Aai And I
MY THOUGHTS
If you are looking for a book to help explore the nuances of a parent-child relationship, then this is the one!
I am on the cusp of completing 10 years as a parent and often catch myself wondering if our parents had it this hard. The unachievable standards, the gruelling hours put into engaging our kids ‘mindfully’ and the crazy pressure to eating healthy! But if there is one thing I have learnt as a parent, it is to find your happiness in the smallest things your child does. To see yourself reflected in their eyes and find snippets of your personality in them.
The book that set me down this philosophical path was the latest from PickleYolk Books stable titled Aai and I. This stunning book, written from the perspective of a young girl, speaks volumes about her relationship with Aai, her mother and how she identifies with her. It is also a very tender take on discussing illness with a child. At the beginning of the book, the little girl eagerly waits for Aai to arrive. She can’t stop looking out the window as Aaji prepares Aai’s favourite meal, and she thinks back to when Aai left home. But when Aai returns, there is something different! Oh no! She doesn’t look like her Aai anymore, and what’s worse, they don’t resemble each other anymore! ‘Same to same’ no more!
How the young girl learns to accept her Aai once she realises that Aai is just fine the way she is forms the rest of the story. As Aaji says, “Same to same, always and forever!” Mamta Nainy writes this book in a language that resonates with young children. Missing a parent who is gone for long, unable to process tough questions and finally losing oneself in a parent’s embrace are all so relatable! The illustrations by Sanket Pethkar take you inside the home of a lovely Maharashtrian family. Small details drawn into the kitchen and around the bedroom draw you into the story and remain with you long after you finish the book.
I absolutely loved this book for its unabashed tenderness and highly recommend this for your child’s bookshelf.
If you think your child would enjoy this book, you can buy it here →
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