Book Review: The Girl Who Could Not Stop Laughing
By Meera Ganapathi
Illustrated by Rosh
T. Sundari from class 4-B has an unusual problem—she laughs uncontrollably. And she laughs a lot! Her untimely giggles often land her in trouble, but no matter how hard she tries, Sundari can't seem to control it. The problem? Just about anything can set her off—even a simple word like "bonda."
Determined to find a solution, Sundari takes a methodical approach, creating lists of her triggers, but nothing seems to work. As a last resort, she turns to her older brother, Skandu anna, a scientist, to see if he can help her stop her fits of laughter. Will he be able to fix Sundari’s problem?
This delightful book will have you laughing right alongside Sundari as she navigates the challenges of her uncontrollable laughter. Beyond the humor, the story touches on deeper themes, like the subtle pressure of traditional gender roles. Girls are often told to laugh less, speak less, and not draw too much attention to themselves. I grew up accepting these norms, even when they didn't feel quite right.
One powerful message from the book is that "So long as you're not hurting anyone's feelings, there's nothing wrong with a good laugh." It reminds us that children shouldn’t be dimmed by societal expectations—they should be allowed to simply enjoy being themselves. Sundari’s journey helps her realize there's nothing wrong with her; in fact, her laughter is a gift that brings joy to others.
The illustrations by Rosh perfectly capture T. Sundari’s many moods and infectious laughter, making her all the more lovable.
Ideal for kids aged 4+ years.
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