A young girl gains the confidence to participate in her familys traditionand be fully herselfin a vibrant ode to difference and love from a new voice in picture books.
Ameena cant wait for her aunties Nikah. Shes never been to a wedding, and today there is one in her own garden! After putting on the salwar kameez that Babu gave her, with its soft layers of floaty fabric, she feels like a princess, skipping down the garden path. Oh wow! comes a friendly voice over the fence. I wish I had pajamas like that! Suddenly Ameena, her cheeks hot, starts to wonder: should she wear something else? In a gentle text capturing all the nuances of a first cultural experience, Sophia Payne follows a childs passage from self-doubt to worry to pride, while Ruchi Mhasanes expressive illustrations render the wedding garb in glowing colors and patterns that will have young readers wanting to join in the celebration.
