Mehndi Boy
Description
"Delightful . . . the world needs more 鈥榤ehndi boys!鈥欌�� 鈥擵ivek Shraya, author of The Boy & the Bindi and God Loves Hair
鈥淚 was totally charmed by it.鈥� 鈥擜li Sethi, musician and author
An artistic, fashion-loving boy unlocks a new talent鈥攁nd learns to stand up for it鈥攊n this chapter book perfect for fans of the Sadiq series and Meet Yasmin!
The first time Tehzeeb tries mehndi, his passion for the art form blossoms. Soon, he鈥檚 creating designs for all his friends and family, and dreams of becoming the most in-demand mehndi artist in town. So Tez is hurt and confused when his favorite uncle tells him mehndi isn鈥檛 for boys. His art brings people joy. How could it be wrong? Tehzeeb doesn鈥檛 want to disappoint his uncle. But when a crisis before his cousin鈥檚 wedding puts his talents to the test, Tehzeeb must find the courage to be his true creative self.
Jani Balakumar鈥檚 expressive, vibrant illustrations bring Tehzeeb鈥檚 designs鈥攁nd his community鈥攖o life. This charming, affirming story by debut author Zain Bandali will have you celebrating creativity, artistic expression, and being unapologetically yourself.
Readers can learn more about mehndi at home with activities at the end of the book.
鈥淎 triumph.鈥� 鈥擠anny Ramadan, author of Salma the Syrian Chef and the Salma series
Awards
- Nominated, Silver Birch Express Award, OLA 2023
- Commended, Best Bets, OLA 2023
- Joint winner, New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2023
- Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award 2024
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, *starred selection, Canadian Children鈥檚 Book Centre 2024
Reviews
鈥淎 delightful story about finding inspiration in unexpected places, the virtue of practice, and the beauty in so-called imperfection. Tez's tenacity is admirable and, ultimately, transformative. The world needs more 鈥榤ehndi boys鈥�!鈥�
- Vivek Shraya, author of The Boy & the Bindi and God Loves Hair
鈥淎 triumph . . . navigates topics such as socially constructed gender roles and the evolution of culture and tradition, while also showcasing a beautiful form of art and a joyful childhood experience.鈥� 鈥擠anny Ramadan, author of Salma the Syrian Chef and Salma Makes a Home
- Danny Ramadan, author of Salma the Syrian Chef and Salma Makes a Home
鈥淸A] fast-paced chapter book, replete with vibrant illustrations . . . This would be a lovely read-aloud, taking readers on an emotional journey along with Tehzeeb.鈥�
- Booklist, 09/28/23
鈥淏andali gently and compassionately offers readers a chance to see how to be true to yourself as they follow Tez on his journey.鈥�
- The Globe and Mail, 09/28/23
鈥�Mehndi Boy feels warmly familiar and highly original at the same time. I was totally charmed by it.鈥� 鈥擜li Sethi, musician and author
- Ali Sethi, musician and author
鈥淸A] testament to the power of art to challenge the rigidities of bias and triumph over discrimination 鈥� Bandali pays homage to the rich panoply of Indo-African culture, and shows that, like art, cultural traditions are vibrant and ever-moving.鈥�
- Quill & Quire, *starred review, 12/23