BAKAASUR

Jatkar’s picture book tells a modern tale of ice cream making, rooted in Indian folklore.

The main story is prefaced by the Hindu tale of Bakaasur, a human-devouring demon who terrorizes villagers and is killed by Bheem, a visiting king. Then, in a more modern scene, seven young cousins play at their Amma and Baba’s house on a hot day. Suddenly, Baba announces, “Let’s make ice cream!” The children hide because they know that Baba will insist on using his own hand-powered ice cream maker, which they’ve dubbed Bakaasur. The family members, who have varying skin tones, prepare by sourcing milk, rock salt, and ice. Baba makes a schedule, Amma combines an assortment of ingredients, including almonds and cinnamon, and the laborious endeavor begins. Then the old machine conks out. When a rigged-up rickshaw can’t get the machine to churn, Amma and the children formulate a new plan. Many kids love ice cream, so the subtitle of this book may be enough to woo reluctant young readers. It may particularly interest those who may be unfamiliar with the tradition of churning one’s own ice cream as a family event spanning the majority of a day. The stylized, detailed full-color depictions of rickshaws, spices, the marketplace, and customary clothing bring vibrancy and authenticity to the pages.

A diverse, offbeat, and amusing tale.