I’ll Go and Come Back

When Jyoti travels halfway across the world to visit her grandmother and other relatives, she feels alone and disparaged at how different India is from home. Sati Pati tries to communicate with her, though she knows little of her grandmother’s native tongue. They try out one another’s language and somehow find their way. From Sati Pati, Jyoti learns how to create beautiful rangolis. They munch on fresh chapatis and enjoy milk laced with saffron after exploring the local market. When it’s time to leave, Jyoti isn’t ready. She remembers, though, that in India they say, “I’ll go and come back,” instead of “goodbye”.

This story is culturally rich and eloquently written. The text is sprinkled lightly throughout, making it ideal for young children who wish to read it on their own. They’ll be enticed by the vibrantly-hued illustrations that, through their fine detail, offer a kaleidoscopic view into life in this fascinating land.

Departing from loved ones can be especially difficult for youth. This thoughtful tale is perfect for those ages five to nine. It’ll lend them a new perspective on an age-old problem and will resonate in their hearts, hopefully drying a few tears before they even fall.