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The Boy & the Bindi facts for kids
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| Author | Vivek Shraya |
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| Illustrator | Rajni Perera |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's picture book, Hindu culture, Cultural norms |
| Published | 2016 (Arsenal Pulp Press) |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 32 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9781551526683 |
| OCLC | 938996631 |
The Boy & the Bindi is a children's picture book from 2016. It was written by Vivek Shraya and illustrated by Rajni Perera. The story is about a young boy who loves his mother's bindi. He learns what happens when he decides to wear one himself.
Contents
About The Boy & the Bindi
This book tells the story of a young boy named Arjun. Arjun is fascinated by his mother's bindi. A bindi is a decorative dot worn on the forehead. It is often worn by people in South Asia, especially women.
Arjun loves how the bindi looks on his mother. He thinks it is beautiful and special. One day, he asks his mother if he can wear a bindi too. His mother says yes, and she helps him put one on.
The story follows Arjun as he wears the bindi. He feels happy and proud. However, he also learns that not everyone understands his choice. The book shows how he deals with different reactions from people around him.
What is a Bindi?
A bindi is a mark worn on the forehead. It is usually placed between the eyebrows. In Hindu culture, bindis have many meanings. They can be a sign of beauty, good luck, or spiritual awareness.
Traditionally, bindis were red dots made from vermilion powder. Today, they come in many colors and designs. They can be stickers, jewels, or painted marks. They are an important part of cultural identity for many people.
Important Messages in the Book
The Boy & the Bindi shares several important ideas. It teaches readers about self-expression. This means showing who you are through your choices. Arjun expresses himself by wearing the bindi.
The book also encourages cultural understanding. It helps kids learn about different traditions. It shows that people from various backgrounds have unique customs. Learning about them helps us respect each other.
Another key message is about challenging norms. Sometimes, society expects people to act a certain way. Arjun's story shows that it is okay to be different. It is important to be true to yourself.
Why This Book Matters
This book is important because it promotes acceptance. It teaches young readers to be open-minded. It shows that it is good to celebrate differences. It also helps children feel confident in who they are.
The story helps start conversations. It can help families talk about identity and culture. It encourages kids to ask questions. It also helps them think about how they treat others.
Meet the Creators
The book was created by two talented people. Vivek Shraya wrote the story. Rajni Perera created the beautiful illustrations.
Vivek Shraya: The Author
Vivek Shraya is a Canadian artist. She is known for her work in many areas. She writes books, makes music, and creates films. Her work often explores themes of identity and culture.
Shraya wrote this book to share a personal story. She wanted to show that it is okay to express yourself. She hopes her book helps young people feel seen and understood.
Rajni Perera: The Illustrator
Rajni Perera is a Canadian artist. She is known for her unique and colorful artwork. Her illustrations bring the story to life. They help readers connect with Arjun's feelings.
Perera's art style is very expressive. It helps show the beauty of the bindi. Her pictures also show the emotions of the characters. This makes the book even more powerful.