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“There’s a valuable lesson here about being able to appreciate something new without completely abandoning the old… Neela’s story tenderly honors dance as both a part of a unique cultural context and something that can be universally enjoyed by anyone.”

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The text strikes a thoughtful balance: hopeful as Neela imagines blending two worlds yet gently acknowledging the ache of displacement and the longing for what she’s left behind…. Soft, graceful illustrations in muted pinks, purples, and tans convey movement and emotion with ease… A warm, culturally rich story of identity and belonging. Highly recommended for picture book collections.”

—School Library Journal

Music of the Bells

Written by Anitha Rao-Robinson
Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers

While living in India, Neela danced Kathak–a form of classical Indian dance that uses movement to tell stories–but now that her family has moved, she dances ballet like the other kids in her school. She loves ballet and her new friends, but she missed the feeling of being strong and graceful all at once, the stories that Kathak dances hold, and of course the jingle, jingle that her anklets make as she moves across the stage.

Neela decides to take a chance and sign up to do a Kathak routine at the annual showcase, but it’s been a while since she’s danced in this style, and she worries that the other kids won’t like it. When Amma reminds Neela to stay true to herself, Neela lets the music of the bells guide her.

Primary ISBN: 9780593624371
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: 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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