Sadiq Wants to Stitch
Author: Mamta Nainy
Illustrator: Niloufer Wadia
Publisher: Karadi Tales, 2020
Publisher’s recommended age: 7+
In Sadiq’s village only women do the unique free-form embroidery that Sadiq loves—so he stitches in secret. But when his work brings Ammi pride, [his mother] changes her mind about his talents and role in the village. The book gives an authentic peek into the lush meadows and high mountains of Kashmir and the colorful watercolor illustrations show expansive landscapes, vibrant embroidered rugs, and…the Bakarwal people wearing traditional clothes and headgear.
Naimy chose a boy protagonist to subtly debunk gender stereotypes, noting such books frequently feature girls and hoping children will “think, analyse and come to their own conclusions.”
Available Languages: English