Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?

Sona Sharma #1

by Chitra Soundar, Jen Khatun (Illustrator)

Can Sona be the best big sister ever when she's not sure she even wants a baby sister or brother? Brimming with warmth and charm, this story set in India will resonate with new older siblings everywhere.

Sona Sharma's house is full of three generations of people who joke often and argue sometimes. Relatives come over unannounced, the phone rings frequently, and friends drop by all the time. Then one day Amma tells Sona that she is going to have a baby. Is that good? Sona isn't so sure. She doesn't want to share her room or her things with a new baby, not to mention the attention of Amma, Appa, Thatha, and Paatti. And despite Amma's assurance that the sky always has room for new stars, Sona doesn't feel stretchy or bighearted like the sky. But when she learns there will be a baby-naming ceremony, she's determined to find the best name for her new brother or sister--one as nice as her own, a Hindi word for "gold." Perfectly pitched to young readers, this tale of warming up to change is followed by a glossary of words from India to explore in the story.

Genres: Family, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Juvenile, India

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

Chitra Soundar is originally from the culturally colourful India where traditions, festivals and mythology are a way of life. After six great years in the island city-state Singapore, Chitra now lives in London.

Chitra's primary interest is in writing picture books and early & emergent readers. She enjoys retelling funny folktales from around the world, especially from India.

Reviews

[Fanna]

October 25, 2020: When I tell you I wish I had heard of this book earlier because I would've screamed about it everywhere, I really really mean it!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet! If you are looking for early chapter books to introduce other cultures to your children, or books about welcoming a new baby into the family, I recommend this loving story set in India. Reminded me a bit of Atinuke's Anna Hibiscus (though I didn't love it quite as much) with a likable young protagonist and the big, loving (though sometimes slightly overwhelming) extended family who lives with her. Appreciate how this book, like Anna Hibiscus, shows traditions from another country that might seem different to most American youngsters, while also showing emotions and experiences that they may share helping to highlight that what connects us is stronger than what separates us (in this case, as the excitement, nervousness, jealousy and, finally, joy at welcoming a new brother or sister into the family). I look forward to more in this promising new series!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely, heart-felt children's book is about Sona, and her becoming a big sister. Naturally she has anxieties about this big life change that is pending and this book expresses them in a child-friendly way.

This book has wonderful answers to many questions a child may be thinking and worrying about, when a new sibling is on its way. I absolutely loved the way they referenced new stars being born every day in the sky and how the other stars welcome them.

Sona is part of a big family dynamic and the book keeps with the traditions of her family. I love the diversity and the approach to the subject. I think it will be very beneficial in helping children understand and welcome the changes that a new baby brings, and is the perfect way to help support their emotional needs.

The book has some lovely illustrations that I think children will enjoy. The children will be able to relate to some of the family-based scenes and they compliment the story perfectly.

Overall, this is a great addition to a childs bookshelf. Its a lovely story a child can read and enjoy, even without a new sibling being on the way. With its beautiful illustrations and easy, short chapters, it is sure to provide young readers with plenty to keep them entertained.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of new sibling books are picture books; this one is a delightful early chapter book. Sona is deeply conflicted about having a new sibling, and reading about how she deals with conflicting feelings is both relatable and satisfying.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An early chapter book that highlights the nervousness of an older sister while waiting for her younger sister to be born. Sona comes from a warm and traditional Indian family.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coco liked learning about love. It grows like the stars. When a new star is made the other stars aren't jealous.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/v_2zJtXyfSU

Enjoy!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is fine. Not amazing, but engaging. Ditto the pictures. What makes it especially interesting, appealing, important, and worth adding to library collections is the setting. How many English-speaking children know anything about family life in India?

Compare to the magical Anna Hibiscus, for the same age children but set in urban Nigeria. Slightly older children will probably love, as I do, Younguncle Comes to Town and Younguncle in the Himalayas, back in India with more details about geography, botany, etc.

[Tara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister? by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun, is a wonderful early chapter book set in India that focuses on Sona, an only child, after learning she is going to be a big sister. Regardless of their own experiences, young readers will feel an instant connection to Sona as she learns to adjust and accept the changes taking place in her family, as most children her age have felt uneasy and unsure at one time or another with change, especially permanent change. Chitra Soundbar has not only done an amazing job with capturing what daily life is like for family members of multiple ages, but her characterization is top-notch. In addition, her ability to embed Hindu culture, customs, and positive life lessons into a storyline that's relatable to young readers of all backgrounds is outstanding.

The included illustrations by Jen Khatun in Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister? are beautiful and definitely add to the overall reading experience. They are strategically placed throughout the text, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the ideas presented. As a teacher, I found Khatun's illustrations to be especially helpful, as they encourage discussion and open the door for deeper learning and engagement. They also provide an opportunity for students to learn about the various roles and responsibilities that go into the book writing and publishing process, as well as means to discover and explore their own inner creativity, which is so important.

Without hesitation, I give 5/5 stars to Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister? by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun. Change is hard for people of all ages, but when you have a friend who understands what you're thinking and feeling, things become easier. I think readers will find Sona to not only be the very best big sister, but also a very best friend...someone they can learn from and grow with. This book would make an excellent addition to any home or classroom library. The intended audience is for ages 6-9, but I think readers older than that will also enjoy it, specifically ELLs or those who struggle with reading, because regardless of age, the themes are universal. Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister? is definitely one we can all relate to, learn from, and enjoy, and I give it my full recommendation!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-) #ReadYourWorld

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Candlewick Press for this new early chapter book by Chitra Soundar, out mid-September with the 1st US edition.
The emotions are familiar and some traditions from Indian culture differ, but it all ends with a loving welcome to a new baby. Sona and her best friend, Elephant, have quite a few conversations about this new baby. I enjoyed that Soundar let the stuffie, Elephant, talk. It didn't seem like pretend at all! After the baby comes home and Sona tiptoes in to see it, she falls in love. Back in her room, Elephant says, "Tell me about the baby again." And she does! One chapter's title reads "Sharing is Caring" but young Sona does NOT care, does NOT want a new baby in the house. And she doesn't want to share a baby dress that had been hers! She wants to remain the baby.
Jen Khatun's illustrations bring the family surrounding Sona to life in pencil sketches. Three generations live together except for one grandmother, mother Amma's mother. I loved that certain important phrases were included, like at the end of this "caring" chapter, Sona gets excited because Appa (her dad) has invited her to suggest a name for the new baby. He says "Iyalvadhu karvel", is their family motto. "Always help as best you can." The ending includes the important and special naming ceremony. As the story rises to this end, readers will love the importance placed on the choice of names, and perhaps they'll wonder about their own? Sona finally knows being a "big sister" is a new best thing. There is a brief glossary at the end that gives some new words to learn, too! For a short book, this story is full of new things for kids unfamiliar with this culture and the usual things in every family, busy-ness with a new baby and children wondering how things will change.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sona’s family are very important to her. When her mother is about to have a baby, Sona wants to be the best big sister she can be, which includes choosing a name for the baby. However, Sona is also concerned about sharing her beloved family with someone new - will a new baby change her family?

Sona is an engaging character, with worries of her own that other children would be able to relate to. Through her conversations with Elephant, her best friend, we hear her inner thoughts and her concerns about her place within the family once the new baby arrives. We see her struggling with the idea of a younger sibling, not wanting to share what she considers to be her belongings.

The story celebrates traditions surrounding the birth of a new child and the importance of the baby-naming ceremony within Hindu culture. The very useful glossary helps to explain the cultural words which may be unfamiliar to the reader.

The illustrations within the book not only bring the story to life but also help to break up the text, which is often useful for younger readers who can be daunted by full pages of words.

This would be a lovely book to share within a classroom to show the differences and similarities between different cultures. It is important for all children to be exposed to literature that represents a diversity of cultures and beliefs and this is an excellent starting point. It would also be useful to be read alongside a unit of work on Hinduism.

Although some of the Hindu words may be tricky for emerging readers, this would be a good book for children moving on to chapter books. However it would be advisable to introduce some of the vocabulary prior to reading.

*This book was provided for review by Books For Topics*

https://www.booksfortopics.com/blog

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in India, this early chapter book is about Sona, who will soon be a big sister. She is not really sure that this is a good thing and feels apprehensive about sharing the baby things that were hers as she helps to prepare for the new arrival. When she is also tasked with finding a name for the baby at the naming ceremony, she struggles to find one that is just right. The perfect name will come to her, but she will first have to learn what it truly means to be a big sister.

This story was published for the North American market by Candlewick; who is known for bring exceptional books to us from other countries. The story has universal themes like family and new siblings, so story works well for readers aged 7-9 who are reading on their own and younger children 4-6 might like this story read aloud to them. The characters are introduced well and there is a glossary that will help with words that readers might not be familiar with at the end of the story.

Like most early chapter books, this book is also illustrated with black and while mixed media illustrations. The illustrations add context to the story and are so charming especially those of Sona and her new sibling. The cover art is especially well done. It is so bright and really adds to the shelf appeal for children choosing books to read.

I would recommend this book for purchase by any public library for their new reader section.

This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sona Sharma has always felt loved and as though she is the center of the universe for her large extended family. But when she learns that there soon will be a new addition to that family, she isn't so sure she likes the idea since a new baby will draw some of the attention away from her. While her grandparents and parents try to reassure her that she'll still be just as loved as before, Sona just isn't sure. While she'd like to be the very best big sister that it's possible to be, she doesn't want to share her christening gown or a rattle that she loved when she was little even if she has no use for them anymore. Mixed media illustrations and vocabulary as well as descriptions of sights, sounds, and practices in India where the story is set add to its appeal for young readers. While the setting may be quite different from their own homes, they will surely see themselves in Sona and her struggles, especially in how she wants to do the right thing but then has second and third thoughts and how she shares her feelings with Elephant, her stuffed animal. There is so much more to explore in this family dynamic in future books if the author is so inclined since she captures in a few words the personalities of the President (Amma's mother and Sona's grandmother), Paatti and Thatha (her paternal grandparents) as well as Amma and Appa. I'd certainly read more from this author about this family.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sona lives in a home with lots of family members and others who stop by regularly. There is her mother and father, Thatha, her grandfather, Paatti, her grandmother, and The President who lives in the neighborhood. There is also Elephant, her best friend, and a toy she has had since she was tiny. When Amma, Sona’s mother, tells her that she is expecting a new baby, Sona isn’t so sure that it’s good news. She will have to share her room and her things with the new baby. Sona wants badly to be the best big sister ever, but sometimes her emotions get in the way. She has a chance to help pick the perfect name for the new baby, but she may just wait too long in the end.

Perfectly pitched for young readers, this early chapter book is a glimpse of life in India with rickshaws to get to school, jasmine in the garden, and pooris for a snack. Sona’s reaction to a new baby is just right, an honest mixture of wanting to participate and also resenting what she may lose too. The extended family plays a large part in giving Sona both the attention and the space she needs to process her feelings without making her ashamed along the way.

The illustrations add to the depiction of life in India, capturing the connection of the family members, shared meals, and crowded streets. The images are full of warmth and love.

A look at the emotions of a new baby combined with a visit to India. Appropriate for ages 5-7.

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing a new baby into a family can be a daunting experience, especially for a child. Here, all the conflicting thoughts and feelings are expressed from a childs’ eye view with understanding a simple eloquence. The story is wrapped up in tradition, giving a glimpse into how simple rituals ground us culturally and as a family and how they can help bring resolution when change is afoot.
Sona is a marvelous character. Clever and curious, she really thinks about the situation; how she feels, what will happen next, how she will fit in this new family dynamic; and this is expressed through her conversations with Elephant, who does give excellent feedback. The black and white drawings strewn throughout the book reveal Sonas’ emerging emotions, and give visual ebb and flow, adding texture and motion as the story unfolds. The inter-generational nature of her family, the different roles and personalities are shown from Sonas’ perspective and shine through to create a sense of unity, respect and love. A warm and thoughtful chapter book lending a view into the heart and mind of a child, filled with heart and humour and with moving detail to tradition and ritual. This is perfect for anyone expecting a new addition to the family.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When a new baby is born, we will always make space for it, in our home and in our hearts."

Sona is not so sure she wants a new baby in the house. Her Amma assures her there will always be plenty of love. "The moon and the stars don't get angry about new stars. Our family is just like that." With Elephant, who serves as her conscience and confidant, Sona tries to prepare of the big event positively. But the President (Sona's grandmother) wants Sona's Amma to come stay at her house before the baby is born. It is a tradition. But Sona doesn't want her mother to move out of the house. And her Praati (the other grandmother) wants the baby to get Sona's old clothes. "A hoarded fruit grows rotten." But they are Sona's dresses! It's all very confusing.

But then her Appa asks Sona to help think of girl names for the baby. That seems like an important job and she jumps right in, but will the name she chooses be special enough? A sweet story about a loving family helping their daughter deal with a major adjustment in her life.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first when Sona hears that she's going to have a baby brother or sister, she is not excited. Everyone in her family is talking about the new baby and hardly paying any attention to her. She doesn't want to share her favorite baby clothes and toys and make space for another person in her family. But when she learns about the special naming ceremony she is determined to find the perfect one. Can Sona go from reluctant older sister to being the very best?

This story follows a large and loving family in India as they prepare for a new baby. Learning about the cultural traditions around this event is fun and everything is clearly explained and celebrated with adorable illustrations, sweet characters, and a relatable plot for anyone who has experienced changes in their family. A great story for new chapter book readers.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Indian family gives us a view of culture, tradition and food surrounding welcoming a new baby in Indian culture. Sona isn’t sure how she feels about being a big sister, but she grows into the role quickly, with the help of her loving joint family. The story introduces lots of new words and ideas for Americans, with themes of family and understanding that are much more universal. Illustrations are pretty unique (especially the wrinkly grandparents) and her stuffed animal friend, Elephant, adds a little levity.

Received ARC & reviewed in consideration for Cybils Award Early Chapter book shortlist for 2021.

[Mercymount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classmate #1
I would recommend reading this book for three reasons. One reason is that it is a very calming book Another reason is it is very good to read a book you enjoy instead of reading a book you don't enjoy. The last reason is reading is very good for your brain instead of playing video games or watching tv. If I was to rate it from one to ten (with ten being the best) it would be a nine in my opinion.

Classmate#2
This book was tricky because half of it spoke in Spanish. I do not recommend this book to a friend because it spoke in Spanish and was tricky to understand.

[Sheridan Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is very well written, and I think it gives a little be of fairytale like parts but also contains some very realistic parts. Sona and her elephant who talk can obviously be known as fake throughout. The moral that even though Sona doesn’t want to become an older sister and must share everything she adapts after some time which is something that a lot of only children feel when they receive news of becoming an older sibling. I also think the vocabulary in the back of the book helps add to a student’s word bank especially because some words are in another language.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about the joy, excitement and anxieties of becoming a big sister. Sona is part of a big family and I loved how the story keeps with the traditions of family. It’s a great book to help children understand the changes that a new brother or sister will bring and I loved the the approach, it’s got some beautiful illustrations as well, a really entertaining story with an important message .

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Agie Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, full disclosure I read this for my job as a curriculum writer.

That being said, this book was so cute. What a realistic and honest depiction of how children react when a new kid joins the family. And I teared up at the end when Sona helps name her new sister. Like full tears.

So sweet and such a beautiful piece for representation and different types of children being depicted in media for kids. Loved it.

[Maeve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sona Sharma, used to being an only child, must accept the news that her mother is having another child. At first she is very upset, but after being consoled by her wonderful family, discussing it with her stuffed animal Elephant, and finally meeting her new sibling...she falls in love with her little sister.

A sweet early-chapter-book about being an older sibling.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet book about a young girl, Sona, living in India and anticipation the birth of a new baby in her family. Sona has mixed feelings- she wants to be a good sister but is jealous and confused about all of the bustle and preparation surrounding the birth. A great family read-aloud for a kindergartner or first grader in a similar situation.

[Aimée Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't a huge fan of this one. Lovely idea and one I'm sure will resonate with a lot of families, but was just missing something special for me. I felt like Sona was really negative for most of the book and there were quite a few confusing names and words throughout the story (which were helpfully explained at the end). 2 stars!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book for little ones who are becoming big sisters/ brothers. My issue is that it's full of Hindu mysticism. I love that the adults are helping Sona to cope with mixed feelings of jealousy, abandonment, disappointment, and eventually embracing her little sister, but all the pujas might be too relatable for readers of other cultures.

[Haelee Jenft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great for me because I can relate about being an older sister. I think every child with sisters or who is a sister should read this book. It would be a great add on to the things that you teach your students about just being nice to. It has some great lessons to be learned as well.

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet, and educational, early chapter book, which could be a read aloud, although I'd be fearful of making a hash of the many Indian words used within it.

Heartwarming story, with a good amount of illustration.

[Katelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, fun read!

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and charming chapter book. Would have loved the illustration to be color throughout. Recommended.