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list price: $19.95
edition:Hardcover
category: Children's Fiction
published: Sep 2016
ISBN:9781551526683
publisher:
Arsenal Pulp Press
Description
In this beautiful children's picture book by Vivek Shraya, author of the acclaimed God Loves Hair, a five-year-old boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, the red dot commonly worn by South Asian women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.
Beautifully illustrated with hand paintings by Rajni Perera, The Boy & the Bindi is a joyful celebration of gender and cultural difference.
Ages 4 to 8.
About the Authors
Vivek Shraya is an artist whose body of work crosses the boundaries of music, literature, visual art, theatre, and film. Her books include I'm Afraid of Men, The Subtweet, even this page is white, She of the Mountains, Death Threat, and The Boy & the Bindi, and her album with Queer Songbook Orchestra, Part-Time Woman, was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize. She is one half of the music duo Too Attached and the founder of the Arsenal Pulp Press imprint VS. Books. A six-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, Vivek was a Pride Toronto Grand Marshal, was featured on The Globe and Mail's Best Dressed list, and has received honours from the Writers' Trust of Canada and the Publishing Triangle. She is a director on the board of the Tegan and Sara Foundation and an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Calgary.
Rajni Perera is a Sri Lankan-born artist whose internationally showcased work floats between Western and immigrant culture. She lives in Toronto.
Editorial Reviews
The story is simple but incredibly touching and the words are accompanied by the most vibrant illustrations, ones that truly suit the vibrancy of South Asian culture. This may also be a great book to reach for when introducing Hinduism to anyone who is curious or confused about it. -Book Riot
A well told, richly illustrated representation of expansive gender that isn't white ... Shraya's warm and entertaining rhyming text tells a story about difference without relying on bullying, and shares with all kids something about the world told through the intimate lens of a child's experience of their body, mind, and spirit.
-CBC Parents
Shraya makes her picture book debut with gentle rhymes and warm whimsy, amplified by Perara's richly hued illustrations.
-School Library Journal
As a story, it's beautifully told, and the bright and colourful hand-painted illustrations complement the text perfectly. A great addition to a classroom bookshelf or home library. -Canadian Children's Booknews (Recommended)
A beautiful picture book [that explores] queer South Asian themes. -Huffington Post
Shraya's story defines and affirms important values of Hindu culture -- and nudges gender norms, as well. -Publishers Weekly
The easy rhyming and vivid colors make this an unforgettable look into Hindu culture. -Kirkus Reviews
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. -Booklist
