The Mithai Box Is Not Empty

PreS-Gr 3–An Indian girl’s happiness over her grandparents’ visit vies with longing for their sweet gift in a culturally informed tale. Ria and her dog, Cheetah, eagerly await the arrival of her grandparents from India. When they come bearing presents, Ria excitedly receives some books in Hindi and Sanskrit and a luscious mithai box filled with pastries and sweets. She and Cheetah can’t wait to try the mithais, but Ria does as instructed and first offers one to the God Ganesha. As more friends and relatives arrive, Ria tries to be a gracious host and serve everyone, but her mithai box is almost empty. Will she and Cheetah get a treat at the celebration? In this story honoring Indian family traditions, readers learn, through Ria, the significance of basic Hindu customs as well as general graciousness to her family. Illustrations are brimming with riotous colors, both displaying the vivid Indian saris as well as embodying the joy of being reunited with family lending a glow to the page. Sneaky Cheetah is the standout secondary character, always at Ria’s side and mimicking her actions and emotions. Back matter, including an author’s note, glossary, and more about mithais, helps to aid reader comprehension.