Humera Malik Books

The arrival on this book in the school library or at home is likely to excite many children especially if it happens when Eid is being celebrated, as it did here. No wonder the child, whose own hands had just been decorated, looked so delighted when she heard the story of Noor’s family wedding. She could see herself in it, feel proud of her heritage and could identify with the joy shared; a joy communicated also in the swirls and tones and colours of the illustrations.

Those who don’t have personal experience of such celebrations can learn respect for traditions other than their own, as well as facts about the art of henna painting in the author’s final note. They too will identify with having relatives – their own mama/mum, baba/dad, nani/gran or dada/grandad – to whom they want to show love. As Noor realises, demonstrations of that love are unlimited… there is room for all our dear ones on our hands, yes, but in our hearts too. This is an enchanting story that is highly recommended for individual and communal reading.