Uma Krishnaswami has written numerous books about her former homeland, India. One fine example is Monsoon by Uma 
Krishnaswami, illustrated by Jamel Akib (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2003). This bookreminds me of my many months in India. Not only does it provide glimpses of Indian life-cows in the streets and the open market stalls-it includes valuable information regarding India’s climate and the importance of yearly monsoons. All are viewed through the eyes of a child who makes honest observations. The back page provides facts regarding monsoons. Uma’s passion for writing about India is conveyed in this magnificently illustrated book.
Higgins viewpoint that an “insider” is the best author for a multicultural story is reinforced in Uma’s work. After reading more about Uma, I quickly learned that she shares some of Higgins beliefs. See http://www.umakrishnaswami.com/common-errors for her insight on this topic.
Do you agree with Uma?
Pertinent Topics:
- Life in India
- Climate changes
- Monsoons
Another picture book by Uma worth exploring is Cachaji’s Cup, illustrated by Soumya Sitaraman (Children’s Book Press, 2003) This story is set in the States. Uma poignantly highlights the relationship between the main character Neel and his great uncle, Chachaji. Through dialogue, narrative, and a short explanation at the end of the book, the reader learns a bit about India’s 1947 Partition. The resiliency of a fragile cup is symbolically linked with Neel’s grandmother’s journey during the Partition and his great uncle’s aging.
Talking Points:
- Relationships
- Immigration
- Adjustments
- Indian history- 1947 Partition
- Character growth- how events can change someone’s perspective
Awards:
- One of the Best Children’s Books of the Year (2003), Bank Street College of Education
- 2004 Skipping Stones Award (Multicultural and International Books category)
- 2004 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
Related Blogs:
Overcoming Adversity- A Time to Dance
10 Responses to My Teaching Abroad
Exploring Indian Culture at the British Museum
Picture Book- the Endangered Bengal Tiger
Intergenerational Picture Books India
Award Winning Picture Book- India
Sandra’s Bio
Thanks for the shout-out about my books, Sandra. You may also be interested in my new picture book, Out of the Way! Out of the Way! now available in Canada and the US through Groundwood Books, and my middle grade novel from Atheneum, The Grand Plan to Fix Everything.
Uma, It was my pleasure to let my readers know about a couple of your books. Your words and the illustrators drawings add a subtle layer of understanding to a distant land that is far removed from most American children’s background knowledge.
I look forward to locating your new picture book. I checked out The Grand Plan to Fix Everything from the Boulder Library. After I finish reading, the latest stack of picture books, I will dive into a few chapter books.
Hi there,
I will bookmark your blog because your posts are very informative.
Thanks
harry
I’m glad you stopped by. Let me know if there is a particular genre you’d like to read about.