Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?

Name: Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?
Brand: Dreamscape Media
Availability: InStock
Author: Chitra Soundar
ISBN: 9781666532807

Author: Chitra Soundar

Narrator: Mayuri Bhandari

Unabridged: 1 hr 19 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Published: 09/14/2021

Categories: Children's Fiction, Regional Stories

Synopsis

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 big-hearted 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.”

About Chitra Soundar

Chitra Soundar is originally from India, where as a child she feasted on folktales and stories from Hindu mythology. She is the author of the picture book Pattan’s Pumpkin: A Traditional Flood Story from Southern India, illustrated by Frané Lessac. She currently lives in London.

About Jen Khatun

Jen Khatun is an award-winning illustrator whose work incorporates whimsy and playfulness. Based in England, she enjoys living close to the sea and regularly walks through the beautiful downs to fuel her creativity.

About Mayuri Bhandari

Mayuri Bhandari is a passionate and versatile actress, figure skater, and audiobook narrator. Her television credits include Dave, Rebel, and Dare to Dance. The winner of Miss India Global in 2015, she seeks to be a part of authentic stories of the South Asian Diaspora and marginalized groups.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Laura on May 26, 2021

This lovely, heart-felt children's book is about Sona, and her becoming a big sister. Naturally she has anxieties about this big life change that is pending and this book expresses them in a child-friendly way. This book has wonderful answers to many questions a child may be thinking and worrying ab......more

Goodreads review by Donna on July 14, 2021

This is a sweet book that gives us a glimpse into the traditions surrounding the arrival of a new baby in India while dealing with the common theme of an only sibling's jealousy and uncertainty. However, even though the characters/family members are introduced in the beginning, I got a little lost,......more

Goodreads review by Erin on May 16, 2022

A lot of new sibling books are picture books; this one is a delightful early chapter book. Sona is deeply conflicted about having a new sibling, and reading about how she deals with conflicting feelings is both relatable and satisfying.......more

Goodreads review by angelofmine1974 on July 12, 2021

My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at: [URL not allowed] Enjoy!......more

Goodreads review by Tara on January 30, 2022

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister? by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun, is a wonderful early chapter book set in India that focuses on Sona, an only child, after learning she is going to be a big sister. Regardless of their own experiences, young readers will feel an instant connection to S......more

Quotes

This is a classic early chapter book, suitable for reading aloud as well as alone, with a gently humorous and imaginative style that effectively conveys character . . . and loving family dynamics.