Ravi’s Dancing Hands

About this book

Ravi’s big sister Ruhi-di is getting married, and she’s having a mehndi party for her closest family and friends. Everyone is going to get henna hands for the big day! 

Unfortunately, as Ravi is a boy, he’s not allowed to come to the mehndi party. He’s so disappointed – especially when Madam Mehndi, the henna artist, arrives, and he sees her beautiful hands and her book of amazing henna designs. 

When Ravi offers to help Madam Mehndi prepare the henna for the party, she accepts – but he’s still not allowed to attend the party. Still, he helps mix the henna and helps his aunt decorate the house with balloons and streamers – as well as helping Ruhi-di pack up all her belongings for when she leaves home. 

Finally, Ravi’s aunt relents and allows Ravi to come to the party as Madam Mehndi’s assistant – and, when Ravi accidentally drops his sketchbook, everyone is delighted to find some amazing new designs for their hands. 

This beautiful, vibrant picture book celebrates family, weddings and Indian/Hindu culture as well as highlighting the sweet relationship between a little boy and his big sister, who is leaving home. Sayani Mukherjee’s artwork is absolutely gorgeous, and anyone reading will want to get their hands henna’d immediately.