Sugar in Milk - Hardcover

Umrigar, Thrity

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0762495197 ISBN 13: 9780762495191

Publisher: Running Press Kids, 2020

Synopsis

A timely and timeless picture book about immigration that demonstrates the power of diversity, acceptance, and tolerance from a gifted storyteller.

An ALSC Notable Children's Book of 2021
A Kirkus Best Books of 2020
A School Library Journal Best Books of 2020
Winner of the 2021 Ohioana Book Award
An Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award, 2022

"An engaging, beautiful, and memorable book." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Lush illustrations and a strong message of hope and perseverance make this a standout title." --School Library Journal, starred review

When I first came to this country, I felt so alone.

A young immigrant girl joins her aunt and uncle in a new country that is unfamiliar to her. She struggles with loneliness, with a fierce longing for the culture and familiarity of home, until one day, her aunt takes her on a walk. As the duo strolls through their city park, the girl's aunt begins to tell her an old myth, and a story within the story begins.

A long time ago, a group of refugees arrived on a foreign shore. The local king met them, determined to refuse their request for refuge. But there was a language barrier, so the king filled a glass with milk and pointed to it as a way of saying that the land was full and couldn't accommodate the strangers. Then, the leader of the refugees dissolved sugar in the glass of milk. His message was clear: Like sugar in milk, our presence in your country will sweeten your lives. The king embraced the refugee, welcoming him and his people. The folktale depicted in this book was a part of author Thrity Umrigar's Zoroastrian upbringing as a Parsi child in India, but resonates for children of all backgrounds, especially those coming to a new homeland.

About this title

About the Author

Thrity Umrigar is the author of the bestseller The Space Between Usand its recently released sequel, The Secrets Between Us, as well as many other acclaimed novels. Her debut picture book, When I Carried You in My Belly, was published with RP Kids in 2017. She lives outside Cleveland, OH.

Khoa Le is an illustrator, graphic designer, and author based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. She has been an illustrator for many picture books, as well as author of a few. Khoa has also participated in art exhibitions throughout Vietnam and Asia. She currently lives with her four cats. She has a passion for traveling and discovering different cultures and art.

Reviews

K-Gr 4-After immigrating to the United States, a young girl learns to embrace opportunities in this timely tale of courage and humanity. Set in an unnamed American city of today, a young girl moves in with her aunt and uncle. To cure the young girl's aching homesickness, Auntie relays the story of how ancient Persian refugees immigrated to India. After reaching India's shores, the local king turns them away from his already crowded country. Despite not sharing a common language, the Persian leader shows the king how both groups can live alongside one another in harmony, like sugar in milk. Stunningly portrayed through gorgeous visuals, these flashbacks distinguish themselves within deep blue page borders that become increasingly detailed as the story progresses, and which culminate into a dazzling pattern of peacock feathers and blooming florals as the Persians are welcomed to their new home. After hearing this story, the young girl sees her neighborhood through fresh eyes and discovers her new community is more welcoming than she first thought. Her own journey, which began alone under a cold winter sky, begins anew under the bright sun and a blossoming tree with unlimited potential for a sweet future. VERDICT Lush illustrations and a strong message of hope and perseverance make this a standout title for all collections.-Sophie Kenney, Aurora P.L., ILα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Running Press Kids
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0762495197
• ISBN 13: 9780762495191
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Le Khoa
• Number of pages: 48