Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister

July 1, 2021
Sona Sharma lives with her mother, her father, her grandmother, her grandfather--and, very soon, a brand-new sibling! Sona's mother is almost ready to give birth, and her Hindu family is getting ready for the baby's naming ceremony. During the ceremony, the baby will be given three names: one picked by the maternal grandparents, one picked by the paternal grandparents, and one chosen by the parents for the baby to use outside of the home. The baby's names will then be written in a bed of rice, which is a typically Brahmin tradition. In India, families are not allowed to know if the baby is a boy or a girl, so Sona's family is preparing two lists of names. Sona plans to help choose a girl's name, but making a list is harder than she thought, even with the help of her toy elephant. Will Sona be able to come up with the perfect name for the baby while also juggling all the changes that come with being a big sister? The book features a highly accessible story about transitioning from being an only child to a sibling, and it depicts well-developed, positive relationships among members of three generations, all of whom burst with personality. (Sona's maternal grandmother, a retired academician, is called the President, for instance.) The book's female autorickshaw driver is a refreshing example of gender diversity. A charming story about becoming a big sister. (glossary) (Fiction. 7-11)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from September 1, 2021

Gr 1-3-The tapestry of Sona's life is woven with the people of her vibrant, bustling multigenerational Indian family: her parents, Amma and Appa; her grandparents Thatha, Paatti, and the President; and her stuffed elephant, who is called, much to his chagrin, Elephant. Sona's life is about to change as her parents prepare to welcome a baby. And Sona, like many first-time older siblings, is feeling a variety of emotions. Will she have to leave her home and live with her maternal grandmother, the President, as Amma awaits the new baby? Will Sona be able to share her parents' love and attention with the baby? Can she come up with the perfect name for her new sibling's naming ceremony? The emotional journey of this soon-to-be big sister unfolds delicately, with the perfect balance of gravitas and humor. Young readers will be quickly absorbed in the character-driven plot and description of Hindu baby-welcoming ceremonies and customs. In a particularly touching scene, Amma assuages Sona's worries of being forgotten by comparing the family's love for Sona and her future sibling to the sky making space for the birth of a star. Khatun's linear illustrative style pairs well with the text, giving life to the lush foliage of India and the charming characters of Sona's family. VERDICT This chapter book's unique take on the familiar theme of welcoming a new baby is elevated by Soundar's exceptional characterization and Khatun's appealing art. A recommended purchase for school and public library collections.-Sarah Simpson, Westerville P.L., OH

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2021
Grades 1-4 Firstborn Sona enjoys her spot in the family, but there's a new baby on the way, and change is hard. Everyone is talking about Amma's pregnancy, and Sona feels tremendously left out. She finds comfort with her plush elephant, who keeps her company, and their exchanges in the text reveal how she processes her feelings of sadness and anger. Meanwhile, Amma tries to comfort her daughter with symbolism of stars: ""There are new stars born every day . . . the moon and the other stars don't get angry about new stars."" But more difficulties are on the way--per tradition, Amma will rest at her mother's home until the baby is born, which means Sona is separated from her mother. But all is well when the baby is born and she feels an immediate bond, intuitively absorbing her new role as big sister, especially as she rescues the naming ceremony. Soundar neatly folds familiar themes of changing family roles, adapting to new circumstances, and dealing with big feelings into this beautifully illustrated chapter book showcasing India's culture and traditions.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.