A Gift for Amma
A Gift for Amma
Market Day in India
In this #OwnVoices book inspired by the author’s hometown of Chennai, India, a girl explores the vibrant rainbow of delights in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her amma (mother). Educational endnotes explain all the items on sale and introduce readers to markets around the world.
Written by Meera Sriram
Illustrated by Mariona Cabassa
Format : Paperback
Spanish Version Available - Un regalo para Amma, Día de mercado en India
Product Dimensions: 8.50 x 10.75 inches
Page Count: 32 pages
Age Range: Ages 4-9 years
★ "An excellent story for young readers to enhance their understanding of color and an aspect of traditional Indian culture" – School Library Journal, starred review
★ "A must-have for primary libraries seeking fresh material" – Foreword Reviews, starred review
"A beautiful exploration of color, a cultural touchstone, and an engaging read-aloud" – Booklist
"A culturally authentic journey" – Kirkus Reviews
- #OWNVOICES: Set in the author’s hometown of Chennai in Southern India and is based on her many visits to the local markets.
- CULTURAL AWARENESS: Readers are immersed in a sensory experience of spices, sights and sounds as they learn about the foods, markets and customs of Southern India.
- COLOR IDENTIFICATION: Each spread is saturated with a specific color and focuses on market wares of that hue.
- EMPATHY: The girl must consider many options at the market and think about what her amma (mother) would most like as a gift.
- EDUCATIONAL ENDNOTES: Endnotes provide information about the items for sale at the market and markets around the world. Also includes photos from the author’s visits to the market on which the story is based.
Written by - Meera Sriram
Meera Sriram grew up in India and moved to the U.S in 1999. An engineer in the past, she now enjoys writing, leading early literacy programs and advocating for diverse bookshelves. Meera is the author of The Yellow Suitcase and has also co-authored several books in India. She believes in the transformative power of stories and likes to write about people, places and experiences less visible in children's literature.
Illustrated by - Mariona Cabassa
Mariona Cabassa studied illustration at the Massana Art School and completed her postgraduate degree at the School of Fine Arts in Strasbourg, where she also learned how to speak French. She has illustrated more than 80 books in Spain and other countries. She lives in Barcelona, Spain.