Suma Subramaniam – författare

What’s so special about your name?Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan doesn’t think there is anything special about her very long name - in fact, she would prefer to be called “Kav.” But Paati reminds Kaveri that her name was inspired by her family’s heritage, where she was born, and the powerful river they journey across for the Pushkaram Festival. Along the way, Kaveri’s eyes and heart are opened to the beauty and magic her name holds.Through Suma Subramaniam’s lyrical and tender writing and Tara Anand’s radiant illustrations, My Name Is Long as a River offers messages of cultural pride, self-confidence, and empowerment.

Look into the forest and listen carefully! You see the chest and head of a man, but you hear the rhythmic gallop of hooves. It’s a centaur, a strong and brave creature. Have you wondered where centaurs dwell and what they eat? How tall do they grow and how heavy? Wonder no more! Striking illustrations and matter-of-fact text take you on a thrilling journey to learn all about centaurs.

Gaze at that sparkling light, dancing in the sky! It’s a fairy, one of the mythical world's greatest treasures. Have you ever wondered where fairies live? What do they eat and how do they use their magic? Wonder no more! Striking illustrations and matter-of-fact text take you on a magical journey to learn all about fairies.

A young girl is eager to learn all about bindis, the red dot that goes between her brows. Paati, her grandmother, shows her how to make a bindi in a clay pot by combining crushed turmeric, sandalwood powder and a dollop of ghee. They mix and mix and mix until, like magic, the mixture turns from yellow to bright red. Her bindi can be big or small, and shaped like a star, a flower or a glowing half-moon. She can wear her bindi to celebrate different festivals, such as Diwali, or on an ordinary day as a way to stay centered and calm. In this way, she discovers that her bindi is more than just a dot. Author Suma Subramaniam's lovely intergenerational story celebrates the cultural traditions that make us who we are. The rich illustrations by Kamala Nair add layers of cultural details and captivatingly evoke the girl's experience as she prepares and wears her bindi. A Bindi Can Be... is a mirror for the millions of children around the world who wear, or have family members who wear, a bindi. It offers a wonderful entry point for children learning about global cultures and traditions, and can be used for lessons on traditional celebrations such as Diwali. The story also provides an opportunity to introduce topics of mindfulness and emotional regulation to young children. Back matter contains extended information about bindis, what they are, other names for them, why people wear them and how they are made, as well as a glossary.

Namaste is a greeting. A smile. A friendship. A celebration. Namaste is "I bow to you."Namaste can be many things. It's hello!, a moment of silence or of comfort, something to say when you're happy or when you're feeling low. For this little girl, namaste is all around her as she navigates her way with Mum through a bustling city and busy marketplace. Returning home with a small houseplant, she chooses to gift this to an elderly neighbour. A simple gesture of kindness resonates to show the power of community and its caring bonds through sad or trying times.Namaste Is a Greeting is an exploration of namaste through everyday observation and simple actions to honour the divine within all people.