ZardoZi – Delicate and Crafted with Love [Review]

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Title: ZardoZi ~ stitched with love ~
Author and Illustrator: Debasmita Dasgupta
Editor: Rajat Mittal
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books.
Type: Paperback
Length: 60 pages
Age group: 10+ years

Zardozi ~ stitched with love ~ invites readers into the world of ten-year-old Zi, a boy whose passion for embroidery clashes with societal expectations. Debosmita Dasgupta weaves a story about finding one’s voice amidst the din of stereotypes. With vivid illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, the book challenges patriarchal norms.

Zardozi starts with Zi waking from a bad dream—perhaps a metaphor for the world he inhabits, a world shaped entirely by the expectations of others. His mother believes she’s supporting his dreams, but is she? Or is she projecting her own unfulfilled desires onto him? His father, an architect, assumes Zi will inevitably follow in his footsteps.

And amidst all this noise, one can’t help but wonder: is anyone truly listening to Zi?

But then, Isn’t this the case for most of us? The sense of voicelessness isn’t confined to the home.

School: Teachers gently nudge students toward conventional paths, even as they introduce students to Robert Frost’s poetry about choosing the unconventional one. Sometimes they even doubt the authenticity of student work, sometimes clouded by biases like age, gender or ability.

Friends: They tease for being different, calling names—sometimes funny, but more often hurtful.

Extended Family: They comment endlessly—on small things like clothes, hobbies, smile, weight. Sometimes even weighing in on what’s age-appropriate, gender-appropriate, or just plain “appropriate”—leaving children unsure if their voice matters at all.

So it is with Zi. His only confidant is Bhanu, a street dog, who listens to him. Really listens. All Zi wants to do is embroider. He’s good at it. He loves it. It brings him peace. But he is consistently told that’s not what boys do. Will he find an ally? Will his family and friends ever hear him?

From the perspective of an 11-year-old reader: “The art is fantastic. Rani the Nani is the boss—I wish everyone had someone like her in their life. I also loved Churni and Bhanu, Zi’s friends. However, the resolution felt a bit rushed and unconvincing.”

It’s also worth mentioning the editor, Rajat Mittal’s work with Project Boyish (Along with all the work he’s done with team Menstrupedia). While most stereotypes are seen as targeting girls, this book highlights how patriarchal norms affect boys too. “Why are you crying like a girl?” is a phrase many of us have heard—a sentiment that brings little comfort to either girls or boys.

This book is as much for parents as it is for children. It asks an important question: how much do we truly listen to the voices of our children—or anyone around us? Are we also trapped in perpetuating the cycle of comparing everything to stereotypical baselines?

Overall, this book sparked meaningful discussions about stereotypes and finding a voice that rises above them. A must-read for families looking to challenge the status quo.

Other must have graphic novels by Debasmita include NADYA (read detailed review here) and TERMINAL 3: A Graphic Novel Set in Kashmir 

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Disclaimer: Mandira and her daughter Kyra, are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc. Mandira is the author of the award winning book Children of the Hidden Land. Her new release Muniya’s Quest for middle graders is getting rave reviews!