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“An intimate, lyrical story about an ancient artistic tradition.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“[A] vibrantly rendered picture book.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Vibrant colors and traditional South Asian motifs complement the narrative.”

—Booklist

“Filled with love, imagination, and just the right amount of whimsy, this is a colorful introduction to how henna is used, especially in South Asian cultures.”

—School Library Journal

A Garden in My Hands

Written by Meera Sriram
Illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home.

There’s a wedding tomorrow! And one little girl sits patiently while her mother tenderly applies intricate, delicate henna designs on her hands. As she does, she shares family stories–about weddings, monsoons, and ancestors long gone. The little girl must be careful to protect her hands as the henna dries–one smudge could ruin a story! After a whole night of anticipation, when the flakes are washed away, what will they reveal?

Lyrical text pairs with vibrant illustrations for this poignant picture book that blooms with heart, connects us to our roots, and sweetly reminds us of the the garden of love we curate with those closest to us.

Primary ISBN: 9780593427101
Publication Date: April 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

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Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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