Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A child grappling with her mother's illness takes solace from an encounter with "Ganga, the holy river," in this quietly affecting story about nature providing emotional succor. Motivated by Mamma's stories about the Ganges River as a "great mother," young Ananda and an aunt journey to the river and, through sensory experiences, form a deep connection from which hope grows. Melodic prose describes the path the subject takes toward achieving a feeling of peace: "Ananda inhaled deeply./ She closed her eyes and took it all in./ The smells--incense, flowers, burning wood./ The sounds--chanting, singing, Ganga flowing./ The feeling--absolute peace." An earthy palette, etching-like detailing, and watery flowing lines lend Le's immersive digital renderings an emotional heft that movingly pairs with the story as it traces Ananda's transformation from worried to consoled. Characters read as South Asian. A glossary and notes conclude. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Running 1,600 miles through India, and called "Ma" by some of her people, the Ganga is far more than than the river Ganges, as it is called in the West. In this story of faith and the familiar sacredness of this much-loved river, readers feel the young protagonist's connection to its water, especially as it is needed for her ill mother. The book has two main characters: a child and her mother. Her mother describes her relationship with Ganga and how it came to be. The two characters visit Ganga and healing is experienced. Only in the writings of Indigenous authors will children find the respect and love shown here for the natural landscape--in this instance, the river. The Ganga river is beautifully personified in this picture book. Most of the scenes take place in or around the river. A great sense of peace and calm felt by those who love the river is translated to readers. Mehra's language successfully communicates the strength that many people have been said to receive from Ganga. The character discussion and much of the imagery in this book is centered around Hinduism. It is not a lesson, but a feeling for place that the author and illustrator evoke; for readers who are unfamiliar with the setting of India and the Hindu faith, this book will surely provide insight. VERDICT This piece of literature beautifully represents the Ganga river and serves to educate readers on the Hindu beliefs and practices surrounding the river.--Renee Sanchez
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young Indian girl journeys to the river Ganga. Ananda's mother regales her with stories about how the river springs from a Himalayan glacier and is revered as a goddess. She tells her that the Ganga is "the greatest mother of all." When Mamma falls ill, Ananda and her aunt travel to bathe in the Ganga's healing waters and pray for her. As they enter the freezing river, light clay lamps, and chant Mamma's favorite prayer, the weight of Ananda's sadness is lifted away by a sense of hope. On a river boat ride, as she listens to devotional songs her mother often sang, she feels a connection with the ancient temples and ashrams. Walking along the sandy banks, Ananda asks the river goddess for permission to take a pebble--"a solid thing to hold on to." As she collects holy water for her mother, she's filled with a sense of calm. For this poignant tale, Moolani Mehra drew on her own experience of visiting the Ganga and of grappling with her mother's illness. With metaphors about mothers woven throughout the narrative, the book offers thought-provoking musings on nature. Le's fluid illustrations in blues, sunset pinks, and oranges mimic the flowing river, while the focus on Ananda's point of view carves out a space for reflection. A contemplative story on the healing power of nature. (author's note, glossary, cultural note)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
