Priya the Jungle Dancer by Sathya Achia and Janan Abir (AdiDev Press) is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Priya has a dance recital coming up at her school and her grandparents, who live in a small village in India, are training her for it. Through the laptop, the beautiful sounds of the tabla enter Priya’s home. She sways and loves to the tune as she observes her grandparents.
However, a tech failure cuts off this connection. Can Priya connect to her inner dancer? As one reads this tale one realises how culture, dance and music can forge intergenerational bonds and how technology can give us access to this!
I think the book is a beautiful reminder of how children can stay close to their roots, and their grandparents even when separated by geographical distance. We often think that technology isolates us. Being glued to screens prevents us from accessing life in the present. While this is definitely true in many cases, we need to acknowledge how technology can bridge gaps and bring people closer.
As Priya connects with her inner jungle dancer she reaches the core that connect her to her own ancestors and her culture. In a beautifully orchestrated ending, she puts on a great performance, and incidentally it also rains! As if the Gods are in sync!
Priya the Jungle Dancer by Sathya Achia and Janan Abir will appeal to children from ages 3 to 7.
