Dancing Devi - by Priya Parikh (Paperback)

About the Book

A culturally rooted picture book that shares a universal message of dedication and self-love through the practice of a classical Indian dance form.

Book Synopsis

A 2023 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award-Best New Voice, Children's & YA, Silver; A 2023 NYC Big Book Award-Children's-Motivational

Celebrate the beauty of classical Indian dance while learning to grow through missteps and failures

Devi wants to be a perfect bharatanatyam dancer, just as she believes her mom to be, but she is disheartened when she loses her first dance competition. Devi decides to practice until she is perfect, but no matter how hard she works on her facial expressions or her footwork, she keeps making mistakes. She is at the point of giving up, when Devi's mother shares the mistakes she made while learning how to dance, helping Devi realize that imperfection and failure are a part of learning.

A culturally rooted picture book that shares a universal message of dedication and self-love through the practice of a classical Indian dance form.

Visit Sambasivan & Parikh's website to download and view free classroom resources for Dancing Devi, including a teacher guide, printable activity kit, and a video flip book.

Why Teachers and Parents Love This Book:

• SEL Focused: Encourages conversations about overcoming self-doubt and perseverance
• Cultural Appreciation: Introduces elements of Indian classical dance and cultural heritage, fostering curiosity and respect
• Growth Mindset: Helps children understand that mistakes are part of learning and growth
• Creative Expression: Inspires kids to explore the arts as a form of self-discovery
• Empowerment: Reinforces the importance of believing in yourself and embracing your individuality

A Perfect Picture Book For:

• Preschool-Grade 2
• Confidence-building lessons
• Units on culture, arts, and self-expression
• Dance and movement activities in classrooms
• Families looking to celebrate Indian identity and heritage

A joyful and inspiring story about embracing failures during growth and finding your confidence in moments of self-doubt.

Review Quotes

"Bright cultural touches, like Devi's mother's flowing blue sari in the central scene, complement the book's messages. Vocabulary words are bolded throughout to facilitate learning." - Foreword Reviews

"Dancing Devi demystifies the ancient Indian dance form of bharatanatyam for cultural outsiders and provides a delightful reflection for those in the know..." - Booklist

"A well-intentioned picture book about perfectionism..." - Kirkus

"I absolutely loved this book... I especially love seeing this story through the eyes of an Indian girl who loves to dance just like me." - Payal Kadakia, Entrepreneur, Dancer, and Investor