MAMA'S SARIS

It’s a girl’s seventh birthday, and she wants to wear a sari, like her mother, who wears one on special occasions. “When you get older,” Mama gently tells her, and then asks for help in choosing one to wear. Together they go through all of the saris, each one more beautiful than the next, each with its own memories. When they find a glowing orange one that Mama wore when the girl was born, it’s clearly the best choice. Compared to Mama, though, the girl feels drab, so Mama finally agrees that it’s time for the girl’s first sari. The girl chooses a glittering blue-and-gold one, and Mama carefully pins it on, adds some bangles and finishes with a bindi. Enthralled, the girl turns to the mirror, and she is overjoyed to see that she looks just like Mama. Bright glowing saris float across the pages and frame this loving mother and daughter as they share memories and appreciate the beautiful fabrics and patterns. (glossary, author’s note) (Picture book. 5-8)