written by Meera Sriram
illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
published by Knopf, Penguin Random House
Releases April 18, 2023
This touching picture book celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories.
The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home.
Lyrical text pairs with vibrant illustrations for this poignant picture book that blooms with heart, connects us to our roots, and sweetly reminds us of the garden of love we curate with those closest to us.
American Library Association’s 2022 RISE: A FEMINIST BOOK PROJECT selection
Featured in Kirkus Reviews: 7 STELLAR MIDDLE GRADE READS FOR YOUNG FEMINISTS
“A book like this reminds us that there really is nothing that cannot be learned about through children’s books. . . . A powerful biography that will inspire readers who can relate to being biracial and bicultural, artistic, motivated, determined, and curious.” – Booklist
“This lyrical picture-book biography not only celebrates Sher-Gil’s rebellious brilliance, it also frankly examines the challenges and opportunities presented by having a mixed heritage. While much of Sher-Gil’s life and work involved highly adult themes, this book addresses these issues in a child-friendly manner without hiding the truth.” – Kirkus Reviews
In THE NEW YORK TIMES : 8 Picture Books About Food and Fellowship
2022 SKIPPING STONES HONOR AWARD WINNER
“Sriram’s simple rhyming story celebrating the unifying magic of food pairs well with the childlike naïveté of de Antuñano’s inclusive and diverse gouache illustrations. . . .Without skipping a beat, she folds words for both dumplings and family members and their respective languages into her couplets.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Peppy, rhyming text; cheerful illustrations; and a counting element combine for an enjoyable introduction to 10 types of dumpling from around the world, spanning Nigeria to Russia to Japan.” – Booklist
2021 SOUTH ASIA BOOK AWARD Winner
2020 Foreword Reviews Indies BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR, SILVER AWARD Winner
A 2021 Bank Street BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR
A 2020 School Library Journal BEST PICTURE BOOK
A 2020 NERDY BOOK AWARD Winner
“An excellent story for young readers to enhance their understanding of color and an aspect of traditional Indian culture.” – 
School Library Journal
“a must-have for primary libraries seeking fresh material for required curricula.” – Foreword
“A thoughtful story that artfully addresses the loss of a grandparent from an immigrant perspective.” – Kirkus
“This thoughtful picture book provides a rare and necessary perspective, free of tropes and clichés…” – ALA Booklist
“beautifully bittersweet expression of love and loss” – Foreword
Official Author Bio:
As an Indian American, Meera Sriram has lived equal parts of her life in both countries. Previously an electrical engineer, she now writes for children and advocates for diversifying bookshelves. Meera is the author of several picture books including A GIFT FOR AMMA that received the 2021 South Asia Book Award, and BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, an American Library Association’s 2022 RISE: A Feminist Book Project selection. She believes in the transformative power of stories and likes to write about people, places, and experiences less visible in children’s literature. Meera’s forthcoming titles include A GARDEN IN MY HANDS, and OUR WORLD: INDIA, both scheduled for release in Spring 2023. She lives with her husband and two teens in Berkeley, California. For more information, please visit: http://www.meerasriram.com
Official Headshot: 
MY CAMPAIGN FOR BUILDING DIVERSE BOOKSHELVES FOR CHILDREN
We Need Diverse Books Post: How Picutre Books Help Young Readers Travel The World
On The Importance of Difficult Themes in Children’s Literature
CBC Diversity: Multicultural Children’s Book Day Feature
Ten Reasons Parents Should Read Multicultural Books to Kids
The Brown Bookshelf’s Declaration in Support of Children
Diverse and Multicultural Book Reviews
Meera Sriram 