As a library educator working with children, one of the most fulfilling moments is witnessing a child connect with a window book. These moments can transform indifferent or reluctant readers into avid, engaged ones. But the power of a mirror book—one that reflects a child's own life and experiences—is something truly special. And when I experience it for myself, the significance is even deeper.
Unfortunately, it’s still rare to find stories that reflect the communities I belong to in Indian children’s literature. And when they do appear, they’re often plagued by stereotypes that misrepresent us. These are not the stories/representations we need or want. But when I do find a rare mirror, one that authentically captures my world, it immediately finds a special place in my heart.
When Nandita Da Cunha first told me about her book 'A Bite Before Christmas’, I loved the idea. I knew exactly what she was trying to convey. It holds everything that epitomizes MY Christmas…food, family, friends, songs around a piano, community, and of course marzipan and other Christmas sweets, traditional to the West Coast Catholic communities.
Sweet making starts early in our homes, with each one scheduled, depending on its shelf life. In my Mom’s home, marzipan is one of the last ones made, for precisely the reason featured in the book…they are the most sought after and there used to be much planning around how to sneak a quick finger into its tin stealthily. The fact that the tin was supposed to hold butter cookies did not fool us as the same tins were used year after year, for ‘donkey's years’ (ears??!!?), as my Nana used to say.
I adore the quirky illustrations by Swarnavo Datta, especially the detail of the cross-stitch embroidery sampler on each page, counting down the marzipan pieces. Nandita has so beautifully woven together the warmth and nostalgia of the season, wrapping it in humor and capturing the joie de vivre of our communities.
A wonderful, heartwarming story for a Christmas 2024 read-aloud. Read my earlier post about Jolabokalfod …add some marzipan to the hot chocolate and other treats on the menu!!
A Bite Before Christmas
Author: Nandita Da Cunha
Illustrator: Swarnavo Dutta
Publisher: Karadi Tales
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