Raaga's Song

June 1, 2023

K-Gr 4-This picture book begins with a retelling of a story from the Ramayana, one of the two important epic poems of Hinduism. Raaga's grandfather tells the story of how Lord Rama bravely battled the ten-headed demon Ravana, and then how the people heralded his victorious return home with celebratory lights. Raaga loves to sing and is thinking about auditioning to perform in the Diwali mela (festival) at the palace. With the support of her grandfather, Raaga is inspired by the messages of hard work and bravery in Lord Rama's tale to face her own modern demons as she strives to win a place performing in the mela. This gentle yet powerful picture book is suitable for early childhood listeners, but also for older elementary students who will be able to catch the references to colorism. The art is brightly hued, with detailed characters and appropriately abstract backgrounds, architectural lines, and forest scenes heightening the mythological atmosphere. VERDICT Recommended purchase for libraries with readers who want to learn more about the origins of Diwali and make a connection to modern-day issues.-Evelyn Khoo Schwartz

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2023
A young Indian girl struggles to find her voice and courage in the face of uncertainty. Raaga loves to sing and to listen to her grandfather's stories. She especially loves hearing about the origins of Diwali, a holiday that honors Lord Rama's victorious return to his kingdom after vanquishing the demon Ravana. Raaga, whose name means melody, hopes to conquer her own fears of singing in front of an audience at the Royal Palace on Diwali. While unkind comments about her dark skin made her shy away in the past, this year Raaga feels brave enough to try. Encouraged by her grandfather and her faith in Lord Rama, she practices every day, building up an admiring audience. On the day of the audition, Raaga is unnerved by mean-spirited comments from the judges. As her courage falters, her friends cheer her on, and she proves herself. Laudably, Chhabria highlights a young girl's insecurities in the face of colorism as well as the power of loved ones and one's faith. However, the narrative, which appears to be set in olden times, also includes a few modern touches that feel jarring. The author's attempts to draw parallels between Raaga's voice and Lord Rama's arrow and army seem forced. Though a bit static, the illustrations feature people of many different hues of brown; effective use of contrasting color reflects Raaga's budding confidence. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A celebratory tale that doesn't quite hit the mark. (Picture book. 4-8)

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August 14, 2023
In a modern folktale about courage, Chhabria leans into the Hindu mythology that underpins celebrations of Diwali across India. Vocalist Raaga, whose name means “melody,” loves singing for birds and for her grandfather, and she has always dreamed of singing at the palace’s annual Royal Diwali mela. But having been teased “for being too dark and too young,” she freezes each time she tries to audition. Her grandfather compares her efforts with tales of Lord Rama, who practiced until he was skilled enough as a marksman to battle 10-headed demon Ravana: “Lord Rama was brave, but he also had people who helped and believed in him,” Baba says. Taunted on the day of the audition by 10 older judges, portrayed with lighter skin, Raaga draws on her community and her faith—she hears her cheering loved ones and thinks of the moment Lord Rama released the arrow—to prove everyone wrong. Paired with a telling that explores prejudice and self-determination, colorblock art employs Indian iconography and folk art forms using a minimal, contrasting palette. Ages 4–8.