A Show of Hands: Kalika and the Goddess of Learning

In this heartwarming picture book, young Kalika is preparing for her Hate Khori—a beloved Bengali Hindu ritual where children write their first letters before Saraswati, the goddess of learning. But Kalika has a quiet worry: how can she take part when her hands move on their own?

Set against the vibrant sights and sounds of a Saraswati Puja celebration, A Show of Hands honors both the beauty of tradition and the power of adaptation. With warmth and creativity, Kalika’s family finds a way to make her feel seen, supported, and central to the ritual—just as she is.

Rooted in the experiences of an Indian American family, this story is a celebration of multicultural identity, intergenerational love, and inclusive cultural practice. It reminds readers that when tradition meets support, every child can participate, thrive, and leave their mark.

A Show of Hands invites readers of all backgrounds to discover how cultural celebrations can adapt and flourish, even far from their homeland—and how disabilities and differences don't limit us—they inspire creative new expressions of heritage and belonging.