Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The sisters-in-law and previous collaborators (Happy Diwali!) share a vibrant introduction to the Hindu spring festival of Holi in this experiential accounting that takes into account one child's sensory concerns. On morning, a child is awakened with a jubilant "it's Holi!" before eagerly preparing for the day. Straightforward text and simple dialogue balloons show the child admiring spring blooms with an elder ("I love color!"), donning a white kurta "so the colors can shine bright," and enjoying a variety of sweet and savory treats. When family and friends arrive, and water balloons and powders are set out, the child avoids the messy activity that follows: "Nooo... I don't want it on my face! What if it gets in my eyes?!" But quick thinking provides the youth with a pair of goggles, all the better to join in with a reprised "I love color!" Without delving deeply into the holiday, sparse text and action convey the happenings and hues of Holi. Back matter includes more about Holi and two recipes. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--A family prepares for their Holi celebration by dressing in white, making delicious treats, and assembling water balloons and colored powders. One little family member confesses that although he loves colors, he is afraid of getting the powders in his eyes. A pair of swim goggles frees him to enjoy the festivities with enthusiasm. Thick outlines and vivid colors create a cheerful, celebratory vibe. The narration consists of no more than one or two sentences per page and makes use of a few Hindi words. Back matter includes an introduction to Holi, a glossary, a recipe, and instructions for making Holi powders. VERDICT A helpful preschool read-aloud to introduce the holiday, or to soothe kids who get nervous when group play has the potential for mess and chaos.--Rachel Owens
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A family finds a way to help their youngest enjoy a beloved holiday. It's Holi, the Hindu festival that celebrates the coming of spring. After his older sibling wakes him up, a young South Asian boy dons a traditional white outfit and snacks on mitai, jalebi, and samosas. The boy watches as family and friends fill water balloons and small cannons with water and colored powder. Although the boy loves colors, he seems uncertain, and when he's splashed with water, he tells his family he doesn't want to play. They urge him to join in, but he says that he's worried about getting water on his face, especially in his eyes. His sibling brings him a pair of goggles, and he joins the fun. While it's commendable to see a holiday book that centers a character coded as neurodiverse, the story feels rushed: The young protagonist isn't given the opportunity to opt out of participating or much time to calm down before jumping back into the fray, nor does the child have the chance to come up with his own solution. While the simple, clear language and vibrant cartoon images make for an upbeat tale, many kids who are similarly overwhelmed by holiday festivities will find the resolution unsatisfying. An appealing Holi celebration that falls short in its treatment of sensory issues. (what is Holi?, glossary, how to make your own Holi colors!, suji ka halwa recipe) (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
