The Boy & the Bindi

by Vivek Shraya, illustrated by Rajni Perera

tagged: self-esteem & self-reliance, lgbt, asian american

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 book I’m Afraid of Men was heralded by Vanity Fair as “cultural rocket fuel” and her previous picture book, The Boy and the Bindi, was acclaimed by critics including CBC, The Globe and Mail, Buzzfeed and Book Riot. She is a seven-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Calgary, and the founder of the publishing imprint VS. Books, which supports emerging BIPOC writers.

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 easy rhyming and vivid colors make this an unforgettable look into Hindu culture. -Kirkus Reviews

Shraya makes her picture book debut with gentle rhymes and warm whimsy, amplified by Perara's richly hued illustrations.
-School Library Journal

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

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)

Shraya's story defines and affirms important values of Hindu culture -- and nudges gender norms, as well. -Publishers Weekly

A beautiful picture book [that explores] queer South Asian themes. -Huffington Post

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

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

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