It’s another Perfect Picture Book Friday, and not only do I have a wonderful book to share, I also have a giveaway thanks to Sterling Children’s Books!
Leave a comment on this post to be entered in the random drawing and you could be the lucky winner of a hot-off-the-presses copy of Bindu’s Bindis when it releases March 16!
Let’s have a look at this wonderful book! 😊
Title: Bindu’s Bindis
Written By: Supriya Kelkar
Illustrated By: Parvati Pillai
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books, March 16, 2021
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: family, tradition, culture, courage
Opening: “Every month Bindu’s nani sent her a new set of bindis from India.
Bindu adored her bindis.
She wore them to the temple.
She wore them on holidays.
She wore them at home.”
Brief Synopsis: Bindu loves her family, especially her nani, and she loves the bindis that nani sends her. But sometimes, she feels different in a way that doesn’t feel good. But with her nani beside her and a lightning bolt bindi for courage, she finds she’s able to embrace who she is even if others sometimes find her differences strange.
Links To Resources: an author’s note at the end offers wonderful information and details about bindis; we are all unique – what are some things about you that others might find different, strange, or hard to understand about you even though they seem completely normal in your family?; we all have things in common – what are some things you share with people who seem different in some ways?; Bindu chooses certain bindis to match her mood/emotional state – a lightning bolt for feeling brave, an oval for pride, squiggly lines for feeling unique. Would you choose as Bindi does? What shapes would you choose to match feeling shy? Fierce? Uncertain?
Why I Like This Book: Bindu is a delightful and charming main character who bounces believably between exuberant self-confidence and sudden worrying uncertainty, but no matter what she faces she feels surrounded by and grounded in the love of her family, especially her beloved nani. I love the warm feeling of family, Bindu’s deep connection to nani, and the way culture and tradition come through as a natural part of the story without feeling forced or contrived. The bright, colorful art is a perfect complement to the brighter moments of the story, dimming to more subdued colors on the pages where Bindu’s confidence and security are challenged, and rising to a swirl of bright pink dress in the purple background of the stage when Bindu finds the courage to join nani. A lovely book that will introduce young readers to the meaning and importance of bindis.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Don’t forget to leave a comment to get entered in the random drawing to win a copy of this lovely book!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
The art is amazing. Parvati Pillai is a very skilled illustrator indeed. I was intrigued by the title. I didn’t know what it meant so I came to check it out. I don’t know why we don’t see more picture books about Indian culture. I own a lot of picture books (over 600) by I’ve never come across anything similar, so well done to Sterling Children’s Books. They put out quality books so I’m not surprised that this one turned out so great, but it is alarming that there aren’t any similar ones on the market.
It is a wonderful book, Anna! And I think you’re right – there is room in the market for a lot more of this type of book. Maybe you should write one! 😊
What a beautiful story and such gorgeous illustrations!
Thank you, Susanna for bringing this book to our attention.
This sounds like a fascinating new picture book, featuring a cultural practice I know little about. Can’t wait to read it.
This looks like a beautiful, delightful book. I look forward to reading it. Congratulations, Supriya!
The book being beautiful taught me something I did not know about; a powerful combination.
What a beautiful book. As I collect books about the world’s cultures, I can’t wait to add it to my collection. Best, Lynne Marie
This book looks wonderful! I would love to feature it on my Instagram page for 10-word picture book reviews @landoflibros
Love the perspective of that last illustration shown, looking down on the twirling pink and gold fabric. This looks like a gorgeous book in so many ways!
Oh my gosh! Those illustrations just draw me in.
What a beautiful story about family, love and cultural traditions. I have a soft spot for Hindu stories. Thanks for the introduction!
Beautiful! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing.
I love seeing more diverse books being published! This one is beautiful. It’s so important for children to see all different cultures portrayed in picture books!
I love Bindu’s selection of her bindi depending upon her mood or the occasion. And I love books that help children understand the differences among us as well as the similarities. And the illustrations are gorgeous. Great work Supriya!
A beautiful addition to the the multi-cultural fabric of our world! I can’t wait to add it to my library 🙂
This book is on my TBR list! Love the vibrant illustrations and the relationship between Bindu and her Nani. Also love how they stand up to racism, and how Bindu ends up being proud of her culture. Great pic, Susanna!
What gorgeous artwork. I love the many themes embodied in this story. A needed addition to bookshelves. Congrats to Supriya, Parvati, and Sterling Books.
Beautiful illustrations for a beautiful story!
Aren’t they gorgeous? I love them!
Glorious colors and engaging text. Having spent time teaching in India, the tone is perfect!
What a beautiful book; the illustrations are magical.