I must begin by saying this is one of the first books I ever pre-ordered (essentially placing my trust in a book even before it reached the public). I did so because I have been following the author Sonia Dogra’s work (check out her blog here) for the past few years, and her words have consistently encouraged readers to pause, reflect, and feel deeply. I admire her observant writing and the way she speaks from a place of empathy and honesty. Now, on that note, let’s step into the review.
How often do we, as adults, tell children, “It’s okay… it’s a silly thing, just move on”? Many of us probably have. This book gently challenges that instinct and invites us to reconsider how we view children’s struggles.
What may seem trivial through an adult lens can feel immense and overwhelming to a child. The story encourages us to revisit our own childhood memories and recognise how significant those moments once felt and how deeply we longed for reassurance, empathy, and validation. In many ways, this book offers exactly that.
The story follows seven-year-old Kuhu as she navigates a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Whether it is preparing for a school interview, dealing with bullying because of her pahadi accent, or processing the complex feelings that arise when a new sibling arrives, each situation is portrayed with innocence, honesty, and compassion.
The book gives due importance to children’s emotions, feelings and problems that may appear small to adults but are deeply real and valid for young minds. Sonia Dogra steps convincingly into a child’s perspective, allowing their voice to come through clearly and authentically. The narrative also addresses bullying in a sensitive yet empowering way, teaching children to stand up for themselves with courage.
One of the most touching aspects is the portrayal of Kuhu becoming a big sister; her emotional journey is realistic, precise, and deeply endearing.
Snippets from the Book:
“Ma and Papa had always told her not to talk to strangers. Now, they are ready to bend their own rules, telling her to go talk to strangers and even answer their questions! Grrrr…”
This moment beautifully captures a child’s thought process and highlights the sometimes confusing diplomacy of adults.
“Ma had only laughed in response; the way elders do when they don’t want to answer.”
A simple yet powerful truth from a child’s perspective, one that resonates deeply with the adult reader.
Overall, the book allows us to see the world through a child’s eyes—honest, curious, and emotionally rich.
My Teen’s Perspective:
My teen found the book highly relatable and endearing, especially the parts where Kuhu navigates the big emotions that come with the arrival of a sibling. She read it in one sitting, smiling through the book and even long after she had finished it.
More importantly, it opened up a meaningful conversation between us about experiencing and expressing big emotions. To me, that feels like the true win of this book. She felt seen and understood, as the story acknowledges feelings that are often dismissed as trivial. It reinforces that children’s struggles are real, significant, and deserving of empathy, attention, and validation.
She also adds that the font size is comfortable on the eyes, and the language is simple yet engaging, making it an excellent choice for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books. The black and white sketches by Anisha Kotibhaskar are lively and add warmth to the narrative.
Parting words:
This book is an excellent companion for children as they learn to navigate life with empathy and resilience, while also offering adults valuable insight into a child’s inner world. It is a story that deserves far more love and attention, and I look forward to seeing where Kuhu’s journey leads next.
Quick Update: This blog post was recognised as the top blogroll for the week by the Blogchatter Team. Yay!
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