My ­Ganesha Chaturthi: Words of Wisdom

K-Gr 3–A warm, realistic title that celebrates the Hindu festival of Ganesha Chaturthi. A multigenerational Hindi family gathers to celebrate the traditional holiday and learn the secrets of Ganesha, a god of wisdom, prosperity, and success. The family’s happy eyes, dark hair, and warm skin tones are rendered by the illustrator in a colorful and reflective depiction of customary and elegant Hindu attire, representing the cultural identity and beliefs for this festival of worship. In a calm and respectful tone, the book immerses readers in the ritual through decor consisting of vibrantly colored textures, handmade art displays, ethnic cuisine, and cheerful family engagement while explaining the cultural and historical commemoration of the powerful deity, Lord Ganesha, who is presented as a god with an elephant head. The text demonstrates for readers that through worship and symbolism, the observance reminds Ganesha devotees to choose kindness, share, make sacrifices for others, and to gain direction and insight through the lessons of Ganesha, not only during the festival but also in everyday life.