Sandhya Rhao, illustrated by Nina Sabnani
My Mother's Sari
North South, 2006

Ages 4-8

Sandhya Rhao's sensitively brings the sari, a garment worn daily by many women through the length and breadth of India, to life in this gorgeous book.

The generosity of one mother's long, unstitched stretch of cloth lends itself to her little daughter's daydreams about the possibilities concealed in its simple form. Whether the little girl
is using it to hide with her friends, as a hammock, or to wipe her nose, mother's  sari can be almost anything!

The simple story, the illustrations and the book's superb graphic treatment come together in a very playful and visual treat, set against a wonderful variety of fabrics and patterns.

Sabnani's technique of combining photographs of the sari fabrics with acrylic paintings make for very original renderings of the girls' creativity within the story.

In eight simple, clearly illustrated steps children will learn how to drape, fold, and pleat the sari in an appropriate way.

Aline Pereira
January 2007