A Bindi Can Be ... - by Suma Subramaniam (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this lyrical picture book, a young girl learns how to make a bindi in the traditional way with the help of her Paati. Into the clay pot go the ingredients, such as turmeric and sandalwood powder. She stirs and stirs and stirs until ... like magic, the mixture transforms from yellow to bright red. When the girl wears her bindi, she discovers what it means to her -- how it keeps her calm and centered, and helps her see the world as one. From author Suma Subramaniam comes this beautiful story about mindfulness and celebrating the cultural traditions that make us who we are"--

Book Synopsis

A young girl makes a bindi with her grandmother and discovers what wearing one means to her.

A young girl is eager to learn all about bindis, the red dot that goes between her brows. Paati, her grandmother, shows her how to make a bindi in a clay pot by combining crushed turmeric, sandalwood powder and a dollop of ghee. They mix and mix and mix until, like magic, the mixture turns from yellow to bright red. Her bindi can be big or small, and shaped like a star, a flower or a glowing half-moon. She can wear her bindi to celebrate different festivals, such as Diwali, or on an ordinary day as a way to stay centered and calm. In this way, she discovers that her bindi is more than just a dot.

Author Suma Subramaniam's lovely intergenerational story celebrates the cultural traditions that make us who we are. The rich illustrations by Kamala Nair add layers of cultural details and captivatingly evoke the girl's experience as she prepares and wears her bindi. A Bindi Can Be ... is a mirror for the millions of children around the world who wear, or have family members who wear, a bindi. It offers a wonderful entry point for children learning about global cultures and traditions, and can be used for lessons on traditional celebrations such as Diwali. The story also provides an opportunity to introduce topics of mindfulness and emotional regulation to young children. Back matter contains extended information about bindis, what they are, other names for them, why people wear them and how they are made, as well as a glossary.

Review Quotes

... introduces bindis to young readers in a fun and thoughtful way, without being overly complex. The illustrations are gorgeous and help to evoke the magic of bindis that the author conveys throughout the text.--The Quebec Library Association (ABQLA)

... presented in simple text on lush pages filled with details ...--Children's Literature

A beautiful introduction to a mark and decoration of enormous cultural significance makes this title recommended for all collections.--School Library Journal

... refutes the idea that this familiar forehead dot is merely decorative ... Readers learn that there are many different names, designs, and levels of significance ...--Booklist

About the Author

Suma Subramaniam is the author of the picture books Namaste Is a Greeting and She Sang for India. Her writing has appeared in The Hero Next Door, a collection of short stories from We Need Diverse Books. Suma holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born in Bangalore, India, she now lives near Seattle, Washington.

Kamala Nair is a full-time illustrator, architect by trade and creator of the picture book We Did It Together. When she's not in her studio, she's taking in an earthy sunset or walking among the green pastures of Kerala, India, with her sketchbook in hand.