Let’s Talk About Kolams, With Keshav [Review]

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Book Title: Keshav’s Kolam
Author: Shobha Viswanath
Illustrator: Leeza John
Publisher: Karadi Tales
Type: Paperback
Length: 20 pages
Age Group: 4-8 years

Kolam, an art form involving intricate rice flour designs drawn on the floor with bare fingers, holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Bangalore, I witnessed Kolams as an integral part of our daily life, adorning the floors with their delicate patterns.

‘Keshav’s Kolam’ presents a heartwarming story centered around Keshav’s mother’s daily Kolam-drawing ritual and the challenges they encounter when she falls ill. The narrative explores themes of family, tradition, and the remarkable strength of community.

Every morning, Keshav observes his mother create aesthetically pleasing kolams on their front porch. He derives immense joy from watching her artistic process and listening to the compliments she receives from passersby. However, one fateful day, his porch remains empty due to his mother’s sudden illness. Determined to fill the void, Keshav embarks on a journey to master the art of kolam drawing, beginning with a simple dot and circle. Witness how this humble starting point transforms into a magnificent kolam, a testament to Keshav’s unwavering dedication.

The accompanying illustrations by Leeza John are a visual delight, transporting the reader to the charming town of Mylapore. The meticulous attention to detail, from the break of dawn to the evening’s descent, is a feast for the eyes.

This literary work is a compelling read that challenges conventional gender roles and delves into significant themes such as familial bonds, cultural traditions, and the transformative power of a supportive community. Avi’s favorite part was making the kolam at the end. We have now commenced the practice of creating diminutive dot kolams each morning.

We thoroughly enjoyed the book, which has inspired us to plan a trip to Mylapore in the near future!

If you enjoyed reading this review and would like to introduce this topic to your child, you can order this book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),

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Disclaimer: Achu and her son Avi are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received these books as review copies from the publisher via kbc.