Mama’s Roti by Raakhee Mirchandani

Illustrated by Shreya Gupta

Also available from:

On Sale: Oct 29, 2024
Page Count: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316339469

A powerful story about the life-giving force of roti—a round Indian flatbread—and where it comes from, the people who grow it, and what it symbolizes within two families, inspired by the farmers’ protests in India.

A roti isn’t just a roti. It’s a day in the hot sun tending to the wheat fields. It’s little grains of truth about where we come from. It’s a snack in the car for the perfect road trip lunch. It’s hundreds of hands over thousands of years, kneading together our story.

Told through alternating perspectives of a family in America and a family in India, this powerful cross-continental, intergenerational story proves that something as small as a grain of wheat can create a powerful sense of community.

Genre:

“This tender, lyrical picture book is a clever, poignant look at the myriad ways food nourishes us…a visual delight and a pleasure to read. A touching ode to a South Asian culinary staple.”
Kirkus
Praise for My Diwali Light
A Junior Library Guild Selection

“[A] vibrant account of a close-knit family and community. MY DIWALI LIGHT should be part of all sets of books about traditions and cultures.”
Booklist
"Mirchandani equates Diwali with collectivity, showing that the joy of the holiday can be shared with family and friends inside and outside of the culture."
SLJ
"Mirchandani’s simple, elegant text explains the holiday, vividly bringing to life a family that loves coming together to share traditions, while Kelkar’s bold use of color (particularly shades of purple, blue, and green) makes the illustrations pop…. A warm, heartfelt ode to Diwali and the joys of family."
Kirkus
Praise for Hair Twins:

* “A feel-good picture book about diversity, family relationships, and self-love.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “Digitally collaged illustrations in a colorful cartoon style by Hatam spotlight a cast with a range of abilities, hair textures, religions, and skin tones. A sweet read that epitomizes a compassionate bond between parent and child.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A loving portrayal of a father-daughter bond that is strengthened over daily hair care, something that honors the characters’ religion while nurturing their relationship."
Horn Book
“Mirchandani makes a concert piece of the creation of Mama’s roti … a great tribute to the multifaceted nature of the pillowy flatbread.”
School Library Journal