Bindu's Bindis

by Supriya Kelkar, Parvati Pillai (Illustrator)

A companion to Kelkar’s The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh, this picture book features a little girl named Bindu whose bindis connect her to family and help her find courage to compete in the school talent show.

This charming picture book is about a little girl who loves her bindis (and the many creative shapes they come in!). The bindis are also a connection to her Nani who lives in India. When Nani comes to visit Bindu and brings the bindis to her, it is just in time to wear something new to the school talent show. Bindu and Nani work together to shine their brightest and embrace their sparkle, even when they stand out from the crowd.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Cultural, India, Fiction, Aapi

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Supriya Kelkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi friends, thank you for reading and supporting this diverse book about being proud of who you are! For those of you who missed it, Bindu signs up for the talent show on the first page of the story. I wrote this book thinking back in my childhood and how I would get made fun of all the time for my "dot" even though I never wore a bindi, or a tikli as my family calls it in Marathi, to school. If we had to go to the store after a cultural event, I'd take my bindi off and squeeze it in my palm to stop the stares we would get. As an adult, I wanted to write a book that will empower readers of all backgrounds to be proud of who they are. That book is Bindu's Bindis, art by Parvati Pillai, and I hope you enjoy it!

[Rainbow Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bindu’s Bindis is a wonderful picture book about self-confidence, acceptance, and a young girl’s relationship with her grandmother.

This book is all about a young girl named Bindu, who loves bindis. Bindis are forehead decorations worn by women in South Asia, and Bindu loves wearing them. Bindu gets her bindis from her Nani who sends them from far away. But when Nani comes to visit, she will deliver the bindis in person!

During Nani’s visit, both Nani and Bindi face challenges that call for self-confidence. From encountering protestors in the street to gathering courage for a talent show, Bindu and Nani stand tall and support each other. I love the relationship Bindu has with her grandmother, and the way Nani provides a positive example for Bindu.

The illustrations are bold and striking, but I also love the role they play in the book. Most of the story is told through clues in the illustrations, making it a great read-aloud. There are plenty of opportunities for pausing and discussing the visual cues in the illustrations on each page.

This Own Voices book provides a great opening for conversations about why people may dress differently while celebrating the bindi. There is also some great information in the back matter about bindis that I was unaware of, perfect for readers who want to learn more.

I want to thank Sterling Children’s Books for generously providing me with a review copy of Bindu’s Bindis. I’m happy to report that it lived up to my anticipation, and I’m so grateful to be able to share it with you all.

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[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, Bindu's grandmother is a delight! This story is full of joy, despite the dark moments when Bindu feels the hatred directed at her family for their heritage and wishes she were no longer "different." Her grandmother helps her realize how special she is, how special their heritage is, and how to share that with others who don't yet understand... how to do so with grace and panache, a radiant smile and a shining bindi! The illustrations are charming and I especially love the spread where we look down at Nani (Grandmother) dancing with her skirt swirling and such a perfect, wise, radiant smile on her face.

I appreciate that the back matter explains more about bindis (just one of its many names) which are "worn in parts of Asia and its diaspora by some members of the community." I knew about the spiritual significance of bindis in the Hindu religion but I hadn't realized that "it is also worn cosmetically or because of tradition in the South Asian community by people from many religions" and are now most often available in a set in little packets with different shapes and adhesive backing so they can easily stick on and be reused.

Highly recommended and a good choice for younger readers not yet ready for heavier books about discrimination.

[Anabella (anabellasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a little girl who received her nani at her house. They are hindi and her nani comes with the objetive to teach to her grandaughter the hindi culture.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book! I loved the info in the story, and the author's note as well about what bindis are, and how they're used in certain parts of Asia.

Mostly, this story is about Bindu and her relationship with her Nani, and being proud to wear her bindis because they're part of their culture. She does come up against some racism stemming from ignorance, so it's also a picture book that does have conflict.

[Ambika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bindu's Bindi is a fast, children's picture book. It follows Bindu and her relationship with her Nani and how it is connected through bindis. The themes of bindis - what they represent, its perspective in different countries, its various names, its various styles etc was well done. There was even a hint of the discrimination seen by South Asians living in America which was dealt with in the only way it should - by being proud of who you are your culture and what you stand for. Lastly, the illustrations were superb. The attention to detail, the colors and culture filled graphics were chef's kiss.

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW of ADVANCED READER'S COPY

A short picture book with an emphasis on self-confidence, growth, and relationships with grandparents. Bindu is not a character with a lot of depth, but a couple of moments which are touched on lightly regarding racism and judgement of others being different bring some complexity and lesson to the text. Colorful pictures. A book to talk through more than read; a short note regarding bindis, their history and usage is at the end of the book.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

With colorful and vibrant illustrations, this book introduces young listeners not only to bindis and part of a rich culture but also hits upon other important themes, which young listeners can relate to.

Bindu has a bindi for every occasion and enjoys wearing them. When her Nani comes on the airplane and delivers them herself, it's a special surprise. But Bindu also begins to notice that not everyone around them is as accepting of the bindis. When the big day comes for a performance on stage, Bindu suddenly isn't so sure she wants to go up and perform. But Nani might be just the help she needs.

My favorite part about this book...okay, there are two favorite aspects...are the illustrations. These are so bright and bold, and allow the joy of life to beam from every page. And it's perfectly fitting to the vibrant colors found in several aspects of the culture in India. Plus, they are simply a joy to look at. Bindu and Nani are presented with warmth and love even when the situations aren't happy and Bindu needs to work through whatever problem she faces.

As to the second plus point—the reader learns about bindis. Bindis are a more well-known aspect of India, and this book does a terrific job at letting readers learn what they are and mean. While the story itself gives a general glance at their importance to Bindu and the fun as well as huge variety involved, there's more detailed information at the end, which enables guardians/parents/caretakes to help listeners gain a greater understanding after the book is read.

The story is also very well done and sticks nicely to the intended age group. The first part allows Bindu's excitement and joy for her bindis to come through. Then, when Nani comes, it switches gears to illustrate how wearing a bindi in our Western culture does stand out. I do want to note that while I found it very important to show the unfortunate negative attention that wearing a bindi can receive (it is a sad fact), I was surprised that this was done by a crowd holding signs at an airport. While I'm not saying this doesn't happen somewhere and sometime, I believe the negativity usually comes across in daily life...not a protest. Otherwise, I found the negative glances and feelings well done and easy for young listeners to recognize and understand.

Then, there's Nani's amazing solution to Bindu's nervousness and fear to get onto the stage and show off her culture. This was done masterfully and in a very inspiring way.

In other words, I enjoyed this one quite a bit and give it a big thumbs up.
I received an ARC and found it to be a nicely done read.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bindu loves her bindis and she loves her Nani, and she especially loves to match her Nani. It's hard for Bindu to face up to opposition and intolerance that she sometimes meets because of her culture, but Nani does it well and Bindu finds herself following her Nani's lead.

A story that is steeped in cultural pride and courage to face and overcome intolerance.

[Lex Maliga Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young South Asian girl who loves to wear her bindis. It's something that is apart of her culture and something her and her grandmother share. I love the illustrations and the story.

[Sunny (Jupiter's Solo Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful and fresh take on Indian diaspora, Bindu's Bindis revolves around Bindu and her grandmother. Bindu loves Bindis, so much that she gets them as everytime gifts from her grandmother. She's so excited to get new Bindis when grandma visits them from India, but the fear of social exclusion in the mind of Bindu before her school talent show forces her grandma to inspire Bindu to work together and shine, even when they (Indian diaspora) are made fun of. I really loved this short, yet impactful book. I liked how cleverly author wrote about social pressure faced by Indians outside India. But this thing applies for other people too. I enjoyed this book, and will definitely recommend to all people!! ❤️

[Megan Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bindis are lovely!

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bindu loves to wear the different bindis her Nani sends to her from India. She wears them to temple, at home and on holidays. And she has bindis for whatever was going on in her life - even a squiggle bindi that says "I'm Unique!" But when Nani comes to visit, bearing new bindis, Bindu's excitement quickly changes from happiness to worry. At the airport, they meet protesters who want foreigners to go home. But Nani just tells Bindu to march by with pride. At home, Nani teaches Bindu some Indian dancing for the school talent show and the two have fun choosing the perfect bindi to wear for it. But at her school talent show, Bindu suddenly doesn't want to feel unique, to wear her bindi and do the dance Nani taught her when she sees people laughing at them. So Nani gets up on the stage all by herself and begins dancing alone. After watching her Nani dancing with a big smile and a sense of pride, Bindu decides to get on stage so they can dance together for everyone to see. This is a great story about learning to appreciate and be proud of who you are despite what others may think, and about the strong bond that exists between grandparents and grandchildren despite distance. There is spare text, and sometimes the illustrations tell more of the story than the words do, but if your young readers are like mine, they will pore over each illustration and fill in the missing words. That said, this story is as joyful as the beautiful, boldly colored cartoon-style illustrations.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every month Bindu's Nani sends her a packet of bindis from India. She loves wearing them, and has so many choices, she can wear a different one for every mood. When Nani comes to visit, they are confronted by protestors, and Bindu is afraid. But Nani is brave, and then Bindu can be brave, too. At home, Nani tells wonderful stories, shows Bindu some dance moves, and they wear matching bindis. However, Bindu has never worn a bindi at school, she has signed up for the talent show, and it's part of her outfit. But when her music starts to play, she can't get up in front of her classmates, she's worried about what her friends will think, so Nani does the dance instead.

Bright and beautiful illustrations are one of the highlights of this story. I loved the perspective changes, and the cultural bits included - I am sure a child with a background from India will catch much more than I saw. A great story about embracing your identity, trusting your family and not being afraid to show everyone who you are.

Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of books with grandparents today (Can You Whistle, Johanna?, The First Blade of Sweetgrass), and this one is very different but just as charming as the others. Bindu has a special relationship with her Nani, who sends her different colored and shaped bindis to wear. Bindu wears the bindis everywhere, but not at school.

When Nani comes to visit, Bindu sees generic anti (-immigrant, -brown people, -foreigners) protesters and becomes a little hesitant about wearing her bindis out and proud. When Bindu is due to dance in front of her classmates, her confidence is nonexistent. But Nani comes to the rescue and they dance beautifully together.

A lovely representation of culture and intergenerational relationships.

Note: author is from Michigan.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I absolutely love Bindu's relationship with her grandmother. It is such a beautiful thing to have such a special bond. I love Bindu's journey of growth, acceptance, and self-confidence. The story follows a young girl named Bindu. She receives bindis every month from her grandmother. She wears a different one for every occasion and depending on her mood. One time her Nani brought them to her in person. Sadly as they were leaving the airport they were people with signs telling them to go home. Bindu did not want to wear her bindis anymore. Bindi never wore her bindi to school and was very nervous about it. Her Nani tried to help her not be nervous so she got on stage and began to dance. Bindu couldn't let her Nani dance alone and got up on stage as well. I love how the story ends with Bindu feeling comfortable wearing her bindis for all the world to see because she gained the confidence from her Nani. I think this would be a great book to introduce children to Hinduism. Most children don't know what a bindi is and this would be a fun and interesting way to explain it.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad to find a beautiful picture book on this topic! So many of us have seen people wear bindis and wondered what they meant and why they are worn.

I love the art and the clever way of teaching without sounding didactic. The ending felt a bit constructed. It was brilliant, though, the way the author/illustrator worked in the way brown people and immigrants can be mistreated in our country. When Bindu goes to pick up her Nani from the airport, they see angry White people holding up signs that say "Go back". The solution is wonderful and easy. Bindu and her family talk to each other and walk proudly.

This is how we make the future a little better. We share beautiful picture books that answer questions and inspire empathy. We see Bindu and her family not as "the other". We see a little girl who loves the pretty bindis and loves her Nani, someone to whom we can relate. Lovely and important.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a little girl named Bindu, who loves to wear bindis, and especially loves matching with her grandmother, Nani, who is (or was?) a professional dancer. But when Bindu signs up for the talent show and her Nani flies over to visit and see her performance, Bindu gets really nervous. She even feels like taking her special bindi off. Will she figure out a way to be brave and get on stage in front of everyone?

I love the illustrations - so bright, colorful and beautiful!

I really liked this book. I have seen people wearing bindis, but have never worn any myself. It was interesting to read the backmatter and learn more about bindis and how people wear them for all sorts of reasons, which may be religious, cultural, or just cosmetic.

A great book to read with kids, so that they'll know and understand why some people wear bindis. And, if you happen to be a bindi-wearing family, your kids may be delighted to see this in a picture book!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bindu receives bindis (marks or jewels worn in the middle of the forehead) of different shapes and colors from her grandmother in India. She likes to wear them to temple, for religious holidays, and other times. What a treat it is when Nani brings the bindis to Bindu in person. Will Bindu learn to embrace her uniqueness, especially as the school talent show approaches? Some discussion may be needed for pages depicting bias against Bindu's family when they pick Nani up from the airport. I liked this book because I learned more about Indian culture and it was colorfully illustrated. I think this would appeal to first through third graders who enjoy stories about family and school. See also A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India by Meera Sriram for another picture book celebrating Indian culture.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

While of course I am aware of bindis, I admit that I didn't really know their purpose so I was glad that the note at the end gives factual information about bindis.

Bindu's grandmother sends her bindis, and she loves them. She loves picking different shapes for different occasions and emotions. But one day, she becomes embarrassed and tired of being different. What will her grandmother say or do?

The illustrations are GORGEOUS! And I love the loving relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. There's a lot that could be discussed when reading this book. Prejudice. Culture and the purposes of the bindi. Respecting differences. Dancing. Family relationships. Overcoming fear.

[Emma Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This story is about a little girl named Bindu that receives different kinds of Bindis from her Nani every month who lives in India. She adores her Bindis and wears them confidently at home, the temple, and holidays. Her Nani came to visit and brought her new Bindis to wear. They would match Bindis everyday after school and spend all day together. Bindu was doing a dance at her schools recital and got nervous because she has never worn Bindis to school before. She was too scared to go on stage and her Nani started dancing on stage. She danced so confidently and everyone was cheering, and finally Bindu joined her. This teaches students to embrace who you are and where they come from. It also shows how families can come together to help you overcome challenges.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about family and love, spirit and joy, and community and self-expression. Bindu loves the bindis that her grandmother sends her and she wears them often, except at school. Bindu is worried about being different and how others will react. There is reason for her concern as the wearing of a bindi will be obvious to others, but Bindu and her grandmother learn that there is strength and beauty in their traditions and reason to embrace them.

Bright and bold and beautiful illustrations by Parvati Pillai add warmth to this story, including the end pages with a nod to Persian art. There is an explanation of bindis after the story.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bindu loves to choose her bindis to match her mood or what is happening that day. More importantly, they are a connection to her grandmother. She sends them to Bindu each month. Both are delighted when she travels to see Bindu's family in person. Sadly, they face bias and prejudice before even leaving the airport. Readers see them rise above the hatred and claim their joy. Sadly, this is not the only event they have to ignore or rise above. The love they feel for each other permeates the entire book and exposes the rude actions for what they are.
Terrific book for beginning dialogue about celebrating everyone's heritage.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bindu loves the bindis that her Nani sends her, and is so excited to match bindis when her Nani comes to visit! Despite anti-immigration protestors at the airport, Bindu and Nani have a wonderful time together, until it's time for Bindu's dance performance and she suddenly gets cold feet about wearing a bindi in front of all of her classmates. But following Nani's brave example, she ultimately embraces this beloved aspect of her identity.

Themes: Fitting In/Standing Out, Dance, Grandparents, Immigration

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my MD students and loved the story and the colorful illustrations.

This story shows the main character to be proud of her female Indian heritage while wearing her bindis. Her grandmother buys her all sorts of cling on bindis, which she proudly wears…and to match her grandmother.

When people outside the South East Asian culture in the story start to comment on the young girl’s bindis, she starts to feel ashamed and shy.

What I loved about this story is to no be afraid of what others may perceive of your cultural background.

[Paola Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story can be read for any 3 year old through 7 years old. Can make any child be proud to wear their bindis. Bindis are like sticker that are worn in the middle of the forehead. Bindu is really exited to wear her bindis everywhere when her Nani sends her some. One time Nani gives her some personally and they always match. At school bindu was supposed to go up the stage but was afraid and wanted to take her bindi off but Nani went up to the stage and started dancing. Bindu saw how everyone was cheering for Nani that she went up to the stage.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Granddaughter and grandmother story with really bright, colorful illustrations.

The story is pretty light in some ways. There's a strong sense of Bindu's connection to her culture and her relationship with Nani. But Bindu is living in the diaspora where immigrants are often not welcome (angry signs at the airport), and she's nervous about wearing a bindi at school, especially onstage... but it was never clear to me what was happening at school in the onstage scene.

[Jen Fier · Rating 5 out of 5]

BINDU’S BINDIS is a joyful #PictureBook about growth, acceptance, and familial bonds. Kelkar and Pillai pair vibrant illustrations with equally spirited characters in one irresistible story. I find the special bond between Bindu and her Nani is beautiful. Each supports and celebrates the other in their journeys, making this a story about growth and acceptance, self-expression and self-confidence. My kiddo adores the refrains, shapes, and dancing! This is a book we will read again and again!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I did enjoy this book but it felt like it jumped around too much. For example, when her Nani was on the stage and she finally decided to join her, it just moved on to how she wore her bindis to the temple, on holidays, and at home. It was all this build-up to her not getting on the stage at first and then it just moved past it really fast. Loved that it included more information about bindis at the end but wish the text had been fleshed out a bit more.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This heartwarming intergenerational story about a granddaughter and her Nani seems to be missing some pages—namely, to explain what the “murmurs” and “stares” are about and how Nani got onstage at school. And why does Bindu want to slip her bindi off when faced with the slightest hint of conflict? Though expressive, the colorful illustrations don’t do enough to fill in the narrative blanks. The story earns an extra star for the positive portrayal of Indian culture.