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“Shilpa’s older sister, Maya, is getting married, and Shilpa is nervous. What if she loses Maya to her new family? …Upbeat text and vibrant illustrations combine for a raucous story full of heart, movement, and joy. …[Shilpa’s] fears about losing her sibling and integrating into a new family are both relatable and beautifully explored. The illustrations are particularly inviting, featuring bold colors, intense emotional expression, and laugh-out-loud silliness. A sweet, playful tale about stealing shoes and finding family.”

– Kirkus Reviews

The Wedding Shoe Snatch

Written by Madhu Messenger
Illustrated by Darshika Varma
Published by Albert Whitman & Company

An exciting Indian wedding tradition helps a young girl accept the new members of her expanding family.

Shilpa’s whole family has gathered for her big sister’s wedding. But Shilpa doesn’t want Maya to get married—she wants her family to stay the same. Worse yet, she has to hang out with Rishi, the super-annoying younger brother of the groom. The only thing she’s excited for is the joota chupai: an action-packed Indian wedding tradition where the two sides of the family face off in a contest to snatch the groom’s shoes. Winning will take more than quick reflexes and an extra-sneaky plan—Shilpa will also need to rely on her new relatives and learn that a growing family isn’t such a bad thing after all.

Primary ISBN: 9780807571866
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

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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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