A Dupatta Is...

K-Gr 3–This book is so much more than a definition; like Ruth Krauss’s A Hole Is to Dig, it was never really about a hole, now, was it? Abbas offers not just a story, but a poetic explanation of a traditional scarf worn by the people of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. A dupatta—a rectangular fabric “plucked and spun into thread”—is “so much more” than it appears. From color to function, beauty to identity, the dupatta’s significance is shown through vivid illustrations from Chouhan. Burnt orange, purple, and turquoise are among the vibrant colors that flow from page to page. The dupatta’s many uses, from wrap to head scarf, traditional and modern, are charmingly presented to readers in abundance as families join for various activities, such as sipping tea, celebrating weddings, and embroidering intricate patterns onto these stunning scarves. Following the story is a brief history of the dupatta as well as a glossary of terms to help further explicate this beautiful symbol of faith and elegance.