Aria and "My Dadima Wears a Sari"My Dadima Wears a Sari (Peachtree, 2007) written by Kashmira Sheth and illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi is a lovely picture book about a granddaughter asking her grandmother why she always wears a sari.

The grandmother patiently answers the questions. She explains why she likes saris and the many ways a sari can be used. (As an umbrella! Or a basket!) She also shares some of her favorite saris and the stories behind them, and even explains how to wear one.

The book is full of familial love as the grandmother passes on traditions and memories. It also include a glossary to identify some Hindi words used in the text and a step-by-step guide to putting on a sari properly.

Today’s reviewer, Aria, wasn’t familiar with saris before reading this book, but she is now.

Let’s hear what she has to say.

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Our reviewer: Aria

Age:  7

Things I like to do: Climb trees — it’s one of my favorite hobbies. I also like to swim.

This book was about: Dadima and her two grandchildren and how they always wanted to know why she wears a sari.

The best part was when: They were all looking in the mirror. That was the best part — with the saris.

I smiled when: When I saw the younger one of the granddaughters ask, “What if we were out in the jungle?”

I was surprised when: The book kept me thinking. I wanted to see what her three favorite saris were. It kept me curious.

This book taught me: How you can wrap a sari and the special way to do it. It’s a very big piece of material.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Beautiful.” “Curious.” “Illustrations.” (Aria noted that the book has beautiful illustrations.)

My favorite part of the book: All the colorful words. Especially when she was describing the gold sari she wore for her wedding.

My favorite picture in the book: The one on the last page where they’re smiling in the mirror.

Other kids reading this book should look for: The illustrations.

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Thank you, Aria!

You can learn more about author Kashmira Sheth by visiting her website. You also can read this interview .

You can learn more about illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi by visiting her website. You also can read this review of another book she illustrated.