A Vaisakhi to Remember

Gr 1-3–A girl describes the Vaisakhi celebration of her home, from the sights and sounds to the tastes and memories filled with loved ones. When the girl moves, she is upset, but her parents show her how even if things change, traditions and celebrations can carry on. Singh has created an excellent story showcasing holiday not often represented in picture books. The text is easy to see and read, bringing life to the Vaisakhi festival; while there is a good amount of Punjabi vocabulary used to tell the story, the meaning of the words can be identified through context clues, and even if not fully understood, do not detract from the overall message. Kaur’s gorgeous illustrations also bring the holiday to life and help provide a window into Vaisakhi, as well as some more context for Punjabi words. Readers will find themselves discovering something new every time they read. Singh and Kaur have created a wonderful story that shares how traditions and celebrations are portable, no matter where we are.