Book Review- Laxmi's Mooch

Written by Shelly Anand

Illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

Book Review- Laxmi's Mooch

My daughter came home one day and told me that she has hair on her arms. I proceeded to show her mine and her dad’s to show that we all have body hair and it’s absolutely normal. But it didn’t convince her much and she went on to wear only full sleeved clothes for the next month, which is when she forgot about this incident. All of 4yrs, and the issues I’ve parked for next few years, come knocking unexpectedly!

Brings us back to this book, which came at an opportune time for us to address her worries. A wonderful book on body positivity without being preachy, no bullying involved, none of the adverse situations we would want to avoid in books we pick. 

Laxmi is playing farm animals at recess, when her friend says she would make a splendid cat because of the fine hair on her upper lip. Laxmi who never noticed this before is now perturbed. The whole day is spent being self conscious and in hiding. 

At home, her mom and dad deal with her distress in the most pragmatic manner. She points out their long lineage of women with ‘moochay’. Right from beautiful Bengal tigers to Rani’s to Mughal empresses to village women to city girls, everyone sports a moochay and that it’s all perfectly normal. 

Written in simple text and wonderful illustrations, peppered with Hindi text, the book deals with issues of body positivity, self worth, identity and embracing your physical self. We especially loved how Laxmi was depicted. Much needed book in every kids shelf. 

Ideal for kids aged 3+yrs

Buy the book here

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