Navya sings for Navarathri

K-Gr 3--Navya is excited for Navarathri, the annual women-only Hindu festival, to begin. The nine-night celebration draws families and neighbors together, and this year Nayva's aunt Athai and her cousin Shruti have come all the way from India. As Nayva plays the cymbals and listens to her aunt practice her song for the ninth night concert, she does not sing along. Athai suggests that Navya sing the song she taught her, but Nayva's fear comes in the way. Can Nayva summon the courage of the goddess Durga to help her overcome her fears and sing at the festival? This book reinforces the theme that girls are strong and can get past their fears to do difficult things. Watercolor, gouache, ink, and pencil colors create vibrant digital illustrations. An author's note at the beginning of the book and extensive back matter about the festival includes information on the myth, the music, a recipe for a chickpea snack, and a glossary; all will be helpful for teachers and caregivers to introduce the story. VERDICT Emphatically recommended. Readers will fall in love with Nayva and her family.--Kerry-Ann Thompson

A girl finds her voice during a Hindu holiday celebrating the divine feminine. Navya's aunt--whom she calls Athai--and cousin Shruti have come all the way from India to celebrate Navarathri. Athai suggests that Navya sing the song that Athai taught her last month. Navya demurs, saying that she'll sing next time. On the nights that follow, Navya visits friends' houses and listens to other girls and women sing but is too afraid to join them. After these visits, she sings to herself, all alone. On the fourth night of the festival, Athai tells Navya and Shruti the story of how the powerful goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahisa. When Athai wakes up the next morning with a cold, too sick to sing, Navya wonders if she'll have the courage to sing on her aunt's behalf. With a little practice and a lot of bravery, she eventually channels her inner goddess into song. Dwivedi's stylized, vibrant illustrations accompany this gently inspiring story; colorful patterns on the rugs and on the women's and girls' clothing are especially eye-catching. Those unfamiliar with Navarathri will come away enlightened by the backmatter, which also explores Carnatic music and includes a recipe for a chickpea snack. Overall, it's a sweet and uplifting tale about an oft-overlooked Hindu holiday. A gently empowering tale of triumph. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.