Book Review: For the Love of Laxmi by Bijal Shah and Alexa Carter

For the Love of Laxmi is a lovely children’s book written by Bijal Shah and illustrated by Alexa Carter. The book is built around its protagonist Laxmi. She is a growing girl in a family living abroad. The book portrays lighthearted homely ambience where a girl has to face prejudice by her parents and relatives. Nothing serious or intense, it’s a common day-to-day conversation that drives Laxmi crazy. She rebels with her inner voice.

What parents and others talk about in the home influence children. Thus, the message in the book is to talk carefully before children and they should not be subject to gender discrimination or parental stereotype. It is funny to note many incidents from the book where Laxmi is made to look deplorable by her parents, especially when the chores are related to her brother.

Laxmi questions the veracity of her home ambience. She catches what others define and label. For instance Maths is her favourite subject. She got ‘A’ grade in it but the visitor gives credit to her father. Ironically, her homework was taken care by her mother.

There are many funny conversation and chores that take place in the family and Laxmi remains at the centre. Laxmi concerns the voice of many girls who are burdened by unnecessary societal clutter by their families and others. Words play an important role in grooming children, and this book lays emphasis on the same.

It’s quite a short and crisp read. Growing children can pick up this book and could relate to their homely dilemma. The book can reminisce their everyday moments with light content and beautiful illustrations.

Buy from Amazon.

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