A RAKHI FOR RAKESH

Two South Asian siblings resolve a conflict during Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu holiday devoted to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

Aashi loves her older brother, Rakesh…most of the time. The two play carrom (an Indian board game), pretend to be pirates, and ride their scooters in the evening as the fireflies flicker. Some days, though, their relationship is harder to navigate—like when Rakesh rips Aashi’s favorite drawing (he claims it’s an accident; she’s skeptical) or when Aashi breaks Rakesh’s toy submarine (“OOPS! That was an accident, too”). But their recent fight clouds their experience of Raksha Bandhan, a holiday they usually enjoy. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (or bracelet) around their brothers’ wrists, while brothers reciprocate by giving their sisters a gift, but today, neither is in the mood for loving gestures. But when they’re unexpectedly separated after a scooter accident, the children realize how much they love one another. Luckily, they reach a resolution in time to exchange both a rakhi and a gift. Though some Hindus have critiqued Raksha Bandhan for its patriarchal roots (the act of tying a bracelet is said to signify a boy’s willingness to safeguard his sisters or other female relatives), the story avoids mention of protection. Ali’s bright, detailed illustrations rely on dramatic perspectives and angles and expressive characters, pairing well with Salomon’s clear, efficiently told text.

A tender tale of siblings making amends.