They say, “With curls, everyday is a new adventure”. It seems so apt for Avantika’s life, which currently seems to be full of struggles, both internal and external because of her curly hair!! Want to know more about her complicated relationship with her curls? Read on the book review “Why Is My Hair Curly? by Lakshmi Iyer”.
About the Book:
Name: Why Is My Hair Curly?
Author: Lakshmi Iyer
Publisher: Red Panda, an imprint of Westland Publications
Type: Paperback– 138 Pages
Genre: Children – 8+ years
Summary :
“Why Is My Hair Curly” is a heart-warming story of an adopted girl named Avantika. It beautifully covers little girl’s family relationships, her school life, her emotional struggles to accept her true identity, her yearn to find someone akin to her and finally finding solace in a stranger friend, who is much older than her.
My Take on the Book:
Though this book was suggested to me by a friend, it is this catchy cover design, which compelled me to buy the book! All thanks to Niloufer Wadia’s beautiful illustrations.
Avantika and Avnish are adopted kids. Both receive lot of love and affection not just by their parents but also from extended family members. Still their adoption matter bothers them sometimes, especially to Avantika. She always draws parallels between her adoption identity and her curly hair, both of which makes her different.
Some of my favorite parts of the story are – Avantika’s diary notes, reference to south Indian language for relations like Amma, Appa, Chitthappa, Thatha, Paati,etc. Summer vacation visits to native, Avantika’s mother Radha’s sincere efforts to become the best mother to her adopted kids.
Being an adoptive mother herself, Lakshmi Iyer has done fantastic job in showing the emotional baggage that comes with an adoption. Story is weaved in a realistic manner to show the heartache of a young girl who is vulnerable because of “being different” compared to societal norms. Though it covers sensitive topic, entire story is written from a positive perspective and ended with happy family reconciliation. After all, “Curls and Cuddles make the perfect combination” isn’t it?!!
Recommendation
It is children book but parents can read it to understand the struggles of young minds. I recommend this book to anybody who is looking for native stories with feel good factor.
