Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister? by Chitra Soundar

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?

Chitra Soundar, Author

Jen Khatun, Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Fiction, Sep. 14, 2021

Suitable for ages: 6- 9

Themes: New baby, Big sister, Hindu religion, Naming ceremony, Indian culture,

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Can Sona be the best big sister ever when she’s not sure she even wants a baby sister or brother? 

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. And despite Amma’s assurance that the sky always has room for new stars, Sona doesn’t feel stretchy or bighearted like the sky. But when she learns there will be a baby-naming ceremony, she’s determined to find the best name for her new brother or sister—one as nice as her own, a Hindi word for “gold.” Perfectly pitched to young readers, this tale of warming up to change is followed by a glossary of words from India to explore in the story.

Why I like this book:

This is a perfect chapter book for young readers who about to become a big sister/brother. A charming story that can be read aloud or alone. It addresses the issue of being an only child and welcoming a new baby. Sona likes being the center of everyone’s attention and is not so sure she wants to share that with a new sibling. Especially since she lives in a typical extended Hindu family with a lot of grandparents and aunts and uncles around.

The book is particularly special because it will teach readers all about the custom of welcoming a Hindu baby in India. Readers will observe how the entire family gets involved in the upcoming birth. And they will learn about the wonderful naming ceremony for the baby — the highlight of the story. I was not familiar with the name ceremony and was very intrigued with the meaning of finding the right name. The ceremony involves the parents and grandparents on both sides of the family.

Each page is adorned with sweet pen and ink illustrations that highlight India’s culture, food and traditions. I especially like the layout of the book with seven chapters, each bearing an important theme in the story. This chapter book is a lovely addition to any school library, and it may inspire families to create or share some of their own family traditions about the birth of a child.

Chitra Soundar grew up in Chennai, India. An award-winning author of more than forty books for children, she travels the world visiting schools and appearing at festivals to bring Indian stories to children everywhere. She lives in London. 

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*Review copy provided by Candlewick Press in exchange for a review.