The Boy & and Bindi

In this beautiful children's picture book by Vivek Shraya, author of the acclaimed God Loves Hair, a five-year-old boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, the red dot commonly worn by South Asian women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.

Beautifully illustrated with hand paintings by Rajni Perera, The Boy & the Bindi is a joyful celebration of gender and cultural difference.

Vivek Shraya is a writer, musician, performer, and filmmaker. Her previous books include the novel She of the Mountains and the YA book God Loves Hair, and she has been shortlisted for Lambda Literary Awards three times. She has read and performed at shows, festivals and post-secondary institutions internationally.

Rajni Perera is a Sri Lankan-born artist whose internationally showcased work floats between Western and immigrant culture. She lives in Toronto.

A well told, richly illustrated representation of expansive gender that isn't white . .. Shraya's warm and entertaining rhyming text tells a story about difference without relying on bullying, and shares with all kids something about the world told through the intimate lens of a child's experience of their body, mind, and spirit.
-CBC Parents

The story is simple but incredibly touching and the words are accompanied by the most vibrant illustrations, ones that truly suit the vibrancy of South Asian culture. This may also be a great book to reach for when introducing Hinduism to anyone who is curious or confused about it. -Book Riot

The easy rhyming and vivid colors make this an unforgettable look into Hindu culture. -Kirkus Reviews

As a story, it's beautifully told, and the bright and colourful hand-painted illustrations complement the text perfectly. A great addition to a classroom bookshelf or home library. -Canadian Children's Booknews (Recommended)