Kesar and the Lullaby Birds - Aditi Oza - ★★★★★

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AUTHOR: Aditi Oza
ILLUSTRATOR:Debasmita Dasgupta
GENRE: Children's Picture Book.
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2022
RATING: 5 happy stars.

A beautiful children’s picture book set in my very own country and doing a wonderful job of rightful cultural representation.

Kesar lives with her little sister Kamal and their parents in the beautiful Rann of Kutch, a salt desert in the western part of India. (It is one of the largest salt deserts in the world.) Kamal doesn’t sleep no matter how many stories her parents tell her at night. When their grandmother comes for a visit and narrates an anecdote to Kesar, this bright girl has a wonderful idea of how she can get her baby sister down for a peaceful night.

I simply loved everything about this book. This story is so amazing! I can’t believe how much content the author packed into this little picture book without making it seem overwhelming. Family values, Indian traditions, sibling connections, parental roles, and local art forms – all find a place in the story. The plot is Indian but the emotions are universal.

The language is quite simple. There are a few Kutchi and Gujarati words used but there is a glossary at the end to help you with the meanings. The author’s note is also pretty detailed and speaks of the background behind the creation of the story and some details about Kutch and its artists.

The illustrations are outstandingly vivid. The clothes and accessories of Kesar and her family are true to Kutchi culture. A special shoutout to the detailing of the women’s jewellery. I adored the way every page was sketched as each sketch pops out of the page. I could stare at these illustrations for ages, they are so gorgeous! I am sure children will love the physical copy of this book for it will be amazing to look at!

If you want a fabulous glimpse into India, one that is true to Indian culture and stays clear of all stereotypes that other books on India seem intent on peddling to Western readers, please give this amazing book a place in your home, school, or library.

Based on the vocabulary and the length, I think this would work very well for little readers aged 4-8.

My thanks to Yali Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and NetGalley for the DRC of “Kesar and the Lullaby Birds”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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