Raaga’s Song

In a modern folktale about courage, Chhabria leans into the Hindu mythology that underpins celebrations of Diwali across India. Vocalist Raaga, whose name means “melody,” loves singing for birds and for her grandfather, and she has always dreamed of singing at the palace’s annual Royal Diwali mela. But having been teased “for being too dark and too young,” she freezes each time she tries to audition. Her grandfather compares her efforts with tales of Lord Rama, who practiced until he was skilled enough as a marksman to battle 10-headed demon Ravana: “Lord Rama was brave, but he also had people who helped and believed in him,” Baba says. Taunted on the day of the audition by 10 older judges, portrayed with lighter skin, Raaga draws on her community and her faith—she hears her cheering loved ones and thinks of the moment Lord Rama released the arrow—to prove everyone wrong. Paired with a telling that explores prejudice and self-determination, colorblock art employs Indian iconography and folk art forms using a minimal, contrasting palette. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)