Maya’s Holi
Written by Thrity Umrigar
Illustrated by Kamala Nair
Published by Scholastic Press
Celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, sharing, and love with Maya as she visits her grandparents in India for the spring jubilee.
Maya loves visiting her grandparents in India, and this year is extra special because she is celebrating Holi with them. Maya and her family start the magical day by eating a special breakfast, including rasgulla dumplings and glasses of mango lassi. They put on colorful clothing and join the celebration out in the streets. The air fills with joyful songs and clouds of blue, red, and purple powder. On this special vacation, Maya can feel the magic of Holi.
When Maya returns to America, she carries the exhilarating energy of Holi with her. The spirit of the holiday — hope and forgiveness and love — keeps her warm.
Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, Holi takes place on March 14, 2025. It offers people the opportunity to begin anew — to have a fresh start. Thrity Umrigar’s heartfelt text and Kamala Nair’s richly colorful, exuberant illustrations fill the pages with happiness and joy. Informative back matter will teach readers about the history and traditions of Holi.
Primary ISBN: 9781338875553
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Indian/Indian American
Themes: Celebrations, Celebrations: Holi, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Extended, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Generation: 1st, Identity: Exploration, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Hindu, Setting: Home Country, Welcoming by Community
Setting: United States, India
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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