Chitra Soundar

Gauri and her family prepare for the Hindu festival of Holi in this sweet picture book from expatriate Indian author Chitra Soundar and Indian illustrator Darshika Varma, each one making a different gulal, or colored powder or liquid to be used in the celebration. Although angry at first that she didn't get her favorite color, Gauri is reconciled to the situation after listening to her grandfather relate the traditional Holi story of how Prahlada defeated his demoness aunt Holika, without ever descending into anger. Deciding that she too can avoid anger, she realizes that the color she was assigned (red) symbolizes many wonderful things...

I have enjoyed many of Chitra Soundar's books, including her Farmer Falgu picture books, her folktale-inspired collection, Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship: Stories from India, and her other Hindu holiday picture book, Shubh Diwali!, so I was excited to track down Holi Hai!. There is a dearth of good children's stories about this festival of colors here in the states, so I was very pleased to see that she had produced one! If found her story here engaging, and think that many young children will be able to relate to Guari's feelings of disappointment, even if the holiday itself is unfamiliar to them. The accompanying artwork from Varma is colorful and cute, in a somewhat cartoon-like way, and adds to the sense of fun, while the author's afterword gives more specifics about the holiday, as well as a glossary of terms used in the book. Recommended to picture book readers and listeners looking for good Holi stories, or children's books with an Indian cultural background.… (altro)

Soundar’s rhyming picture book gives readers an overview of the Hindu celebration of Diwali as it is celebrated in large parts of North India and by the North Indian diaspora.

Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon, and so after “Grandpa watches the waning moon” and notes that “the festival is coming soon,” an Indian boy and girl help their family clean and decorate the house. Then they all don new clothes, sing hymns and light lamps together, and exchange gifts and sweets with their neighbors, all in celebration of the holiday. Family members wear a combination of traditional Indian and Western attire; the suburban setting looks Western. It ends with a joyful greeting: “Shubh Diwali, to one and all. / We wish you joy, big and small!” Soundar’s use of “Shubh” in the title—meaning “auspicious” or “holy”—instead of “Happy” is welcome, as is Chua’s inclusion of neighborhood diversity (white and black families as well as a person using a wheelchair). As an entry on the holidays shelf, it breaks little new ground, but North American shelves hardly overflow with Diwali titles. An author’s note explaining the regional and religious differences in the celebration of Diwali across South Asia and the diaspora and a glossary of common terms provide readers with additional scaffolding.

A solid introduction to a holiday celebrated by millions. (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review… (altro)