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Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding

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Kindhearted Archie is back! Her Poppy Uncle is getting married in a big Indian wedding, and Archie and new friend Emma realize that love and fun are universal.

In this cross-cultural friendship story, Archie helps Emma, who isn’t Indian, learn everything she needs to know when Archie’s Poppy Uncle and Emma’s Auntie Julie get married. The girls go to the mehendi party and sangeet together. They help Julie at the wedding, steal Poppy’s shoes, and eat ladoos at the reception. Now Archie and Emma are friends—and cousins!

Archie’s adventures celebrate Indian culture! We first met Archie in Archie Celebrates Diwali and now join her in the follow-up Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding . Backmatter in Archie's books feature kid-friendly resources to enrich the reading experience.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2024

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Mitali Banerjee Ruths

35 books28 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Srivalli Rekha.
Author 24 books796 followers
November 29, 2023
Pub Date: 30th Apr 2024

4 Stars

I missed the first book where Archie, aka Archana, celebrates Diwali, but got this well in time. This book has a mellowed version of Indian weddings for kiddos to have a glimpse into our culture.

Archie’s Poppy Uncle is marrying Miss Julie (who looks adorable in Indian wear). So, he brings Julie’s niece, Emma, and asks Archie to ensure she has a good time at the wedding. Archie is already too busy helping everyone and babysitting her little brother, Krishna. But Emma is a darling, and the girls get on well very soon.

The story is sweet and simple and gives a rough gist of different celebrations in a Hindu wedding. It’s also highly simplified to prevent readers from feeling overwhelmed. Our weddings have a lot going on and are too much fun!

The illustrations are cute and vibrant. The color schemes are well done to create appealing artwork on every page. The Ganesha murti in Archie’s house is a lovely touch. Beautiful! I love the bindis, bangles, necklaces, and earrings they wear. Can’t have an Indian wedding without dressing up. ;)

I’m not sure why no one explained to Julie how mehendi works. It seems odd that they’d leave her panicking about something like that (especially when she is all dressed up, which is hard with mehendi on both hands.) Someone helped her, so it makes sense they would have talked about the mehendi. Not to mention, it has to be rubbed off first, and coconut or clove oil is applied to the hands to deepen the color (which takes a few hours).

It would have been better if Julie panicked about her wedding saree (which is bound to be heavy) or felt worried she might forget the rituals. Archie could assure her about it (most brides are jittery, anyway).

Still, the book does a good job. There’s a note at the end mentioning the differences in Hindu wedding rituals based on region. I appreciate that. (Stealing the groom’s shoes is not a part of South Indian Hindu weddings). There’s a glossary, too, which is another plus. And finally, on the last page, we have a picture of the author on her wedding day. How cool is that? I totally love this!

To summarize, Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding is a cute, sweet, and compact little book that gives a glimpse into Indian weddings. It’s a good place to start.

Thank you, NetGalley and Charlesbridge, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#ArchieCelebratesanIndianWedding #NetGalley
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,335 reviews3,657 followers
October 2, 2023
I just love this series. Kudos to the author and the artists.

Thank you, Charlesbridge, for always providing me an ARC.

This book gives a great insight on how traditional weddings, in most parts of India happen even though there are totally different rituals and ceremonies happening for weddings for the diverse communities in the country.

The illustration is so well done. The writing is awesome and perfect for the target audience.

I love the representation as well.
Profile Image for Ilona.
Author 7 books24 followers
December 3, 2023
[Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.]

Archie is a young girl who wants to help organise her uncle's wedding ceremony. She meets Emma, her future cousin, who also helps her, while learning how Indian weddings are celebrating.

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This book was really lovely. As someone who doesn't know much about Indian culture, I really enjoyed this book and all the explanation that were given, as well as the addition of the glossary at the end.

I think it's a book that every kid could enjoy—not just Indian kids—, as the story and the way Archie and Emma's friendship grow are both very cute!

The illustrations made it so lively and beautiful too. They were filled with lots of details that carried well the atmosphere!
Profile Image for Sirah.
3,356 reviews29 followers
October 5, 2023
Archie loves helping with her uncle's wedding plans, but if babysitting her little brother wasn't enough, she finds that she has to take care of the bride's non-Indian niece as well. Archie patiently explains the Indian wedding traditions, and soon Emma and Archie can relax and enjoy the festivities. But a lot happens, and it's hard to make sure everyone is having a good time.

This is such a happy book. I just couldn't stop smiling as I read it. The plot is superseded by the many helpful explanations throughout, but there was just enough of a story to keep things interesting. I've read previous Archie books, and I love that they introduce a little bit of the culture of India alongside a fun narrative and thrilling illustrations.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for JJ.
436 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2024
Very cute and informative. Love the glossary at the back.
Profile Image for Pam.
10.4k reviews60 followers
December 18, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge through NetGalley.
Archie is back and enjoying the build up to her Poppy Uncle's wedding. She meets a new friend when Julie's niece comes, and the two of them share everything that is happening with readers. The artwork is brightly colored and pulls readers in to be part of this celebration as well. Informative text and a glosary are included at the end for further learning.
Profile Image for Sage.
60 reviews13 followers
December 19, 2023
Thank you so much to Charlesbridge for providing an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Archie is a young girl looking forward to her Poppy Uncle’s wedding to her friend Emma’s Aunt Julie! She teaches the reader — and Emma, who isn’t Indian — about all of the traditions that come with an Indian wedding, from the mehendi party to the sangeet party to stealing Poppy Uncle’s shoes!
This book was a joy to read. Being Indian myself, it was lovely to see these traditions through a child’s eyes, and they’re explained in a way that a child of any ethnicity or age can understand them. I loved seeing how Archie and Emma’s friendship grew as the story progressed, and the illustrations were wonderful! So colorful and lively, just like an Indian wedding should be.

The backmatter was the perfect finishing touch! A glossary is included for the Indian terms that children may not be familiar with, along with a small explanation of what an actual Indian wedding ceremony entails, written in a way that readers of all ages can understand.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,361 reviews107 followers
September 14, 2023
This is a wonderful book to teach non-Indian people what to expect from an Indian wedding. Archie explains everything to a white girl, her future cousin, what is going on. What she keeps repeating, throughout, that the most important thing is to have fun and be happy.

Great pictures, and there is a glossary in the back to explain words that Archie throws around that aren’t explicitly explained.

The last book about Archie explained Diwali to her white friends, so it makes sense that this is another story that explains something, while telling a cute story.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 30th of April 2024
Profile Image for Ryan.
6,186 reviews33 followers
May 31, 2024
This book was fun and informative. Archie’s uncle Poppy is getting married. But many people coming to the wedding aren’t used to the traditions of an Indian wedding. Archie will make friends with Emma as well as help the reader understand what’s going on and why things happen. This book was really fun, and the illustrations are lively and colorful. This book will be fun to read anytime no matter what type of wedding may or may not be taking place.
Profile Image for Rose Rosetree.
Author 15 books454 followers
January 31, 2025
Enter an affectionate landscape where readers learn about Indian cultures.

The well meaning book simplifies things considerably. Take for example that term "Indian culture." According to the Berlitz website:

While India has 22 separate official languages, it is home to a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues. It's also home to the world's oldest language, Hindi.

Therefore, seems to me, generalizing about "Indian Weddings" or Indian anythings? Look, kids have to start somewhere.

IN THE SERIES OF BOOKS ABOUT ARCHIE

His adventures introduces Indian culture to English-speaking children far from India.

This picture book presents another cross-cultural friendship story. In this tale, Archie helps Emma (who isn’t Indian) learn all she needs to know to join in the wedding of Archie’s Poppy Uncle and Emma’s Auntie Julie. Adventures include:

* When the girls go to the mehendi party.
* How they sangeet together.
* Which ways do they try to help Julie at the wedding?
* And what do the eat at the wedding reception?

Now Archie and Emma are friends—and cousins!

RATING THIS BOOK

Unless I absolutely love or loathe a book, my policy is to rate it in terms of my imagined response of the intended readers. This is a FIVE STAR read, seems to me. Readers can enjoy a pleasant mix of the familiar and the exotic.
Profile Image for Ms. Alyssa.
7 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2023
Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding is an adorable book about Archie teaching her new friend and soon-to-be cousin, Emma about Indian weddings. Archie involves Emma in the preparation that takes place before the big day and teaches her that they’re supposed to have fun and be happy at Indian weddings.

This book will teach young children about some of the traditions and customs that can possibly be seen in Indian weddings. I love how there is a note at the back of the book that discusses how East Asian weddings vary by region, depending on local customs and variations. There is also a glossary at the back of the book to define words that students may not recognize.

Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge for early access to this e-book.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,532 reviews102 followers
March 10, 2024
Living in the rural Midwest of the US, I have never had the opportunity to enjoy being at a wedding between people from India, nor spent much time understanding the rituals and celebrations of the people. Thank goodness for those who have given us the ability to learn and enjoy (even if we have to look elsewhere to listen to the music). This is a marvelous book!
The illustrations by Parwinder Singh are fun, imaginative, brilliantly colorful, and positively delightful!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 30 Apr 2024
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
5,093 reviews99 followers
October 10, 2023
In this cute multicultural picture book, the main character's uncle is getting married. She meets her future cousin and teaches her about Indian wedding traditions, helping her better understand everything and feel included. This book will appeal to people who are interested in learning about cultural wedding traditions, and it explains common Indian wedding practices to other people without over-explaining them for an Indian audience. This is really cute, with a nice message about inclusion and family togetherness.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alice.
5,957 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2024
5 stars
I read a digital advanced copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
"It's an Indian wedding. You're supposed to have fun and be happy." So says Archie and she prepares for her Poppy Uncle's wedding to Miss Julie. When her uncle asks her to make sure Emma, a guest of the bride, enjoys herself, Archie helps Emma feel at home with the traditions of an Indian wedding. As the festivities progress, Archie sees Emma as more that a task, but as a friend and Emma begins to enjoy the unfamiliar festivities of the wedding. They even help put the bride at ease by telling her, "It's an Indian wedding. You're supposed to have fun and be happy."
528 reviews19 followers
October 3, 2023
A fun book that is told through the prospective of Archie as she explains the Indian wedding festivities to her new cousin, Emma. Emma has never been to an Indian wedding before and so Archie explains to her the different aspects of the festivities. This book is a cute way to introduce kids to different cultures.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for sinag.
1,595 reviews22 followers
May 1, 2024
4/5 stars!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a very informative illustrated book showing Indian culture, specifically Indian wedding. As someone not from this culture, it's really interesting to know the customs in an Indian wedding. I also liked how these information were shown in this book.
Profile Image for Gabrielle Stoller.
2,316 reviews46 followers
October 12, 2023
I LOVE books about different cultures and traditions like holidays, weddings, etc. So this was so great to see a multicultural family coming together for a wedding. Henna, the Sanskrit vows, all of it is covered. I think readers will enjoy this!

I received an ARC of this book at SLJ's Day of Dialog!
Profile Image for Mrs. McGuire.
101 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2024
A HUGE thank you to Ms. Ruths for sharing her newest book with my elementary students. Archie Celebrates Diwali is already a popular read, I am sure this one will be too. It is wonderful that many students have mirrors into their culture and family traditions through Ms. Ruths' books. I look forward to reading and sharing her other books.
2,123 reviews
February 10, 2024
A sweet and informative book about Indian weddings and how people from all cultures can participate and have fun. Loved the artwork, so bright and colorful, and I really appreciated the explanations about the various wedding days. A cute introduction for children.

Thanks to the publisher for the copy.
2,028 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2023
Lots of fun! I went to an Indian wedding last year and this was a cute reminder of that experience. I wish I could have read this beforehand so I would've been less nervous and shy.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley.
Profile Image for Ember Air.
626 reviews15 followers
April 17, 2024
This story was a lot of fun and I'm excited to see the series continue on. The illustrations are bright, fun, and engaging. The story invites you to join in and learn about Indian customs/culture at a wedding!
Profile Image for Lyla.
466 reviews
July 8, 2024
This was good. I learned a lot and I liked the pictures. The story was definitely written for younger kids.
Profile Image for Michelle.
4,012 reviews34 followers
October 8, 2024
A bit long, but great art and it's good to learn about other cultures.
Profile Image for Solange Guillen.
1,163 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2025
Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding is a joyful and visually stunning picture book that offers young readers a lively introduction to Indian culture and traditions through the eyes of a curious and excited child.
Profile Image for Julia Pika.
1,189 reviews
December 20, 2023
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. A very fun yet informative story about a culture not often explored nor explained in picture books. It was very accessible and should be a great resource for kids being introduced to how Indian weddings operate--way more fun than most cultures' weddings!
Profile Image for Farah G.
2,508 reviews31 followers
September 14, 2023
This is a cute story about a young Indian girl named Archana (aka Archie) who is excited about her Poppy Uncle's forthcoming wedding to a foreigner, Miss Julie. Archie is less excited about the fact that she has to keep an eye on her little brother Krishna during the festivities. So she is even less pleased when she is given the added responsibility of looking after Miss Julie's niece, Emma.

But as it turns out, Emma is really nice and helps Archie look after Krishna. In return, Archie has the opportunity to teach Emma all about the more interesting wedding traditions, including that of stealing the bridegroom's shoes for ransom!

The two girls are also able to help Miss Julie when things are going wrong for her at one point. So in fact, they end up saving the day. Even if it's only the three of them who know about that...

The illustrations are adorable, and the story is a good introduction to Indian culture wrt Hindu weddings. Children of the target age group should find this an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
29 reviews
October 22, 2023
Indian weddings are truly unique and magical…and complicated! This engaging picture book helps to demystify the event for readers who have never been to one before. When Archie’s uncle is set to marry a non-Indian woman, Archie teaches her soon-to-be family about everything from the henna to the mantras by the fire, and of course the desserts. She inspires them to quit worrying about all of the specific customs and remember that at an Indian wedding, “You’re supposed to have fun and be happy.”

Illustrator Parwinder Singh makes the event come to life with dazzling scenes and an eye for detail. There is a glossary to explain some of the terminology, as well as a more detailed explanation of the customs during the ceremony itself. It was a bit difficult to understand how all the characters were related at first, but a second read-through helped sort it out. This book serves as an inviting and authentic introduction to Indian weddings for kids of many ages.

Thank you to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for providing this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sadie-Jane Huff.
2,115 reviews14 followers
November 12, 2023
Book 141 of 200 ~ 2023

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Again, I love reading about other cultures, and in this one, it is beautifully told with glorious illustrations that brought me back to my ex bestie's amazing punjabi wedding.

Though it is from a different Indian denomination, there are similarities that I recognised. Most importantly, it is about family, friends, love, fun, and celebration. This was all captured fantabulously in this book. Love it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews