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“A great sense of peace and calm felt by those who love the river is translated to readers… This piece of ¬literature beautifully represents the Ganga river and serves to educate readers on the Hindu beliefs and practices surrounding the river.”

– School Library Journal

“A quietly affecting story about nature providing emotional succor… An earthy palette, etching-like detailing, and watery flowing lines lend Le’s immersive digital renderings an emotional heft that movingly pairs with the story as it traces Ananda’s transformation from worried to consoled”

– Publishers Weekly

“The serene digital illustrations complement the emotional arc recounted in the gentle text…about the “magic” of India’s Ganga, a “holy river” worshipped as a goddess.”

– Horn Book Magazine

The Greatest River

Written by Namita Moolani Mehra
Illustrated by Khoa Le
Published by HarperCollins

Born in a glacier, high up in the Himalayas.

A river worshipped by millions.

A goddess.

With her Mamma sick, Ananda and her Maasi, her aunt, make their way to the great river Ganga to experience the powerful tradition of bathing in the river’s healing waters. It’s within the Great Mother’s swirling embrace that Ananda embarks on a healing and eye-opening journey, finding more than she ever could have imagined along the way.

From celebrated author Namita Moolani Mehra and award-winning artist Khoa Le comes a story about the peace, healing, and hope nature often provides.

Primary ISBN: 9780063207455
Publication Date: February 2025
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: India

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country

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

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