Amma’s Sari

Judges' Comments

Every page of Amma’s Sari is a cornucopia of colour and the magic of language. Young Shreya is both comforted and embarrassed by her trips to the supermarket with her Amma, who wears a vibrant, traditional sari; boldly embracing the world. Believing that all eyes are on them, Shreya is riddled with anxiety and the sense of being different.  

Yet these simple walks through their suburb take us to another time and country. Ultimately, the vitality of her mother’s sari and the stories she tells, becomes the beacon that takes Shreya to a place of understanding. There’s not a wasted word or image in this exemplary picture book. The reader hears the rustle of the sari, feels its textures, smells the world left behind, and sees the power of colour that culture brings to our lives.