My Mother’s Tongues: A Weaving of Languages

“Though my mother speaks with two tongues, I can see only one in her mouth. That’s because the two... are now woven together like fine cloth. The seams are invisible.” Using explanatory prose, Menon details how young Sumi’s mother, born in Kerala, speaks Malayalam as well as the English she learned at school in India and after moving to America. Sumi, born in America, also speaks both languages. While visiting a store, Sumi’s mother speaks English with a cashier, and a blend of languages when speaking to Sumi: “The languages hop, like rabbits, from her tongue.” Further pages describe how “each language is like a muscle,” note that “the more languages I learn and practice... the stronger my brain will become,” and underline the idea that “no matter how they speak, every person’s voice is unique and important.” Employing canvas and quilted textures, Jomepour Bell emphasizes the theme of weaving throughout this informative celebration of multilingualism. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)