  | Sona Sharma, very best big sister? (Sona Sharma) Author: Soundar, Chitra | |
| Price: $20.98 | ||
Summary:
Sona Sharma's house is full of three generations of people who joke often and argue sometimes. Relatives come over unannounced, the phone rings frequently, and friends drop by all the time. Then one day Amma tells Sona that she is going to have a baby. Is that good? Sona isn't so sure. She doesn't want to share her room or her things with a new baby, not to mention the attention of Amma, Appa, Thatha, and Paatti.
| Illustrator: | Khatun, Jen |
Download a Teacher's GuideVideo Preview:
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.80 Points: 1.0 Quiz: 513621 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/01/21)
School Library Journal (+) (09/01/21)
Booklist (09/15/21)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/07/21)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 09/01/2021 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 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 09/15/2021 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.
