A bindi can be..

A Bindi Can Be . . . refutes the idea that this familiar forehead dot is merely decorative or merely a dot. Readers learn that there are many different names, designs, and levels of significance to a bindi. Told from the perspective of a little girl learning about this aspect of her culture, the straightforward narrative with complementary illustrations educates readers about the making and wearing of the bindi. The author's note adds much-needed context so that readers learn about the bindi's religious and symbolic significance endemic to many South Asian cultures. A glossary provides pronunciation guides and brief explanations of the variety of names for the bindi depending on geography and culture. Can be paired thematically with Anu Chouhan's Hair Oil Magic (2024), Zain Bandali's Mehndi Boy (2023), Lynnor Bontigao's Sari-Sari Summers (2023), and Rajani LaRocca's Masala Chai, Fast and Slow (2023) for further exploration of some South Asian traditions.

K-Gr 3--A young girl and her paati (Tamil for grandmother) work together to create the mixture that becomes the dot worn between her eyes to honor her culture and "to celebrate life in all its fullness." Bright and beautiful colors swirl across pages with relatively short and very accessible text to explain all the ways a bindi can be an expression of religious or cultural significance. A multitude of languages are referenced, showcasing the wide embrace of the bindi throughout Indian and other South Asian cultures. Back matter adds further details, including a very useful glossary. VERDICT A beautiful introduction to a mark and decoration of enormous cultural significance makes this title recommended for all collections.--John Scott

A young child explores the significance of wearing a bindi, a colored dot that many South Asians wear on their foreheads. Excited to make bindi powder, the child and Paati (Grandmother) gather natural ingredients. While blending turmeric, kuṅkumam stone, sandalwood powder, and ghee into a clay pot, the child is enthralled as the mixture magically transforms from sunshine yellow to a deep red. The young narrator playfully experiments with different bindi shapes. The child wears it as a flower, a star, and even a crescent moon. It adorns the youngster's forehead on celebrations such as Diwali, Navaratri, and Vaisakhi. The child says that wearing the bindi "centers me" on restless days; it "fills me with the energy of the sun" and "lets me see the world as one." The cartoonlike bright, vibrant illustrations in earthy browns, yellows, and maroons create a cheerful backdrop for the story. The text feels a little superficial, however; readers unfamiliar with the bindi and its significance may be left wondering why the bindi is so important to the protagonist, though the author's note offers more information, including many names for "bindi" across India. The winsome illustrations can't quite make up for the tepid text. (glossary)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.