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Children's Fiction Asia

The Great Henna Party

by (author) Humera Malik

illustrated by Sonali Zohra

Publisher
Lantana Publishing
Initial publish date
Mar 2024
Category
Asia, Diversity & Multicultural, Multigenerational
Recommended Age
4 to 9
Recommended Grade
p to 3
Recommended Reading age
7 to 8
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781915244604
    Publish Date
    Mar 2024
    List Price
    $25.99

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Description

If you were to name the person you loved the most, who would you choose?Noor's cousin is getting married tomorrow, and tonight, Noor's family will hold a henna party in her honor. They'll sing traditional songs, eat delicious treats, and have their hands painted in swirling designs using a dye called henna.Noor is especially excited to play the henna name game. The henna artist will hide the name of the person Noor loves the most in the pattern she paints on Noor's hands. But whose name will Noor choose?As Noor encounters each member of her family, she finds it harder and harder to make her choice. What should she do if she loves them all? A heartwarming story that traces the patterns of family love through the South Asian tradition of painting with henna.

About the authors

Humera Malik is a teacher-turned-writer of Muslim faith and Pakistani roots. She enjoys bringing to life relatable characters that celebrate her South Asian heritage and culture. She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband and three children.

Humera Malik's profile page

SONALI ZOHRA is a Indian illustrator living in Bangalore. She studied fine arts and photography, and holds a master’s degree in design from the University of South Wales, in Australia. She is fully aware of the lack of sanitation facilities as depicted in this novel. When she was small, she would often accompany her father, who worked for UNICEF India on projects concerning women’s health in rural areas.

 

Sonali Zohra's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"The book's vivid, whimsical illustrations beautifully accompany the tender, well-paced text. Clear explanations of the henna party make this title a good window for children unfamiliar with the tradition. . . . A sweet, gentle tale about tradition, family, and celebration."—Kirkus Reviews

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