Sona and the Wedding Game

Sona is excited for her older sister Nisha-ben's upcoming wedding, which will be the first she has ever attended. Her grandparents and cousin, come all the way from India to attend, help introduce her to some of the traditional customs associated with this important family and religious event. When Sona learns that as the sister of the bride, she is supposed to find a way to steal the bridegroom's shoes, she isn't sure she's up to the task. But then a plan begins to form, one involving her cousin...

I have enjoyed some of Indian-American author Kashmirah Sheth's previous picture-books, from Monsoon Afternoon to My Dadima Wears a Sari, so I was glad to come across Sona and the Wedding Game. An engaging family story, one which sets out show more some of the customs associated with weddings in the part of India from which Sheth's family comes, it is paired with appealing artwork by Yoshiko Jaeggi, who also illustrated the two other books by the author that are mentioned above. I enjoyed the story, and appreciated the author's afterword, which set out more details about the cultural background of her story. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about weddings, or that have Indian and/or Hindu cultural backgrounds. show less

Sona and the Wedding Game is based in India. In this short story, Sona's older sister is getting married. In the Indian tradition, the sister of the bride has to steal the groom's shoes. Stealing the shoes is a way for the families to interact and get to know one another. Sona feels very special because she is so young and they still give her a task to complete. I really like the setting of this book, it touches on a different culture and a different tradition.

Sona’s big sister is getting married and this is the first wedding she will be attending. She is given one important task, to steal the groom’s shoes. Can she do it? Sona begins to plan what she is going to do and she realizes she may need a little help. Her younger cousin agrees to help and out they go to accomplish their goal. The shoes are guarded but they manage to complete their task and Sona bargains for one thing, the beautiful horse the groom came to the wedding on. This story can teach children a lot about traditional Indian weddings. All weddings are different, I know this because since I am Muslim, we have a very different wedding then the ones that are done here in America. I think it will be good for children to be show more exposed to diversity at a young age. This story along with its illustration are humorous and can keep the readers entertained throughout it all. show less

When Sona’s big sister is getting married, everyone has a job to get ready for he wedding. Sona’s job is to be in charge of stealing the groom’s shoes. “It’s a tradition for the bride’s sister,” her grandmother tells her. There are more traditions that Sona learns about–applying mehndi (getting their hands painted) and the groom’s arriving on a white horse and stowing his shoes for safekeeping in a bag. As the wedding canopy is a sacred space (no shoes allowed), the couple in full Indian regalia, exchange vows. Sona has managed, with her cousin’s help, to steal the shoes and bargains for a reward. Jaeggi’s gentle pastel illustrations convey the Hindu customs further described in an author’s note.

A warm picture book story of Sona's first experience with an Indian wedding, that of her older sister. As is the tradition, she is tasked with stealing the groom's shoes. Several other customs are described and pictured: the white horse bearing the groom, paste for the bride's skin, mehndi party for the women, and symbolic gestures during the ceremony. The reward she seeks for returning the shoes is very sweet.

A lovely story about a young girl learning about the wedding tradition of stealing the grooms shoes. Great to use for a young class read aloud.

A contemporary picture book on Indian wedding traditions featuring expressive, fluid watercolor illustrations. While set in contemporary times, the ceremony features timeless traditional activities and dress. Fills an important niche in youth collections. Recommended. Review based on galley received from the publisher via NetGalley.com. (162)