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Prahlad and Nida Learn About Holi: The Festival of Colors and Love
37 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 25, 2024
On the occasion of Holi, I rekindled my love for graphic novels or comics. Just going through the format of the comic, after say 15-20 years, made me heavily nostalgic.
Prahlad is an Indian settled with his parents in Austin. He makes comics and the book is in the form of his diary entries. Through Prahlad's life, we get acquainted to racial discrimination and bullying Indian children face in western countries. Jack, Prahlad’s classmate is constantly making fun of his skin colour and name. There are teams in the school in which Prahlad isn’t included. Prahlad is angry with his mother for naming him so. That is when his mother explains the meaning of Prahlad and a coloured representation of a folklore enlightens us.
The theme of Holi is beautifully used to highlight the importance of accepting our skin colour as a matter of pride rather than feeling bogged down about it. Prahlad’s mother through her kitchen tries to keep the love for India alive in a faraway country. Her struggles seemed real. I could feel the pain of such parents who are taking immense efforts to protect their children from racial discrimination and inculcate Indian values in their children.
While the comics isn’t sad or preachy, it gives a strong message of resilience and faith to its readers. I liked the way two to three core issues were tackled with fun and excitement fused in the narrative. At the end of the comics, there is an activity to keep its young readers involved creatively.
I strongly recommend this book to teachers, and school librarians who must read it out loud to their students.
Prahlad is an Indian settled with his parents in Austin. He makes comics and the book is in the form of his diary entries. Through Prahlad's life, we get acquainted to racial discrimination and bullying Indian children face in western countries. Jack, Prahlad’s classmate is constantly making fun of his skin colour and name. There are teams in the school in which Prahlad isn’t included. Prahlad is angry with his mother for naming him so. That is when his mother explains the meaning of Prahlad and a coloured representation of a folklore enlightens us.
The theme of Holi is beautifully used to highlight the importance of accepting our skin colour as a matter of pride rather than feeling bogged down about it. Prahlad’s mother through her kitchen tries to keep the love for India alive in a faraway country. Her struggles seemed real. I could feel the pain of such parents who are taking immense efforts to protect their children from racial discrimination and inculcate Indian values in their children.
While the comics isn’t sad or preachy, it gives a strong message of resilience and faith to its readers. I liked the way two to three core issues were tackled with fun and excitement fused in the narrative. At the end of the comics, there is an activity to keep its young readers involved creatively.
I strongly recommend this book to teachers, and school librarians who must read it out loud to their students.
March 19, 2024
This was such a a lovely book!! Prahlad is a fifth grader who gets made fun of for his name or the food that he brings to lunch at school. He is assigned a project in school and is asked to pick a partner. He asks Nida, who is the new girl in school. When Prahlad's mom narrates the story of Holi, they decide their project is going to be about Holi. The illustrations are in a comic book format as Prahlad loves to create comic strips. I really loved how unique the book looks. I think many South Asian children will identify with the character of Prahlad!! A must read book!!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews