Bindu’s Bindis

Bindu’s loving Nani—and the multicolored, myriad shaped bindis she sends from India each month—imbues the child with strength in this rhythmic, anaphoric read by Kelkar: “Bindu adored her bindis. She wore them to the temple. She wore them on holidays. She wore them at home.” Pillai illustrates in a richly patterned digital style with expressive character designs and jewel tones. A pivotal spread shows an aerial view of visiting Nani twirling, fuchsia and goldenrod skirt fanning out around her, as bokeh lights her smiling face and Bindu watches in awe from the front of the stage. An encounter with racism feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the story, but this narrative effectively highlights the way a warm grandparent-child relationship can keep culture alive. Back matter includes more information about bindis. Ages 4–8. [em](Mar.) [/em]