Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite

A familial narrative centered on Sankranti, the Indian festival of kites, transforms sibling rivalry into a tale of innovation. Mini, admiring her brother’s airborne kite, “longed to fly one of her own.” But Bhai’s smirking response—“Kites aren’t for little girls! Go play with your crafts”—drives her to make one herself. Paper, sticks, and strings “soon took the shapes of Mini’s hopes and dreams.” Yet after repeated attempts, she still can’t get it to fly, until Bhai’s instructions finally help the object gain altitude and navigate the kite fights that are part of the day. Though a beat hinges on information provided only in back matter, affectionally punny language from Gupta (“Kite-astrophe!”) and a jewel-toned palette from Oza make for a story of fortitude bolstered by lively visuals—the kites read like breezy confetti scattered against the sky. Characters cue as South Asian. Back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)