Ritu in the Sun
Written by Moniza Hossain
Illustrated by Mercè López
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
A lyrical picture book about one little girl’s experience with colorism—and a celebration of that which can make us see things anew: light and love.
Ritu loves the sun. She loves it in the morning when it slants in through the kitchen window; in the afternoon when it makes the pool sparkle; and in the evening when it lights up the sky with splashes of orange and pink. But her Nani is worried the sun will give Ritu a tan.
Can Ritu convince her that all skin colors are beautiful—including Nani’s own?
With poetic text and stunning illustrations, this poignant story is sure to inspire children to embrace their own unique beauty—and it includes the author’s grandmother’s own aloo bhaji and roti recipes at the back.
Primary ISBN: 9780593806692
Publication Date: April 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book , Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Singaporean/Singaporean American, Unspecified (South Asian)
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Colorism, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Generation: 2nd, Generational Differences, Identity: Body Image, Outdoor Exploration, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Intergenerational
Setting: Unspecified
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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