One of Bank Street’s 2021 Best Children’s Books of the Year Everything has turned dark. Will Ani find his light again?
“Singh and Prabhat combine forces for an unflinchingly honest yet soothing book about a child and his mother’s illness…. includes an author’s note that stresses the importance of honesty in the face of difficult situations, from illness to divorce to death…. A hopeful, sadly necessary resource for children coping with a caregiver under medical treatment.” —
Kirkus Reviews“This evocative and wise picture book, written by a psychology professor from India, is for children struggling to cope with the medical treatment of a parent… when Ani’s gravely ill-looking mother returns from the hospital, light envelopes them both, and her advice to him is both realistic and inspiring… gives tips on how to handle children’s fears and depression, starting with ‘honesty matters.’” —
Booklist“With brevity and richness, Tanu Shree Singh beautifully describes a young boy’s journey throughout his mom’s battle with cancer in
Ani’s Light. Through thoughtful words and eye-catching illustrations, readers can feel Ani’s pain and the darkness that fills his heart while Mama undergoes treatment for cancer. They can also celebrate joyfully with him as he welcomes her home. She conveys how her love will always be there to comfort him, even when she is not. That message is one of incredible value for a child of any age, and it’s one that is likely to touch many of those who read this unique and heartfelt picture book.”
Tanu Shree Singh, PhD, is an assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Higher Education, Haryana, India. She completed her studies in positive psychology at Maharshi Dayanand University and writes extensively on issues related to parenting. Her passion for reading and getting more children to read led her to set up two libraries in Faridabad and Tirthan Valley. She lives in Faridabad, India. Visit her on Twitter @tanu75 and on Instagram @tanu.shree.singh.
Sandhya Prabhat, MFA, is an independent animator and illustrator from Chennai, India, now working in the Bay Area, California. She holds a master’s degree in animation and digital arts from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a bachelor’s degree in literature. She has illustrated more than ten children's books. She also works on animation for TV and movies, and designs for social media platforms.
Visit sandhyaprabhat.com and visit her on Facebook and Instagram @sandhyaprabhat.