.

Besides the illustrations, I liked the rhythm of this story and the bond Bindi forms with her Nani.

Overall: Bindu’s Bindis

Bindu’s Bindis is a warm picture book about the bond between a grandmother and granddaughter and the love of bindis and culture they share. This book also highlights the impact of xenophobia and prejudice and reinforces cultural pride for kids who may be hesitant to display the culture that ties them to their loved ones. The rich illustrations by Parvati Pillai are dazzling and vibrant and add to the story’s depth.

Buy This Book

More Picture Book Reviews

• The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist
• Sunday Funday in Koreatown by Aram Kim
• Birdsong by Julie Flett

Have you read any books by Supriya Kelkar? I’ve heard wonderful things about American As Paneer Pie and she has two other middle grade books out this year.