A CARD FOR MY MOM

A child of South Asian descent seeks the perfect card for Mom.

It’s almost Mother’s Day, and the stores are full of gifts, from teddy bears to picture frames to orchids. But the young narrator has only enough money for a card. The child finds cards depicting mothers “with red and gold hair and deep blue eyes.” None of these offerings properly represent Mom, with her gold jewelry, flowing kameez, and “happy brown face.” None of them reflect Mom’s love of bhangra or her talent for making pakoras, curry, rotis, and naan. So the protagonist decides to “make my own”; the result is a loving, handmade creation sure to delight Mom. The characterization of the protagonist’s mother is a bit flat; Mom is primarily described through her physical appearance, the clothes she wears, and the dishes she prepares. Though these details offer insights into South Asian culture, they’re also rooted in traditional gender norms. Still, on the whole it’s a well-told, thoughtfully constructed story with an important takeaway. Brimming with warmth, Kapur’s detailed illustrations combine with tender, alliterative text for a vital narrative about the need for representation for all mothers. Bouncy verse (“flicking fingers, tapping feet, swaying to the dholki’s beat”) sets an upbeat tone. Background characters are racially diverse.

A gentle Mother’s Day tale with a message of inclusion.