The Boy & the Bindi
 | |
| Author | Vivek Shraya |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Rajni Perera |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's book, Hindu culture, Cultural norms |
| Published | 2016 (Arsenal Pulp Press) |
| Publication place | Canada |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 32 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9781551526683 |
| OCLC | 938996631 |
The Boy & the Bindi is a 2016 children's picture book by Vivek Shraya and illustrated by Rajni Perera. It is about a young boy's obsession with his mother's bindi and his experiences when he wears one.
Reception
[edit]The School Library Journal in a review of The Boy & the Bindi wrote "Shraya (God Loves Hair) makes her picture book debut with gentle rhymes and warm whimsy, amplified by Toronto artist Perara’s richly hued illustrations. The author, a transgender woman, deftly explores difference and self-acceptance, the subversion of gender expectations, and the power of “making sure I don’t hide/Everything I am inside.”"[1] and Booklist stated "Suitable as a gentle introduction to Hindu culture, this simple reflection will complement multicultural collections. The beautiful and detailed illustrations, such as those of Ammi's traditional dress and jewelry, provide additional cultural context."[2]
CM: Canadian Review of Materials was concerned with the apparent awkwardness of the rhyming text but commended the illustrations.[3]
The Boy & the Bindi has also been reviewed by Publishers Weekly,[4] and Kirkus Reviews.[5]
References
[edit]
- ^ "Picture Xpress Reviews: The Boy & the Bindi". School Library Journal. Media Sources Inc. January 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
- ^ Shraya, Vivek (2016). The Boy & the Bindi. Arsenal Pulp Press. ISBN 9781551526683. OCLC 938996631. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - ^ Ellen Heaney (September 2, 2005). "The Boy & the Bindi". CM: Canadian Review of Materials. 23 (6). The Manitoba Library Association. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
The short rhyming text from an author who has other publications as well as awards to her credit is a bit awkward. .. The bright and luscious illustrations by Perera, a Toronto artist of Sri Lankan heritage, show the boy in day-to-day surroundings and isolate charming small details such as a foot with an ankle bracelet or the contents of a trinket drawer.
- ^ "The Boy & the Bindi". Publishers Weekly. PWxyz LLC. October 10, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
Newcomer Perera's illustrations sometimes stumble into cliché with stars and tie-dye effects, but other spreads compel attention. .. Shraya's (God Loves Hair) story defines and affirms important values of Hindu culture—and nudges gender norms, as well.
- ^ "The Boy & the Bindi". Kirkus Media LLC. August 2, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
The bright, beautiful illustrations by Perera do the heavy lifting, symbolically infusing the boy's cultural difference with the spiritual power it carries for the wearer. .. The mostly easy rhyming and vivid colors make this an unforgettable look into Hindu culture.
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