By Stacy Shaneyfelt
“As the mango moon hums a tender tune,
lotus petals perfume the corners of my room.
My Mumbai Lullaby sways me to sleep;
its saffron secrets are so divine and deep…”
This children’s book offers a poetic, cultural, and artistic glimpse into Indian life, geography, and culture. After educating teens for nearly two decades in public, charter, and private schools in America and Asia as an English, ESL, and Drama teacher, Stacy realized the need for more equitable racial and cultural representation in literacy.
As a result of her deep love and sincere respect for global cultures, she travels to 74 countries, and to instill empathy and global friendship within her own children, ages 4 and 7, she devised the idea of this book to ensure that kids use books as mirrors for seeing themselves, the world around them, and others. Besides, the social justice aim of this book is to promote tolerance, facilitate peace, ask questions about diversity, and share customs.
Upon seeing Lavanya Chouhan’s captivating art portfolio, the author collaborated closely with Lavanya and proactively learned more about India’s history, music, traditions, famous sights, languages, religion, festivals, myths, cuisines, and more!
All in all, the book encourages readers to mindfully meander through Mumbai, India today from the comforts of their own home, Kindle device or gadget, school library, or favorite reading spot. This rhyming picture book proudly celebrates Indian culture by offering a sensory-filled and visually rich tour of one character’s beloved city and family traditions.
Like its title, the book evokes the feeling of a soothing lullaby as it transports readers to Mumbai:
“As the mango moon hums a tender tune, lotus petals perfume the corners of my room.
My Mumbai Lullaby sways me to sleep; its saffron secrets are so divine and deep…”
(Stacy Shaneyfelt is a teacher, art lover, and world traveler. She has 17 books on Goodreads with 246 ratings.)
