A Garden in My Hands

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

This touching picture book celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories.

The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home.

There's a wedding tomorrow! And one little girl sits patiently while her mother tenderly applies intricate, delicate henna designs on her hands. As she does, she shares family stories--about weddings, monsoons, and ancestors long gone. The little girl must be careful to protect her hands as the henna dries--one smudge could ruin a story! After a whole night of anticipation, when the flakes are washed away, what will they reveal?

Lyrical text pairs with vibrant illustrations for this poignant picture book that blooms with heart, connects us to our roots, and sweetly reminds us of the the garden of love we curate with those closest to us.

About the Author

Meera Sriram grew up in India and moved to the U.S. at the turn of the millennium. She is the author of several picture books, including A Gift for Amma, which School Library Journal called an "excellent story for young readers to enhance their understanding of color and an aspect of traditional Indian culture" in a starred review. An electrical engineer in her past life, she now enjoys writing for children and advocating for early and multicultural literacy. Meera loves yoga and chai, and lives with her husband and two children in Berkeley, California.

Author Residence: Berkeley, California

Author Hometown: Chennai, India

Sandhya Prabhat is an independent animator and illustrator based in the Bay Area, California, who hails from Chennai, India. She holds an MFA degree in animation and digital arts from NYU Tisch School of the Arts Asia and a bachelor's degree in literature from Stella Maris College. She has illustrated several picture books for independent publishers, including I Am Brown and Today I Am.

Illustrator Residence:Bay Area, California

Illustrator Hometown:Chennai, India