Written by Jasbinder Bilan, Illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti
I feel like I’ve just been on a month long trip through India! This 70 page picture book takes you through the regions of India, where you get to see the sacred rivers, endangered animals, ancient temples, and modern cities. It’s set up in a story of a girl named Thara who is with her Indian grandmother, and together they pull out the contents of a trunk with objects from India. It’s designed so that you can journey through India all at once, or dip into it when you feel like visiting a particular place. Every time you chose a page, it’s like you choose an object from the trunk.
I really love this book! I learned so much about India. It did take me a long time to finish it. I think the audience would be older elementary. The illustrations look like colorful gouache, which gives you a taste of India but not making you feel like you’ve seen everything so you don’t have to go visit.
There is a map, historical timeline, and index. My only critique is that I wish for each individual page about a region or city that they would include a small map to give you an idea of where it is. The map in front doesn’t include cities. Other than that, I highly recommend this book for those who love to learn about countries and cultures.
Reviewed by Becky Burr, Librarian, Academy Park Elementary
Review shared in November 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-5
My Incredible India
Written by Jasbinder Bilan, Illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti
Candlewick Press
71 pages
Release Date: October 10, 2023
ISBN: 9781536225013
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
