"A book exploring family pressures in relation to colourism"
Longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2022 | August 2021 Debut of the Month
Two friends, one of Indian descent and one of African descent, have weddings to celebrate in their families. As the families gather for the occasion Amrita is exposed to old fashioned attitudes of colourism from older relatives. The idea that eating or drinking certain foods may make your skin darker is treated with a sure touch by Gangrota – but the strong message that people should celebrate their own skin colour and be happy with who they are comes across loud and clear. This is explored by the way Amrita wants to dress in a bright sunflower yellow dress (a colour thought to emphasize darkness of skin) but Mum is there to support Amrita in her choices and feel safe within herself.
The title derives from both girls dressing brightly and beautifully for their family weddings. They then go on to promise each other they will live as ‘Sunflower Sisters’ always – with the joyful outcome that they open a shop selling colourful clothes for everyone.
The deftness of touch in this story means no-one is belittled for their ideas, though the message comes through very clearly that colourism is not acceptable. Dias-Hayes background in fashion and textile design shines through the wonderful illustrations of clothes. Beautifully executed with a very sunny palette of colours this book is beautiful to look at, as well as powerful to read.
Author, Monika Singh Gangotra shares the inspiration behind her debut picture book.
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This is a book I believe should be within every classroom as the topics you can get from it are limitless.
A beautiful and insightful book that explores the theme of colourism. The story follows a young girl in the lead up to her sister's wedding. However, some of her family members, particularly her Auntie, begin to make remarks about the colour of her skin, specifically how dark the her skin is.
I like the way that the girl's Mother tackles these questions. I like the fact that the girl is confident in her skin.... Read Full Review
