This impressive picture book biography tells of Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, which provided education to thousands of girls in Pakistan beginning in the 1930s when girls didn’t go to school. Her schools are still thriving today. The story is told by her granddaughter, the author of the book. As a young girl in India, Maryam dreams of becoming a teacher, but her parents believe that school is not necessary for girls. She is heartbroken but not discouraged. She finds a way to attend high school and college, graduating with honors. She marries, opens a school in her house, and eventually moves to Pakistan (after Partition in 1947) to open more schools. Urdu words are smoothly integrated into the text, and they are defined in a glossary at the end of the book. An author’s note offers fascinating and comprehensive information and a cool photo of Maryam on graduation day. Detailed, colorful paper collage art depicts fabric patterns in clothing and other aspects of Indian culture. An interesting, hour-long interview with Reem Faruqi, put together by Charis Circle in 2023, is available on YouTube. mjw |
| Title: Milloo’s Mind: The Story Of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer For Women’s Education Author: Reem Faruqi Illustrator: Hoda Hadadi Publisher: Harper Collins Copyright: 2023 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-06-305661-9 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book, Biography, Information Book, Nonfiction Book setting: Poona, India and Karachi, Pakistan Author’s ethnicity: Pakistani Author’s residence: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Illustrator’s ethnicity: Iranian Illustrator’s residence: Tehran, Iran Subjects: Biographies, Education, Gender equality, Multicultural issues, Teachers, Urdu language, Women |
Tag Archives: Families
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Picking Tea With Baba
Once Upon A Diwali
Riya loves Diwali for the tasty treats called ladoos, but not for the dark night and the very loud fireworks. Mama says that Diwali is more than treats. She goes on to explain that it’s about the celebration of light over darkness and good over evil. Riya’s Papa decorates the house with lights and candles. Her sister makes rangoli, which are decorations of patterns made with powdered rice and colorful sand or flowers. Riya helps her. But she still is afraid of the darkness and the spooky, loud fireworks. So Mama tells the legend of why lights are used on Diwali. Riya listens and learns about Ram, the crown prince, who, with his wife and brother, was banished from his kingdom. There was a terrible battle. Ram won and returned to his kingdom on a path with glittering diyas (oil lamps) and glowing lights. Riya understands, becomes a bit braver, and asks to bring her own lantern to the celebration, just in case. Brightly colored cartoon-style artwork further distinguishes the storytelling. An author’s note, an illustrated glossary, a recipe for ladoos, and instructions for a Diwali paper diya craft are included as back matter. mjw |
| Title: Once Upon A Diwali Author: Anita Mishra Illustrator: Diah Chakraborty Publisher: Soaring Kite Books, LLC. Washington D.C. Copyright: 2024 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-958372-44-9 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: India Author’s ethnicity: Indian Author’s residence: El Paso, Texas Illustrator’s ethnicity: Indian Illustrator’s residence: Assam, India Subjects: Celebrations, Differences, Diversity, Fireworks, Folktales, Holidays. Religions, Sweets |
Papa’s Butter Chicken: A Celebration Of Family And Community
Monica loves the butter chicken that her father makes. It’s been a family favorite since her father ate it as a young boy in a wonderful restaurant in Delhi. The two have fun preparing the meal, and they set the table for two. But then the doorbell rings and Grandma, Uncle Jai, Uncle Arjun, Cousin Anya, and so many more appear with food for everyone – fresh mangoes, channa masala, palak paneer, naan, dumplings, and cupcakes. They all share the feast that was made with love. Brightly colored artwork in reds, oranges, and blues features South Asian arches and arabesque designs. This celebration of family, food, and Indian heritage includes a foreword by renowned chef José Andrés and the author’s own recipe for butter chicken. mjw |
| Title: Papa’s Butter Chicken: A Celebration Of Family And Community Author: Monica Saigal Illustrator: Abeeha Tariq Publisher: Tiger Tales Copyright: 2024 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-6643-0044-6 Hardcover pages: 36 Age range: 3-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Indian Author’s residence: Washington, DC Illustrator’s ethnicity: Pakistani-Irish Illustrator’s residence: UK Subjects: Celebrations, Communities, Cooking, Father-daughter relationships, Indian heritage, Recipes |
The House On The Canal: The Story Of The House That Hid Anne Frank
Einstein The Penguin
Jack And The Beanstalk
The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery
The Paper Bridge
Finding The Way To Faraway Valley
A little polar bear and his bespectacled grandfather decide to take the long, difficult journey north to Faraway Valley. It’s “a special place, a wild place …” where great elks, tawny foxes, and mountain goats live, and “the air smells of warm pine needles.” Before they depart, they must learn how to pitch a tent, study maps, and read about the creatures of the North and safety on ships. They travel far to discover the importance of protecting the special place and leaving it, taking only their learning and memories away. The rich illustrations were created using watercolors, gouache, pastels, and digital methods in this inspiring and moving book with an environmental theme. A star chart is included as back matter. mjw |
| Title: Finding The Way To Faraway Valley Author: Cecilia Heikkila Illustrator: Cecilia Heikkila Publisher: Floris Books, Edinburgh Copyright: 2024 Original Language: Swedish Translator: Polly Lawson Original Title: Den sista utposten Original Publisher: Bonnier Carlsen Bokfortag, Stockholm Original Copyright: 2021 ISBN: 978-178250-854-0 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Swedish Author’s residence: Dalarna, Sweden Illustrator’s ethnicity: Swedish Illustrator’s residence: Dalarna, Sweden Awards: Selma Lagerlof Society Prize, 2024 Subjects: Conservation, Dreams, Grandchildren, Grandfathers, Intergenerational, Maps, Polar Bears, Wilderness Appreciation |












