Chitra Soundar

Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry, the author/illustrator team responsible for that lovely bedtime book, You're Safe With Me, return to the form in this second offering, and the result is a triumph. A mother polar bear digs herself a den, gives birth to two cubs, and continually reassures them that they are snug with her, as she explains the larger world to them...

Although You're Snug With Me makes for a lovely reassurance story, it is also an exploration of the natural world of the Arctic, show more and of issues of environmental stewardship. I appreciated the simple narrative from Soundar, but the stand-out here for me was the gorgeously detailed folk-style artwork from Mistry, which is simply stunning. I have seen this book criticized, because Mistry's style is inspired by various folk arts of India, rather than being native to the Arctic. As someone who has read numerous Arctic stories illustrated with various Western, European-derived styles of illustration (probably the majority of picture-books are illustrated in these styles, in fact), I was not unduly disturbed by the use of an Indian-inspired style. Perhaps I would feel differently if this were a traditional folktale, although it's worth noting that the Inuit-owned Inhabit Media, which publishes exclusively Arctic-related fare, utilizes numerous illustrators who do not work in a traditional Inuit style. Recommended to readers looking for beautifully-illustrated reassurance stories for bedtime and/or stories about polar bears and the Arctic. show less

Indian British author Chitra Soundar and Indian American illustrator Sandhya Prabhat team up in this gorgeous goodnight book, as a father sings a nature-infused lullaby to his young child. "Count the stars that twinkle bright. It's time to hush and say goodnight," the rhyming text begins, going on to reference the sounds of the night, the emotions of the child, and the possible fears in the dark. The narrative ends with a kiss, a reassurance that the father will be there on the morrow, and show more one more iteration of the instruction to count the stars and say goodnight...

I have read and enjoyed many of Soundar's other works at this point, from picture books to folklore collections, so I requested It's Time to Hush and Say Good Night from my local library with some anticipation. My expectations of reading pleasure were not disappointed, as I found the rhyming text here read well, and offered a sensitive and reassuring depiction of one family's goodnight rituals. The brief author's note mentions that the book is inspired by traditional Indian lullabies, in which the natural world is used as inspiration, and is called upon to soothe the child. I found that interesting, and would love to see a collection of such traditional songs. I'll have to see if one has been created. This was my first book from illustrator Sandhya Prabhat, and I found her digitally-created artwork lovely, with wonderful use of color and composition. All in all, a wonderful new picture book for bedtime! show less

This is another stunning book by the incredible team of Soundar and Mistry. In this lush book, they turn to the Artic and polar bears.

Mama bear digs into a warm space and gives birth to two bear cubs. As they grew snug in the cave, mama bear says "You''re snug with me!" As they move about the den, they become very curious and once again, mama bear repeats the mantra of safety, telling her babies that the hard snow will enable them to safely walk on the land at the appropriate time.

Mama bear show more answers their question about what lies beneath the thick ice and snow. She tells them the ocean contains ice from a long time ago. She tells them that as long as the ice remains frozen, they will not go hungry. Teaching them about the need of the dark and the earth dancing when she tilts. Nights get shorter and spring will be back.

The cubs are worrisome babies and ask a lot of questions. The mother always cleverly answers and lists those who will share the land and they are not alone in the world.

First and foremost, this is a book that stressess the importance of taking care of the earth and the delicate balance that keeps everything in place. The need to take care of the earth is importantly stressed, and done so without preaching.

"We should only ever take what we need" is the response to the babies questions. And always, she ends with her comment about not to worry and they are snug with her.

And when spring arrives, the babies can slip and stumble and play while remaining close to mama.

As always, the artistry of Poonam Mistry is breathtaking.

Highly recommended. Five Stars show less

Stunningly beautiful, breath-taking illustrations both the author and illustrator are of Indian heritage, and the illustrations and rich folktale blends India and its culture, natural beauty.

In this tale, night is fast approaching, and the baby animals of the jungle are getting nervous because of the natural elemental happenings. The moon arose and the stars accompanied it. Darkness and night time noises made the babies exceedingly nervous. It is mama elephant who soothes the babies by show more telling them "hush" and rocking them saying "You're Safe With Me."

The trees are making sounds as a result of the wind. And, as the book notes, the babies awake and are afraid. Beautifully, the mama reminds the babies that the wind is not an enemy, rather it is a friend that helps scatter seeds from other countries. In particular, the monkey is very scared. Reminded again that "You're Safe With Me," which then allows the babies to lose their fear.

When the thunder claps loudly while clapping and echoing throughout, again there is fear. And again, the mama elephant reminds the babies they are safe and there is necessity in the thunder and the ensuing rain which enables the forest to grow those seeds that the wind scattered. All is natural; all is a necessary part of life.

And with the thunder, the rain pours down and the lightening is bright as it rends the sky. Now, mama reminds the babies that the thunder will help the stars shine. And, the same mantra reminds the babies they are safe.

Throughout the book when each natural element makes noise, the babies learn that nature is natural and exceedingly necessary. Always giving the reason why there is a reason, and they should feel safe.

I read and let the beauty of the images take over, creating a sense of peace. Like the baby animals, I was mesmerized by the images and the repeating soft message allowing the necessary sleep to overtake them.

I've read many illustrated books, thus far those illustrated by Poonam Mistry are by far the most beautiful, soul inspiring peaceful art!!! show less