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“Insights on staying connected to extended family and friends and ways of making sure lives remain engaged and meaningful accompany all sorts of insights on India’s culture, with references to Marathi words expanding a child’s insights on Indian traditions and heritage.”

– Donovan’s Literary Services

“An Indian child prepares to move to a new country, leaving beloved grandparents behind…In response, Aaji and Ajoba sing a Hindu prayer that will remind the little one of the unbreakable bond between grandparents and grandchild. The main character reveals a secret worry: “What if you forget me some day? What if I forget you some day?”…Accompanied by simply sketched, vibrantly illustrated images, this wonderfully rhythmic text perfectly encapsulates the trepidation that many immigrant children feel when they leave family and memories behind…A tender tribute to the importance of preserving memories of one’s homeland.”

– Kirkus Reviews

A Kurta to Remember

Written by Gauri Dalvi Pandya
Illustrated by Avani Dwivedi
Published by Sleeping Bear Press

Tomorrow is moving day and one little girl worries about moving so far, far away from her Aaji and Ajoba. But Aaji gifts her with a handmade kurta. A kurta with two big pockets for holding all the small things that will remind the girl of her grandparents—from the mogra flowers in Aaji’s hair to Ajoba’s diya. Then the girl has an even better idea and helps Aaji make two more kurtas with pockets she can fill to remind her grandparents of her too.

When finally they are on other sides of a big ocean, they put on their kurtas—and do not feel so far, far away from one another. This touching story about worry and loving reassurance is part of our Own Voices, Own Stories collection.

Primary ISBN: 9781534113107
Publication Date: April 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: India, Unspecified (Western Country)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

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

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