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“An unnamed South Asian boy becomes fascinated with the decoration on his mother’s brow, and when she explains what it means to her, he asks for one of his own. The bindi makes him feel safe, calm, sure. …More sure of himself now, the boy explains that it’s like a third eye watching over him, reminding him not to hide himself away and to embrace his potential self. …The mostly easy rhyming and vivid colors make this an unforgettable look into Hindu culture.”

– Kirkus Reviews

The Boy & The Bindi

Written by Vivek Shraya
Illustrated by Rajni Perera
Published by Arsenal Pulp Press

In this beautiful children’s picture book by Vivek Shraya, a five-year-old South Asian boy becomes fascinated with his mother’s bindi, the red dot commonly worn by Hindu women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own.

Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.

Beautifully illustrated by Rajni Perera, The Boy & the Bindi is a joyful celebration of gender and cultural difference.

Primary ISBN: 9781551526683
Publication Date: October 2016
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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

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Teacher’s Guide

A Reading by Catherine Hernandez

Source: vivekshraya.com