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Dancing Deepa
Deepa LOVES to dance. She studies a dance from India called Bharatanatyam that is like moving poetry! But since her dance is different from what her friends at school do, she isn’t sure if she should share it. Is there someone like Deepa in your class at school? What passion might you two share? Read to find out how you two are alike, how you are different, and how you could be friends to one another.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
About the author
Suchi Sairam
2 books2 followersSUCHI SAIRAM is an Indian-Texan-Minnesotan-American with her feet firmly and proudly planted in multiple cultures and identities. She is equally an engineer and artist, leader and entrepreneur, student and teacher.
Her passion is to integrate the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship to help develop great people and spread good in the world around us.
Suchi’s nearly 40 year journey in the Indian classical arts as a student, teacher, dancer, choreographer and performer alongside her long career in corporate and small businesses gives her a unique worldview. She founded St. Paul, MN based dance studio and company, Kala Vandanam in 2002. Her first book, a multiple award-winning illustrated children’s book “Dancing Deepa” was inspired by her loving students at Kala Vandanam, and is dedicated to them and all of the young, aspiring dancers out there who just want to share what they love with others.
Suchi has devoted her time and talents to organizations supporting science and math education for girls, empowerment for women, the arts, and developing vibrant small businesses in her community.
Find Suchi on social media - instagram.com/suchisairam | linkedin.com/in/suchisairam
For more about Kala Vandanam - kalavandanam.com
facebook.com/kalavandanam | instagram.com/kalavandanam
Her passion is to integrate the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship to help develop great people and spread good in the world around us.
Suchi’s nearly 40 year journey in the Indian classical arts as a student, teacher, dancer, choreographer and performer alongside her long career in corporate and small businesses gives her a unique worldview. She founded St. Paul, MN based dance studio and company, Kala Vandanam in 2002. Her first book, a multiple award-winning illustrated children’s book “Dancing Deepa” was inspired by her loving students at Kala Vandanam, and is dedicated to them and all of the young, aspiring dancers out there who just want to share what they love with others.
Suchi has devoted her time and talents to organizations supporting science and math education for girls, empowerment for women, the arts, and developing vibrant small businesses in her community.
Find Suchi on social media - instagram.com/suchisairam | linkedin.com/in/suchisairam
For more about Kala Vandanam - kalavandanam.com
facebook.com/kalavandanam | instagram.com/kalavandanam
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 9, 2022
Like many other first-generation Indian-Americans, I rarely saw people who looked like me in popular culture, much less in the children's books I read when I was little. I truly wish that this book had been around when I was younger, and I think this has a huge impact on Indian representation in children's books. The illustrations are a beautiful touch to the story and I enjoyed every page of them. I relate to Deepa very much since I am also a Bharatanatyam dancer, who growing up constantly was concerned about how my dance would be perceived by my classmates or school friends who weren't familiar with the dance form. However, I think this book isn't just for Indian-Americans or Bharatanatyam dancers; it's for anyone who has ever felt anxious about sharing something that they love just because it might be perceived differently by others. I believe that at one point or another we have all been in Deepa's shoes, and it is important that we all learn the same lesson that Deepa learns at the end of this book, a lesson about sharing what we love and celebrating what makes us different from others. I strongly encourage you to read this wholesome story that holds a far-reaching message about identity and individuality.
June 10, 2022
I wish I had a book like this growing up - representation is truly everything and I’m so excited to have found this book! Growing up, I always felt too scared to perform Bharatanatyam for my classmates, exactly like Deepa; like her, I thought they would think it was weird. It was hard enough growing up in a suburb being one of the few South Asian students, I didn’t want to risk becoming more of a “weirdo.” As I’ve grown up, I’ve learned that those who truly love and care about me only want to support me, and even those I barely know are so welcoming and respectful of other cultures. I hope all children - regardless of if they dance or what identities they have - read this book. It teaches all of us to be more respectful and more confident in our identities, cause we all are unique and should be celebrated for being exactly who we are! So grateful to have found this book, it really made my day reading it!
December 25, 2025
Suchi Sairam’s Dancing Deepa dances into your heart and soul! Sairam’s book is a wonderful exploration of how the differences between us make our world more vibrant, interesting, and meaningful. Sharing what makes us different makes us feel more connected to one another!
Dancing Deepa is about a young Indian girl named Deepa. Deepa is excited about her school’s upcoming talent show, but she quickly notices that the options displayed on the audition poster are things like martial arts or ballet, tap dancing, music, etc. But nothing like the dance that she knows and loves, which is called Bharatanatyam. While she wants to share her love of dance, she worries that her classmates at school will not like it, or maybe even think that it is weird. Deepa’s worries make her feel small, and she decides not to even audition. Deepa is a good friend, and she cheers on her classmates as they practice for the big talent show and applauds all of them as they show off their many interesting and varied talents.
Seeing how well these different skills are received makes Deepa feel like maybe she should have given her classmates a chance to witness her dance, and with her teacher’s help, she prepares a special presentation to do just that. Readers go on this incredible emotional journey of nerves, fears, and finally digging deep to do something that may be a little scary, like give a presentation on something they love.
This story is presented with some lovely illustrations, and there is a great use of colors to help make the text and story more dramatic as we read through it. The language is elevated and propels the reader to expand their vocabulary, while the message of cultural sharing shines through as Deepa brings this special dance to her community.
Suchi Sairam’s Dancing Deepa is a great read for children who want to expand their cultural horizons and understand different people. It is also a great read for dancers, as they get to see a particular dance style represented, see the preparation and payoff of practicing, and putting on a show.
Dancing Deepa is about a young Indian girl named Deepa. Deepa is excited about her school’s upcoming talent show, but she quickly notices that the options displayed on the audition poster are things like martial arts or ballet, tap dancing, music, etc. But nothing like the dance that she knows and loves, which is called Bharatanatyam. While she wants to share her love of dance, she worries that her classmates at school will not like it, or maybe even think that it is weird. Deepa’s worries make her feel small, and she decides not to even audition. Deepa is a good friend, and she cheers on her classmates as they practice for the big talent show and applauds all of them as they show off their many interesting and varied talents.
Seeing how well these different skills are received makes Deepa feel like maybe she should have given her classmates a chance to witness her dance, and with her teacher’s help, she prepares a special presentation to do just that. Readers go on this incredible emotional journey of nerves, fears, and finally digging deep to do something that may be a little scary, like give a presentation on something they love.
This story is presented with some lovely illustrations, and there is a great use of colors to help make the text and story more dramatic as we read through it. The language is elevated and propels the reader to expand their vocabulary, while the message of cultural sharing shines through as Deepa brings this special dance to her community.
Suchi Sairam’s Dancing Deepa is a great read for children who want to expand their cultural horizons and understand different people. It is also a great read for dancers, as they get to see a particular dance style represented, see the preparation and payoff of practicing, and putting on a show.
June 9, 2022
Dancing Deepa a heartwarming story about loving Bharatanatyam dance
Dancing Deepa, by Suchi Sairam, is a realistic story about Deepa, a 4th grade girl who wishes to share a talent she loves with her classmates. Her discomfort stems from her worry about peer rejection if she shares her special Indian dance at school. Deepa passed on auditioning for the talent show in school and feels badly about her decision. Her classroom teacher notices her low mood and Deepa confides in her. Deepa thinks the kids will laugh at her costume or think she’s weird.
As a former elementary school teacher, I believe Deepa and her friend Ana are realistic types of 4th grade students. Every child is worried about not fitting in and the scorn of others, especially when sharing something important to them with peers that is culturally unfamiliar. The conclusion of the story is sweet and teaches great lessons about risk taking, kind friends, and how teachers are quite helpful. The highlighting of many words in the story was a tad distracting to me.
Dancing Deepa is an important story that models how caring people make a difference in our world as they support the love of all cultural ideas.
I recommend this book to everyone, including elementary students, and especially to teachers, in Grades 1- 4. Dancing Deepa sends a strong and welcoming message about how children love to learn and accept new cultural ideas especially when presented in a caring, and sensitive setting.
Dancing Deepa, by Suchi Sairam, is a realistic story about Deepa, a 4th grade girl who wishes to share a talent she loves with her classmates. Her discomfort stems from her worry about peer rejection if she shares her special Indian dance at school. Deepa passed on auditioning for the talent show in school and feels badly about her decision. Her classroom teacher notices her low mood and Deepa confides in her. Deepa thinks the kids will laugh at her costume or think she’s weird.
As a former elementary school teacher, I believe Deepa and her friend Ana are realistic types of 4th grade students. Every child is worried about not fitting in and the scorn of others, especially when sharing something important to them with peers that is culturally unfamiliar. The conclusion of the story is sweet and teaches great lessons about risk taking, kind friends, and how teachers are quite helpful. The highlighting of many words in the story was a tad distracting to me.
Dancing Deepa is an important story that models how caring people make a difference in our world as they support the love of all cultural ideas.
I recommend this book to everyone, including elementary students, and especially to teachers, in Grades 1- 4. Dancing Deepa sends a strong and welcoming message about how children love to learn and accept new cultural ideas especially when presented in a caring, and sensitive setting.
June 9, 2022
Dancing Deepa was such a treat to read to our little ones. The story inspires kids to share their unique cultural traditions (dances, clothes, language, and more!) AND to be welcoming and accepting when their friends share their traditions with them.
Having grown up in the U.S. and having learned Bharathanatyam since I was five (and now having a five year old daughter that just started learning Bharathanatyam herself!), this story is also personally meaningfully to me and my family. We read the book to our daughters (5 & 2) and when we asked our five year old how she liked it, she was ALL SMILES and said, "she's a girl like me!".
For most of my childhood, there were basically no books or TV shows or movies that reflected me or the dance I did or the clothes I wore or the language I spoke, and I'm so, so happy that my daughters will have a different experience. This book allows my girls to see themselves reflected in the story and the beautiful illustrations, and most importantly, I think Deepa's story will help my daughters be more confident and comfortable sharing their dance and other traditions with their friends, teachers, and others.
Having grown up in the U.S. and having learned Bharathanatyam since I was five (and now having a five year old daughter that just started learning Bharathanatyam herself!), this story is also personally meaningfully to me and my family. We read the book to our daughters (5 & 2) and when we asked our five year old how she liked it, she was ALL SMILES and said, "she's a girl like me!".
For most of my childhood, there were basically no books or TV shows or movies that reflected me or the dance I did or the clothes I wore or the language I spoke, and I'm so, so happy that my daughters will have a different experience. This book allows my girls to see themselves reflected in the story and the beautiful illustrations, and most importantly, I think Deepa's story will help my daughters be more confident and comfortable sharing their dance and other traditions with their friends, teachers, and others.
February 22, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Dancing Deepa
Author: Suchi Sairam, ill. by Vidya Vasudevan
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This book was interesting. I liked how the hero, Deepa, loved to dance. The plot was okay too, but not very exciting or funny. I think the author needs comedy in the story as kids love that. The message about being brave and not always caring about what others think was good.” Boy, aged 8
“A lot of kids worry about stuff, so this book is good as it tells the reader that it´s okay to worry. I don´t think it´s a very exciting story, but it´s good for helping others to think about kids´ feelings and what they worry about. The pics were okay too.” Girl, aged 7 – with a little help from her mum
“This book would be excellent in a school library. It´s possibly not the sort of book children will keep returning too, but as a resource for discussing why being different is okay and should be celebrated, it´s excellent. I did think the text was a bit small but other than that, the layout is excellent, and the illustrations successfully assist the author in telling her story.” Primary school teacher, aged 32
“This book tells children that being different is okay. I liked that message.” Girl, aged 7
To Sum It Up:
‘A colourfully illustrated picturebook with a strong message of celebrating differences. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Dancing Deepa
Author: Suchi Sairam, ill. by Vidya Vasudevan
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This book was interesting. I liked how the hero, Deepa, loved to dance. The plot was okay too, but not very exciting or funny. I think the author needs comedy in the story as kids love that. The message about being brave and not always caring about what others think was good.” Boy, aged 8
“A lot of kids worry about stuff, so this book is good as it tells the reader that it´s okay to worry. I don´t think it´s a very exciting story, but it´s good for helping others to think about kids´ feelings and what they worry about. The pics were okay too.” Girl, aged 7 – with a little help from her mum
“This book would be excellent in a school library. It´s possibly not the sort of book children will keep returning too, but as a resource for discussing why being different is okay and should be celebrated, it´s excellent. I did think the text was a bit small but other than that, the layout is excellent, and the illustrations successfully assist the author in telling her story.” Primary school teacher, aged 32
“This book tells children that being different is okay. I liked that message.” Girl, aged 7
To Sum It Up:
‘A colourfully illustrated picturebook with a strong message of celebrating differences. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
June 19, 2022
Dancing Deepa by Suchi Sairam is a lovely and beautifully written/illustrated story focusing on a common experience for humans of all ages, and our universal longings, fears, and need for connection with others. Deepa wants desperately to participate in her school's talent show, but doesn't sign up because she doesn't see her specific talent pictured on the poster and fears that the uncommon type of dance she does will be seen as weird or boring by her classmates. She attends the show herself and loves all the acts she sees - the diversity of her peers' interests and skills is amazing, and she regrets that she missed the opportunity to share her own beloved interest. Luckily, her empathetic teacher notices Deepa's distress, takes the time to ask her about it, and gives her a new opportunity to share, a second chance. The enthusiasm of her teacher and the willing support of one of her friends gives Deepa courage to go for it, and the curious, engaged, and positive reception of her classmates makes it worthwhile to have taken the risk and shown a deeper and different side of herself.
There's so much to learn here: not only about the risks vs rewards of sharing herself from Deepa's perspective, but also from the critical roles played by her insightful teacher, her supportive friend, and her keen and curious classmates. Everyone wins from being open and ready to learn from and about others! Highly recommended for kids of all ages, teachers, friends, and colleagues/classmates - all of us are at least one of these.
There's so much to learn here: not only about the risks vs rewards of sharing herself from Deepa's perspective, but also from the critical roles played by her insightful teacher, her supportive friend, and her keen and curious classmates. Everyone wins from being open and ready to learn from and about others! Highly recommended for kids of all ages, teachers, friends, and colleagues/classmates - all of us are at least one of these.
August 12, 2022
Deepa is a fourth grader who loves to dance. One day the school announces there will be a talent show for anyone that wants to participate. Deepa is afraid that her style of dancing will not be received well and is afraid to show it because it is not like ballet or tap dancing. Deepa’s dance style is from India and is called Bharatanatyam. She is afraid that because she is different, people will not understand or make fun of her. So out of fear, she does not try out. On the day of the talent show, she is amazed by all the different things her classmates can do, and she regrets not sharing her style of dance with them. Her teacher realizes something is wrong, and together, they come up with a plan to share the beautiful dancing style of Bharatanatyam with the class.
Dancing Deepa, by author Suchi Sairam and illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan, is an educational and captivating picture book that is perfect for young children. Parents and teachers will love how different vocabulary words are explained and highlighted in the text. It is a motivational story about overcoming your fears of being different and sharing your culture.
This wonderful children’s book would be perfect for multicultural lessons in school and for lessons on different kinds of dance. The children in this well-written book all show acceptance and excitement when learning about Deepa’s dance style and culture. Dancing Deepa is a charming kids book that shows young readers how important it is to share their passion and culture with others.
Dancing Deepa, by author Suchi Sairam and illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan, is an educational and captivating picture book that is perfect for young children. Parents and teachers will love how different vocabulary words are explained and highlighted in the text. It is a motivational story about overcoming your fears of being different and sharing your culture.
This wonderful children’s book would be perfect for multicultural lessons in school and for lessons on different kinds of dance. The children in this well-written book all show acceptance and excitement when learning about Deepa’s dance style and culture. Dancing Deepa is a charming kids book that shows young readers how important it is to share their passion and culture with others.
January 17, 2026
The Review
This was another fantastic entry into this beautifully written children's book series. The shift in focus to Surya's older sister Deepa was a welcome change of pace, and gave a fresh perspective on the story. The relatability of Deepa as a protagonist and her experiences in school were well balanced by the fast pacing of the story and the warmth of the illustrations. The exploration of Bharatanatyam as a dance and the importance to Indian culture as well was phenomenal, allowing younger readers to experience a new culture while also giving younger readers of the Indian culture a story they could see themselves in.
At the heart of this book was the power of the story's themes. The book artfully delves into peer pressure and identity again with this book, while also bringing in the power of confidence and self expression as well. The deflating feeling of feeling like you have to hide a part of yourself is a struggle far too many young people have to go through, and the power positivity and encouragment can have on a young person is greatly felt throughout this story as well.
The Verdict
Engaging, memorable, and thoughtfully written, author Suchi Sairam's "Dancing Deepa" is a must-read illustrated children's book. The colorful and moving illustrations when paired with the moving and powerful themes the story brings to life allow readers to greatly engage with Deepa's character and become entranced in her experiences overall.
This was another fantastic entry into this beautifully written children's book series. The shift in focus to Surya's older sister Deepa was a welcome change of pace, and gave a fresh perspective on the story. The relatability of Deepa as a protagonist and her experiences in school were well balanced by the fast pacing of the story and the warmth of the illustrations. The exploration of Bharatanatyam as a dance and the importance to Indian culture as well was phenomenal, allowing younger readers to experience a new culture while also giving younger readers of the Indian culture a story they could see themselves in.
At the heart of this book was the power of the story's themes. The book artfully delves into peer pressure and identity again with this book, while also bringing in the power of confidence and self expression as well. The deflating feeling of feeling like you have to hide a part of yourself is a struggle far too many young people have to go through, and the power positivity and encouragment can have on a young person is greatly felt throughout this story as well.
The Verdict
Engaging, memorable, and thoughtfully written, author Suchi Sairam's "Dancing Deepa" is a must-read illustrated children's book. The colorful and moving illustrations when paired with the moving and powerful themes the story brings to life allow readers to greatly engage with Deepa's character and become entranced in her experiences overall.
December 29, 2022
A talent audition poster on the school’s wall caught Deepa’s eyes. She was training in a traditional Indian dance art form called Bharatanatyam. Deepa loved this art form from her parent’s country. However, she was still determining if everyone in her class or school would appreciate it. So, while many of her friends enrolled for the audition, Deepa skipped it. On the day of the show, the talents on the stage amazed her. But she was sad and walked out at the show’s end without talking to any of her friends. Her class teacher, Miss. Molina noticed it. What happened to Deepa and her dance?
We picked this book for its theme. The book adequately addresses the fear and hesitation many cross-cultural kids face that prevent them from showcasing their place of origin’s art form or culture. The illustrations are warm and support the story well.
Dancing Deepa by Suchi Sairam is a warmly illustrated book about a young girl overcoming her fear and showcasing a dance form that is dear to her.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books
We picked this book for its theme. The book adequately addresses the fear and hesitation many cross-cultural kids face that prevent them from showcasing their place of origin’s art form or culture. The illustrations are warm and support the story well.
Dancing Deepa by Suchi Sairam is a warmly illustrated book about a young girl overcoming her fear and showcasing a dance form that is dear to her.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books
June 7, 2022
Dancing Deepa is a beautiful book with a strong message for all of us - it's okay to be different! Deepa is an outstanding role model for kids who feel like they don't fit in. Her dance is unique, and not what all the other kids do. She discusses her concerns with a trusted adult, then uses all of her courage to share her passion and culture with her classmates.
In addition to being brave about Indian Classical Dance, this book provides a great stepping stone for any child who feels "different" in other ways. Love fencing instead of soccer? Want to be a physicist instead of a YouTuber or a famous singer? Dancing Deepa provides the framework to have a discussion with your children about how to be proud of their passions and to have the courage to share their passions with others, whatever they are.
In addition to being brave about Indian Classical Dance, this book provides a great stepping stone for any child who feels "different" in other ways. Love fencing instead of soccer? Want to be a physicist instead of a YouTuber or a famous singer? Dancing Deepa provides the framework to have a discussion with your children about how to be proud of their passions and to have the courage to share their passions with others, whatever they are.
June 7, 2022
This is a much needed book and point of view! The author empathetically describes the challenges of being a child and wanting to share one’s passion with one’s peers while also experiencing self-doubt and fear. These are universal childhood emotions and Sairam draws the reader in, makes the reader want to know Deepa, and be part of her world.
As a teacher, I love the way the author and illustrator chose to highlight key concepts and emotions, facilitating engagement and development of concepts of print in early and developing readers as well as grade level and advanced readers.
I love the messages this book brings to life — they are universal and help strengthen the connective tissue that unites all of us. I can’t wait to read the sequel and see what Deepa does next!
As a teacher, I love the way the author and illustrator chose to highlight key concepts and emotions, facilitating engagement and development of concepts of print in early and developing readers as well as grade level and advanced readers.
I love the messages this book brings to life — they are universal and help strengthen the connective tissue that unites all of us. I can’t wait to read the sequel and see what Deepa does next!
June 11, 2022
You'll Meet a Treasured Friend in this Book
Please buy a dozen copies of Dancing Deepa for these reasons:
1. You'll want to know Deepa.
2. You'll want to discover her dance approach and maybe take lessons.
3. You'll want to give this for every birthday party your kids go to.
4. You'll want to give this at Christmas to all the kids in your neighborhood and friendship group.
5. No matter your age you'll want to read it over and over and over and over.
Deepa is a lovely girl who is much more like any of us than different: we know the fear of sharing something precious to us--will friends embrace it or stomp on it?
Grow courage alongside Deepa to be you and to cherish the friends--children and grownups--who have something unique to share with you. Deepa will help you!
Please buy a dozen copies of Dancing Deepa for these reasons:
1. You'll want to know Deepa.
2. You'll want to discover her dance approach and maybe take lessons.
3. You'll want to give this for every birthday party your kids go to.
4. You'll want to give this at Christmas to all the kids in your neighborhood and friendship group.
5. No matter your age you'll want to read it over and over and over and over.
Deepa is a lovely girl who is much more like any of us than different: we know the fear of sharing something precious to us--will friends embrace it or stomp on it?
Grow courage alongside Deepa to be you and to cherish the friends--children and grownups--who have something unique to share with you. Deepa will help you!
June 12, 2022
Deepa Learns About Herself, Through Others
This delightful picture book is fascinating on many levels. Kids will identify with Deepa’s insecurities. Adults will see the kindness of the teacher and Deepa’s progression as she learns that she is accepted by others. Everyone will learn about the Indian dance style. The illustrations are beautiful and expressive. The entire book is a joy to read and to learn about the Indian dance style. This book is a lovely addition to school libraries and classrooms everywhere. Parents will find this book provides many opportunities to discuss feelings and concerns their children might have, as well as raise children’s awareness of the concerns and fears others may have. I highly recommend this book!
This delightful picture book is fascinating on many levels. Kids will identify with Deepa’s insecurities. Adults will see the kindness of the teacher and Deepa’s progression as she learns that she is accepted by others. Everyone will learn about the Indian dance style. The illustrations are beautiful and expressive. The entire book is a joy to read and to learn about the Indian dance style. This book is a lovely addition to school libraries and classrooms everywhere. Parents will find this book provides many opportunities to discuss feelings and concerns their children might have, as well as raise children’s awareness of the concerns and fears others may have. I highly recommend this book!
June 19, 2022
Dancing Deepa is a book for kids and adults alike. It teaches an invaluable lesson of overcoming our fear and worries of being perceived differently by others and developing a deeper sense of who we are in order to unlock our full potential. Deepa loves to dance, but is afraid to showcase her dancing skills with the fear of being mocked by her friends who might think that her dance is 'different' and 'weird'. With the help of her teacher, she overcomes this fear and shares her talent with her classmates, who, to her delight, enjoy every bit of her performance. Illustrations are bright and expressive and complement the story beautifully. A must read for people of any age.
June 10, 2022
beautifully written, beautifully illustrated children’s book
Dancing with Deepa is about a young girl who wants to show her classmates a dance in the school talent show. Deepa is concerned however, because her heritage and dance are from India and she is not sure her fellow classmates would be accepting or understood. Being ostracized from school mates is a real fear kids struggle with and the book does a great job portraying this. Illustrations are very well done and the text with different highlighted colors really popped. Highly recommended
Dancing with Deepa is about a young girl who wants to show her classmates a dance in the school talent show. Deepa is concerned however, because her heritage and dance are from India and she is not sure her fellow classmates would be accepting or understood. Being ostracized from school mates is a real fear kids struggle with and the book does a great job portraying this. Illustrations are very well done and the text with different highlighted colors really popped. Highly recommended
June 13, 2022
Get ready to love Bharatanatyam!
A well written and beautifully illustrated children's story about a young girl that loves to dance. The story also touches on deeper topics such as inclusion, embracing differences, self confidence, friendship, and art. The illustrations draw you in making you look forward to each successive page as the story progresses. Author Suchi Sairam really hits the sweet spot with the line "this book is for all the kids out there who just want to be their whole selves, every day, all the time." Hopefully this book will inspire more of those types of kids.
A well written and beautifully illustrated children's story about a young girl that loves to dance. The story also touches on deeper topics such as inclusion, embracing differences, self confidence, friendship, and art. The illustrations draw you in making you look forward to each successive page as the story progresses. Author Suchi Sairam really hits the sweet spot with the line "this book is for all the kids out there who just want to be their whole selves, every day, all the time." Hopefully this book will inspire more of those types of kids.
June 6, 2022
Everything about this book is BEAUTIFUL !!
Yes, the story; Yes, the illustrations, but for me the biggest deal are the MESSAGES that come through.
* We all have fears and doubts.
* We can support each other.
* There is more that unifies us than that separates us.
And it can be super-FUN to learn about new things!!!
A gorgeous gift for children 3 - 10, or for any adult who loves a child 3 - 10 ! 💜🧡
Yes, the story; Yes, the illustrations, but for me the biggest deal are the MESSAGES that come through.
* We all have fears and doubts.
* We can support each other.
* There is more that unifies us than that separates us.
And it can be super-FUN to learn about new things!!!
A gorgeous gift for children 3 - 10, or for any adult who loves a child 3 - 10 ! 💜🧡
June 7, 2022
Dancing Deepa touches on so many important topics related to growing up and exploring one's young self: loving an activity that brings you joy, supporting your friends, being scared of not fitting in, finding encouragement from a supportive teacher and communicating with your peers. This is a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. Even I learned something about Bharatanatyam! Thank you, Suchi, for writing such a gem that all children must read.
June 8, 2022
I have been looking for a child friendly book on Bharatanatyam for quite some time, and I finally found it! This book introduces kids to this beautiful dance from India, at the same time sharing the very important message that it’s ok to have different interests than our friends, but we have to be bold to share our what we love with others. This book has lovely illustrations that go perfectly well with the story!
June 9, 2022
Such a wonderful book! And let no one think that the lessons in this book apply only to Indian American children—they apply to everyone!
We all remember the difficulties as kids worrying so much about what we thought would be the opinions of others—and realizing that this worry extends to each of us today.
And Deepa found the solution—but I won't reveal it, since I assure you that the lesson applies to every one of us today. Now. Here.
Enjoy!
We all remember the difficulties as kids worrying so much about what we thought would be the opinions of others—and realizing that this worry extends to each of us today.
And Deepa found the solution—but I won't reveal it, since I assure you that the lesson applies to every one of us today. Now. Here.
Enjoy!
June 14, 2022
Awesome book for kids (and really all of us)
This was a fun, quick, and so worthwhile read that will help kids see that the fear of doing something can be overcome and provide so much benefit. It is even a good reminder to all of us not to let our fears get in the way. Kids will see that working through the fear will build confidence, teach so many things and provide joy and happiness because you did what you wanted to do.
This was a fun, quick, and so worthwhile read that will help kids see that the fear of doing something can be overcome and provide so much benefit. It is even a good reminder to all of us not to let our fears get in the way. Kids will see that working through the fear will build confidence, teach so many things and provide joy and happiness because you did what you wanted to do.
June 7, 2022
A beautiful story in its direct simplicity and gorgeous illustrations. Yes to sharing your culture! Yes to sharing your true passions with your peers! And how wonderful to see a strong young woman, self-doubting as we all do. This story crosses cultures and art forms to send a powerful message to young people about pursuing their passions and being open about their cultural identities.
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June 12, 2022A good book for children to learn about themselves, appreciate others, about encouragement and sharing of one's interests. The illustrations bring the story to life . Children will definitely relate to what they face in many other aspects. It gives an understanding as to how to tackle a situation and come out on top! It is about being comfortable being different.
June 15, 2022
Dancing Deepa is a very inspiring book for young dancers in the US. Having taught Bharathanatyam for over 20 years in the USA, I can totally relate with this story and all the feelings my students go through in their own schools. Suchi Sairam has captured the emotions very well and illustrations by Vidya Vasudevan are beautiful.
June 16, 2022
Showing up in all your glory can be hard. Deepa dances her way into our hearts as she throws light on our deepest fears of acceptance and belonging. A book that transcends age and teaches us to have courage and faith to show up authentically..A must read. Kudos to the author and illustrator on this heartwarming collaboration!
July 13, 2022
Dancing Deepa is a thoughtful and instructive book on several levels! In addition to teaching readers about the dance form, culture and acceptance of oneself and others, the vocabulary will also stimulate readers’ minds.
After reading this beautifully written and illustrated book, I bet several parents will receive requests from their children to take Bharatanatyam lessons!
After reading this beautifully written and illustrated book, I bet several parents will receive requests from their children to take Bharatanatyam lessons!
June 7, 2022
Inspiring
The story is very relatable to me as I think of how I would introduce the dance form to my kid and have her love it as much as I do given that she is going to be exposed to large variety of talents.
The story is very relatable to me as I think of how I would introduce the dance form to my kid and have her love it as much as I do given that she is going to be exposed to large variety of talents.
June 11, 2022
Enchanting
There is so much to love about this book.
Culture, inclusivity and the many feelings kids will experience but may not know how to handle. Very well written and beautifully illustrated.
There is so much to love about this book.
Culture, inclusivity and the many feelings kids will experience but may not know how to handle. Very well written and beautifully illustrated.
June 11, 2022
What a delightful read! Not only is this a beautiful introduction to Bharatanatyam, but it is also a wonderful reminder of being brave and sharing your gifts with others. I am excited to share this with my niece and nephews!
@suchisairam
@kalavandanam
@artfulwhim9
#dancingdeepa
@suchisairam
@kalavandanam
@artfulwhim9
#dancingdeepa
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