About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing they are smaller or slower than their older cousins, or when they feel the bittersweet sting of growing up at a different pace than the people they love most. It is a gentle balm for the 'middle-sized' child who wants to belong but fears they are being left behind as family dynamics shift. Through the eyes of Ravi, we experience a multigenerational summer vacation filled with the sights and sounds of the coast. While the plot follows a typical beach holiday, the emotional core focuses on Ravi's relationship with his oldest cousin, Dhruv, who is changing the most. It is a beautiful celebration of South Asian American family life that validates a child's desire for connection. Perfect for ages 4 to 8, this story helps children see that while we all grow up, the 'filling' of our family bonds remains just as sweet.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and realistic. The approach is very gentle and hopeful. There are no traumatic events, only the natural 'growing pains' of changing social hierarchies within a family.
Ideal Reader
A 6-year-old who worships an older sibling or cousin and feels a little lonely when that older child starts acting like a 'big kid.'
