The Greatest River

K-Gr 2–Running 1,600 miles through India, and called “Ma” by some of her people, the Ganga is far more than than the river Ganges, as it is called in the West. In this story of faith and the familiar sacredness of this much-loved river, readers feel the young protagonist’s connection to its water, especially as it is needed for her ill mother. The book has two main characters: a child and her mother. Her mother describes her relationship with Ganga and how it came to be. The two characters visit Ganga and healing is experienced. Only in the writings of Indigenous authors will children find the respect and love shown here for the natural landscape—in this instance, the river. The Ganga river is beautifully personified in this picture book. Most of the scenes take place in or around the river. A great sense of peace and calm felt by those who love the river is translated to readers. Mehra’s language successfully communicates the strength that many people have been said to receive from Ganga. The character discussion and much of the imagery in this book is centered around Hinduism. It is not a lesson, but a feeling for place that the author and illustrator evoke; for readers who are unfamiliar with the setting of India and the Hindu faith, this book will surely provide insight.