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My Mother's Sari
One long stretch of cloth is what Mother always wears—elegant yet so graceful. The mystery of the sari can be magic for a child, winding and weaving, just like the connection between a child and its mother. The style, the motifs, the interplay of children, colors, and textures, create the rich, mood-filled, and dreamy world of My Mother's Sari . A book to capture the imagination of children everywhere!
24 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2006
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About the author
Sandhya Rao
60 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 3, 2016
This book shows all the reasons that a little's girl's mother's sari is special to her. She loves it for all the roles that it plays for her: from a train to a river to a tissue and more. The end pages of the book also show an 8-step process for putting on a sari. Sabnani's illustrations depict the beautiful colors and patterns of the cloths of various saris. I especially appreciate how the textures come out in the illustrations. For girls who have grown up around saris I'm sure this book would bring up happy feelings of reminiscence. For children who are unfamiliar it could give an interesting viewpoint of part of Indian culture. I could see myself using this in the classroom for early elementary ages, but not beyond that. I think older students would find it uninteresting as the book works off of the imagination of a 4-5 year-old girl.
*Selected as an Outstanding International Book in 2007 by the United States Board for Books for Young People (USBBY)
*Selected as an Outstanding International Book in 2007 by the United States Board for Books for Young People (USBBY)
March 8, 2019
My mother’s sari is different because the pictures have real pictures of sari’s. It is a fun little book about children who appreciate her mother’s sari’s. The story talks about children who explore the different things they can do with her mother’s Sari. It shows their representation of their culture and everything she does with the sari. The pictures show beautiful colored sari’s of different designs and attributes. At the end of the story, it shows step by step in how to wear a sari. I liked how there was no gender bias, and both boys and girls played with their mothers Sari’s. This a great book to add color to a classroom with no gender bias. It is a positive book with a happy ending. The story doesn't specify what country the children's ethnical background is so it could be any south Asian country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2018
This is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the reader everything that makes a sari fabulous for children. I liked that the end papers have directions for how to wear one. What distracted me is that I anticipated the story would be from one child's perspective, but the images show different kids interacting with it in different ways. The problem with this kind of portrayal is that as a reader, there isn't one character to connect with.
December 1, 2020
A beautiful story about a little girl who see's her mother's sari as something beautiful and useful. You see the little girl play with the sari as a train or hammock or even a tissue. Translated into English, this book comes in many different languages, showing a real diversity to the story.
July 23, 2017
Sandhya Rao gives us a lovely picture book that can be read over and over. The unnamed main character loves her mother's saris and demonstrate the many ways a child could use a sari, whether practically or in play. The simple declarative sentences carry the reader through the simple story, but the variety and depth of the illustrations are as deep as this girl's love of her mother's saris.
Despite the title's suggestion of a singular sari, the many saris shown in this book show a broad sample of saris, both in color and in design. Nina Sabnani's illustrations demonstrate the many uses of a sari (following the text), but fills the background with the richness of typical Indian motifs and designs. To take the reader over the top, the end papers give numbered illustrations that show how to wear a sari, using the main character as a model.
When read slowly, taking time to let the whole of the page to sink in, this book is a feast worth tasting more than once.
I have two thoughts after reading Rao and Sabnani's book. First, we never see the mother's face, even where her presence is implied. Her saris seem to stand for motherlove, which is never mentioned in words. Yet these sari are so important to meeting the child's needs the saris provide decoration, safety, security. For her, they are an extra way to experience this love.
The second question is, what does her mother think about the uses her saris are put to? The mother may be there, but she never shows her face, from which feelings might be derived by a reader. I don't think anything about the book should be different; but I surely would like to know whether these uses-for-a-sari are just typical play by some Indian children, or if at the end of the day, Mom says, "Who has been playing with my saris?" Just an observation that left me curious. What Mom wouldn't want to know?
Despite the title's suggestion of a singular sari, the many saris shown in this book show a broad sample of saris, both in color and in design. Nina Sabnani's illustrations demonstrate the many uses of a sari (following the text), but fills the background with the richness of typical Indian motifs and designs. To take the reader over the top, the end papers give numbered illustrations that show how to wear a sari, using the main character as a model.
When read slowly, taking time to let the whole of the page to sink in, this book is a feast worth tasting more than once.
I have two thoughts after reading Rao and Sabnani's book. First, we never see the mother's face, even where her presence is implied. Her saris seem to stand for motherlove, which is never mentioned in words. Yet these sari are so important to meeting the child's needs the saris provide decoration, safety, security. For her, they are an extra way to experience this love.
The second question is, what does her mother think about the uses her saris are put to? The mother may be there, but she never shows her face, from which feelings might be derived by a reader. I don't think anything about the book should be different; but I surely would like to know whether these uses-for-a-sari are just typical play by some Indian children, or if at the end of the day, Mom says, "Who has been playing with my saris?" Just an observation that left me curious. What Mom wouldn't want to know?
June 29, 2014
Illustrated using mixed-media, My Mother’s Sari opens with the endpapers bearing instructions in how to don a sari. The photographed human model’s person painted over in the manner of the characters we will soon meet in the story.
Whether it is in imaginative play, nose wiping (a favorite), or finally to wrap oneself up in and dream, each of the children’s mother’s sari function differently. And yet the unity of the text, that possessive I the reader will hear with one voice, recommends that one mother’s sari can do all these things.
The children are in paint, but the sari is collage, bright in color, variant in pattern and texture. The sari appears light with effervescent movement next to the densely drawn figures interacting with them, giving them the ephemeral dream-like quality.
The metaphor of the sari is tied to the mother, and to the maternal and cultural burdens she bears. “How it makes me dream,” the narrative concludes.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
Whether it is in imaginative play, nose wiping (a favorite), or finally to wrap oneself up in and dream, each of the children’s mother’s sari function differently. And yet the unity of the text, that possessive I the reader will hear with one voice, recommends that one mother’s sari can do all these things.
The children are in paint, but the sari is collage, bright in color, variant in pattern and texture. The sari appears light with effervescent movement next to the densely drawn figures interacting with them, giving them the ephemeral dream-like quality.
The metaphor of the sari is tied to the mother, and to the maternal and cultural burdens she bears. “How it makes me dream,” the narrative concludes.
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
Read
January 13, 2016I like that the inside cover explains how to wrap a sari -- but the slipcover on the book means you can't actually read/see all of it :(
I like that the narrator child playing with the mother's sari gets to be various different kids, including ones who could be read as boys.
I don't know who the intended target audience is, but I can imagine American/"Western" kids feeling self-conscious about their mom's "weird" sari, and I really appreciate the way this normalizes your mom having a sari and presents it as a really positive thing. And the way the sari is depicted in each spread with photographs of actual cloth makes it subtly pop.
I like that the narrator child playing with the mother's sari gets to be various different kids, including ones who could be read as boys.
I don't know who the intended target audience is, but I can imagine American/"Western" kids feeling self-conscious about their mom's "weird" sari, and I really appreciate the way this normalizes your mom having a sari and presents it as a really positive thing. And the way the sari is depicted in each spread with photographs of actual cloth makes it subtly pop.
March 15, 2018
This is a simple story about a child and the sari that belongs to their mother. With simple text and bright illustrations, the book moves through all of the reasons why the child loves the sari so much...The inside cover even has an illustration showing the proper way to put on a sari. A good read for younger children
November 8, 2019
Love the pictures..my kids enjoyed a lot because they do all things mentioned in pick😍
December 15, 2018
A simply written story about a piece of clothing that is so important to a large population of the world. And while some may not understand or embrace it for so many others it is an extension of their mother's love.
April 17, 2022
We read this to supplement our 1st grade LA/GEO unit on India!
August 25, 2012
It is rare that I read a picture book and have a clear vision for how I would improve it. But in this case, it was easy. The illustrator gave me the idea herself. But first, let me go over the rest.
The writing is short and very easy to read aloud and thus meets a very important criteria of mine for children's books that parents should actually own. I liked the cloth of the saris contrasted with the acrylics (and on some pages wished for a much stronger contrast).
But the illustrations were just random kids playing with random saris. And that didn't do it for me. Maybe if the writing was super compelling it would have been okay. And sure, it did evoke some feelings (as a grown up) of love for children's playfulness and that thing they do that makes you feel all lovey inside just watching them.
But I know how it could have been better. Instead, she could have made the illustrations a narrative of their own - a narrative of a little kid learning how to put on the sari her (or him) self. I thought of that, because that's JUST what the illustrator did on the front and back inside covers. (I mean, maybe if it were an actual book you could have a half seen mama or something to make it clear whose perspective this is from.) But it makes me feel bad when I like the inside covers better than the book.
So this is really a 2.5 star review. But it's rounded up because I did enjoy the book.
The writing is short and very easy to read aloud and thus meets a very important criteria of mine for children's books that parents should actually own. I liked the cloth of the saris contrasted with the acrylics (and on some pages wished for a much stronger contrast).
But the illustrations were just random kids playing with random saris. And that didn't do it for me. Maybe if the writing was super compelling it would have been okay. And sure, it did evoke some feelings (as a grown up) of love for children's playfulness and that thing they do that makes you feel all lovey inside just watching them.
But I know how it could have been better. Instead, she could have made the illustrations a narrative of their own - a narrative of a little kid learning how to put on the sari her (or him) self. I thought of that, because that's JUST what the illustrator did on the front and back inside covers. (I mean, maybe if it were an actual book you could have a half seen mama or something to make it clear whose perspective this is from.) But it makes me feel bad when I like the inside covers better than the book.
So this is really a 2.5 star review. But it's rounded up because I did enjoy the book.
April 14, 2010
Summary: A child describes the wonder, comfort, and practical uses of her mother’s sari—the one long piece of fabric folded and tucked “just so” that makes up this traditional dress of the Indian women.
Indian culture is part of my family story and My Mother’s Sari afforded a sweet, sensory visit. I love the simple text and rich illustrations!
Sabnani accompanies the text with a combination of photograph and primitive style illustrations. The photographs display varying sari cloth—different patterns, colors, and designs on every page. The illustrated children are interacting with a sari in ways that reveal the comfort of a mother. Sandhya’s text is simple and evocative. The child’s viewpoint conveys the special child-mother relationship through. On the end pages from front to back there is a diagrammed, 8-step instruction on how to wear a sari.
Indian culture is part of my family story and My Mother’s Sari afforded a sweet, sensory visit. I love the simple text and rich illustrations!
Sabnani accompanies the text with a combination of photograph and primitive style illustrations. The photographs display varying sari cloth—different patterns, colors, and designs on every page. The illustrated children are interacting with a sari in ways that reveal the comfort of a mother. Sandhya’s text is simple and evocative. The child’s viewpoint conveys the special child-mother relationship through. On the end pages from front to back there is a diagrammed, 8-step instruction on how to wear a sari.
November 15, 2009
Rao crawled inside a child's imagination to give us a view of a sari from a short person's perspective. This wonderful garment becomes a blanket, a hammock, a climbing rope, and, when mom's not looking, a tissue for a runny nose. The text is simple, warm, and perfectly complimented by the mixed media illustrations. They capture the jewel tones and radiance of traditional sari materials, and the mischievous glee of a child playing in her mother's wardrobe. Children from pre-school through second grade would enjoy this book, although I doubt any of them will be able to follow the directions for wrapping a sari that appear on the endpapers. (I doubt my attempt would be much better!)
April 28, 2012
In a multicolored celebration parade, our lovely young protagonist lists all the reasons she loves her mother’s sari. She can hide in it, use it as a hammock, and even wipe her nose! There are even end paper instructions on how to properly wrap a sari.
The delightful illustrations are done in a mixed media format that splices in streams of photos of real saris along with the mischievous, darting little girl racing among the pages. Concise and very well written, this title could serve a number of functions, as part of a clothing unit, a storytime about parent-child relationships, or as an intro to Indian culture for some audiences.
The delightful illustrations are done in a mixed media format that splices in streams of photos of real saris along with the mischievous, darting little girl racing among the pages. Concise and very well written, this title could serve a number of functions, as part of a clothing unit, a storytime about parent-child relationships, or as an intro to Indian culture for some audiences.
January 29, 2016
I thought that this children's book was sweet. I enjoyed reading this to my children, because in my family's country, we also wear a sari. Things that kids did with their mother's sari in this photo book made me laugh and remembering fondly what I used to do with my mother's and grandmother's sari. I am grateful that this book has been written and created because I feel this helps to normalize multiple cultures here in America. The fact that I was able to read this book to my children helps them to feel less "strange" or "foreigner" because I was raised in Chinese/Khmer household and they're being raised in the similar environment as well.
June 6, 2008
My brother-in-law's Indian. When I participated in the wedding, one of my favorite parts was observing the beautiful clothing worn throughout the festivities.
The book is short but sweet, as it explores the various uses of a sari and where a child's imagination goes with it. It reminded me a bit of the old cardboard boxes we used as children.
The words are bold and clear to read. The illustrations are vivid and colorful, and use a mixed media approach using both drawing and photos of various materials. As a bonus the front and back panels go through the steps to tying a sari.
The book is short but sweet, as it explores the various uses of a sari and where a child's imagination goes with it. It reminded me a bit of the old cardboard boxes we used as children.
The words are bold and clear to read. The illustrations are vivid and colorful, and use a mixed media approach using both drawing and photos of various materials. As a bonus the front and back panels go through the steps to tying a sari.
September 11, 2012
Very few words, nice artwork but not something I would want to pick up and read again. Discusses a little girl that plays with her mother's Sari. (kind of humerus, she wipes her nose on it) Shows different culture, but I'm sure there are better books available. A nice picture book for young pre-k/k students. Best part of the book was the inside covers, described step-by-step how to wrap a sari... enjoyed it better than the book.
July 8, 2011
This is a short and simple book that describes how a young girl feels about her mother's sari. In the end pages, there are instructions for putting a sari on, which appears to be somewhat complicated. The narrative is poetic and evokes the feelings of comfort, warmth and love. Our oldest picked this book out at our library and read it for her summer reading log and I read it afterward.
February 7, 2012
A child plays with his/her mother's sari (varies depending on the page) -- pretending it is a train, a river, a rope, in this delightful book. The text is short enough for even a toddler storytime and the illustrations are bright and appealing. The endpages show how to wrap a sari into clothing. A really delightful book.
October 7, 2021
Published in multiple languages, this colorful sweeping children's story provides an everyday share of how a young girl uses her mother's sari in multiple ways. When you share with students, be sure to bring the realia and allow children to feel the fabric and try out the many ways to drape a sari.
September 5, 2008
Beautiful! Rao captures the essence of why children play with their parents’ clothes in the last few pages:
I love my mother’s sari…/ and how it makes me dream.
I love my mother’s sari…/ and how it makes me dream.
August 30, 2009
Beautiful illustrations, combining acrylics and photography, make this sweet, simple, multicultural story, stunning.
This is a great multicultural read for the very young.
This is a great multicultural read for the very young.
April 20, 2011
This story brings this culture alive for young readers. I liked how she discovered what the Sari was and what it meant for her mom to wear it.
August 9, 2011
Wouldn't want to wear the sari after she's been at it.
March 7, 2012
A young girl shares with readers the many ways her mother's sari is fun and beautiful.
April 25, 2012
Good book to show other students' cultures. It is also a book that shows how to make something!
July 8, 2013
Short and sweet. I like the colorful sari's and how each child would identify with their mother and their traditional clothing. But the choice of words and rhyming were a bit odd. A sweet book!
April 22, 2014
Cute book from an international perspective. I love how you could use this for beginning readers. They could use the pictures to help with the text.
April 25, 2014
This is a good resource for teachers of young children. It also has the steps for putting on the Sari. It is a good book to teach on India's culture/clothing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews