Dancing Devi

A 2023 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award—Best New Voice, Children's & YA, Silver

A 2023 NYC Big Book Award—Children's-Motivational

Celebrate the beauty of classical Indian dance while learning to grow through missteps and failures

Devi wants to be a perfect bharatanatyam dancer, just as she believes her mom to be, but she is disheartened when she loses her first dance competition. Devi decides to practice until she is perfect, but no matter how hard she works on her facial expressions or her footwork, she keeps making mistakes. She is at the point of giving up, when Devi’s mother shares the mistakes she made while learning how to dance, helping Devi realize that imperfection and failure are a part of learning.

A culturally rooted picture book that shares a universal message of dedication and self-love through the practice of a classical Indian dance form.

Why Teachers and Parents Love This Book

• SEL Focused: Encourages conversations about overcoming self-doubt and perseverance
• Cultural Appreciation: Introduces elements of Indian classical dance and cultural heritage, fostering curiosity and respect.
• Growth Mindset: Helps children understand that mistakes are part of learning and growth.
• Creative Expression: Inspires kids to explore the arts as a form of self-discovery.
• Empowerment: Reinforces the importance of believing in yourself and embracing your individuality.

A Perfect Picture Book For

• Preschool–Grade 2
• Confidence-building lessons
• Units on culture, arts, and self-expression
• Dance and movement activities in classrooms
• Families looking to celebrate Indian identity and heritage

A joyful and inspiring story about embracing failures during growth and finding your confidence in moments of self-doubt

Growing up, Bharatanatyam played an important role in Priya Parikh's life. Training as a Bharatanatyam dancer for more than a decade, she completed her Arangetram, a debut performance of her formal dance training, in 2009. Priya's hobbies also include creative writing and singing. She believes that creative expression is vital in the building of an inclusive world, allowing us to appreciate diversity, learn from one another, and embrace our collective humanity. Dejeshwini, an artist based in Chennai, India, spent her early days doodling in her school books and thus stepped into the world of art and imagination. Self-taught, Dejeshwini spends time observing the beauty and aesthetics of life and nature and fills her artwork with emotion and cheer. Dancing Devi is Dejeshwini's 4th children's book and she looks forward to continuing her work for children to enjoy and learn from.