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9781499818246

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Pieces of the past, present, and future untold come together in this dreamy picture book that reminds children of their incalculable individuality. A grandmother's wisdom, ""the gleam of ripe mangoes,"" and ""stories of struggle and strife"" are but some of the parts that come together to form a sum far greater: each unique child. Vibrant illustrations capture ships sailing sunset seas, tranquil jungle waterfalls, and soaring birds as children are encouraged to honor their pasts by forging their own futures.-- ""Foreword Reviews"" This family contains multitudes. The children at the center of this narrative in verse have inherited many gifts: from their South Asian mother, ""bright eyes"" and a ""joyful smile""; from their father, who presents white, a ""big heart"" and kindness; and from their grandparents, intelligence, wit, and determination. Employing vibrant imagery, the unseen narrator speaks of their rich heritage: ""You're the gleam of ripe mangoes, / the swish of raw silk, / the sweetness of lychees and coconut milk. // You're the crunch of an apple, the kiss of a peach, the salt of the ocean, and chips on the beach."" But these children can also forge new identities: ""In you the past shines / like silver and gold. / Maps are redrawn / in the magic you hold. / Countries hold hands, exquisitely new."" Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the narrator reminds the youngsters that ""you're not quarter...or half... / a mathematical sum,"" but whole people whose heritages infuse them with the power to write their own stories. The story ends with the narrator exhorting the children to believe in their own abilities and to recognize their own beauty. Prabhat's brilliantly colored illustrations infuse Prasadam-Halls' words with vibrancy and life, further reinforcing the poem's message of optimism, inclusivity, and hope. A nuanced, tenderly wrought celebration of biracial identity.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" When a child hails from more than one cultural heritage, it can feel difficult for them to understand exactly who they are. And in a world that sometimes focuses only on pieces and parts, remembering to honor the whole person is paramount. This beautiful, poetic picture book celebrates children whose parents span a variety of backgrounds. Like in Joanna Ho's Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, the second-person narration is thoughtfully placed within each illustration; the rhythmic narrative is a delight to read aloud. The pacing and delivery of each line emphasizes the message behind the story, pausing at choice moments to ensure comprehension. Coupled with the text are stunning illustrations that feature two children of mixed-race heritage. Each scene incorporates a select color palette, and the protagonists are frequently seen engaging with elements of their complex and diverse backgrounds. From tastes and smells to sights and sounds, a plethora of detail is included as the narrative and imagery work together to tell the story. The beauty and design of the book makes it enjoyable for readers no matter their individual histories. It's a tale that celebrates the global diaspora and how stories and cultural traditions are shared with children, no matter what where they happen to live. VERDICT: Inspiring and uplifting, this is a particularly excellent selection for multicultural families to enjoy together and works in library collections as well.-- ""School Library Journal, STARRED Review""

Author Information

Smriti Prasadam-Halls is an award-winning, bestselling children's author whose books include Publishers Weekly #1 bestseller I Love You Night and Day. She is published in more than 40 languages worldwide. Her books are always full of hope and heart and speak to the child in all of us. South Indian by birth, British by nationality, and London-loving at heart, Smriti lives with her husband and their three sons, reading, writing, and dreaming up new stories. Chaaya Prabhat is an illustrator from Chennai, India currently working out of Goa. She has worked on a number of picture books, including Anni Dreams of Biryani, A Taste of Honey, The Best Diwali Ever, and Bracelets for Bina's Brothers.

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