Ritu weds Chandni is a book that directly deals with homophobia. In the book, Ayesha’s cousin, Ritu, is getting married to Chandni. Even though her immediate family supports her cousin, Ayesha soon realizes that Ritu and Chandni have not been accepted by the rest of the family and society. In fact, there are elements that actively try to ruin the wedding procession. But Ayesha is determined to help her cousin and confronts the people disrupting the celebration. The rest of the family and friends follow her lead. Ritu and Chandni persist and the wedding takes place in the presence of their near and dear ones and their unwavering love. The illustrations are vibrant and capture the sense of the joy and glamor of a wedding celebration.

Children’s books are a great conversation starter for topics you are wondering how to bring up to children. And if, as parents and caregivers, you are hesitating to bring up ‘difficult’ topics, I believe, children can actually be a very astute audience. They have no prejudice, they are naturally curious and have an extraordinary capacity to empathize. When I read the story to my eight-year-old, he said he really liked how Ayesha took a stand. It reminded him of how brave Martin Luther King was for what he believed in. A story of triumph, standing up for what you truly believe in, and the power of unconditional love.

Such a beautiful read!
Ayesha is so happy about her cousin's wedding! But not everyone is happy, because her cousin is a woman... And is marrying another woman.
This is a dream and a nightmare. A dream, because a traditional marriage in India between two women is pretty much impossible nowadays. A nightmare, because it shows that, even if it was possible, a lot of people would be against it.
But that's why this is such an important book: because it puts the focus on a child's perspective, with its naivety and open-minded approach. Because Ayesha love's her cousin, and she really can't see how marrying someone you love could raise so much hate.
Make your children read this. We need more asian and lgbtq+ representation in this world, and in children books. Because children are our best hope for a better future.
Also, the art is gorgeous so there's that, too.

This is a sweet story about Ritu marrying Chandni and the wedding celebrations that follow. Ritu's young cousin Ayesha is very excited about the wedding but she sees concern in her parents' faces. She is also surprised to see some of her relatives missing from the wedding celebrations. This is a book about redefining traditions—what is wrong with a bride leading the baraat—and standing up against hate and homophobia.

Colourful, striking illustrations complete the north Indian wedding scenes. I really liked the use of bold colours which makes the book a celebration and nothing lesser.

In India, young Ayesha is thrilled to celebrate the upcoming wedding of her favorite cousin Ritu to her girlfriend Chandni. Not everyone in town or in the Kapoor family shares Ayesha's excitement. At first glance Ritu Weds Chandni is a simple story about a child's untainted and joyous understanding of love. Dseper consideration examines homophobia as a cultural norm, entrenched gendered expectations, and violent resistance to sociopolitical change in expanding representative inclusion for all. Figures garbed in red and other saturated primary and secondary colors with turquoise accents pop in contrast to a tonal background of muted gold. This story celebrates love and invites readers to recognize the ethical right of every human to be loved for who they are, as they are. A glossary of terms followed by an author's note provide clarification of family relationships, cultural traditions, garments, and South Asian LGBTQ+ recommendations for young readers. Ritu Weds Chandni uses a traditional wedding procession to examine society's slow progression toward equal marriage rights for all people everywhere.

This was such a cute little story and I loved how it addressed how hard it is to be queer in desi culture. I loved how Ayesha never for a second thought there was anything wrong with Ritu and Chandni and didn't entirely understand why the rest of their family had an issue with them. This was just so great!

This sweet picture book about being yourself even if others disapprove is amazing. I loved the theme and Ayesha's energy. I really enjoyed this book.

Gorgeously illustrated picture book about a lesbian Indian couple, their wedding, and their young cousin who adores them both but does not understand the anti-gay bigotry of some of her family and cousin's neighbors. While the story has a happy ending, it does include scenes of anti-gay verbal assaults, physical intimidation, and a particularly distressing multi-page scene wherein community members turn fire hoses on the wedding party in an attempt prevent the wedding from occurring. Inclusivity and tolerance are significant themes and rooted specifically within the cultural context. An author's note at the end serves as an appeal to the Desi community, of which he is a part, to be embrace same sex relationships and their portrayal as a human right. He also provides a brief list of additional South Asian LGBTQIA+ books for children and young adults.

Ritu Weds Chandni is a short and sweet picture book about LGBT+ positivity. The illustrations are amazing and there's also a glossary in the back, which can help people unfamiliar with Hindu culture. I totally recommend this book.

Ayesha, a young Indian girl, doesn't understand why many people are opposed to her beloved cousin Ritu's wedding to another woman, Chandni. Ayesha is determined that Ritu's wedding will be a joyful day, despite the intolerance in their way.

What a short and sweet story. The illustrations are beautiful, and it's a perfect book to introduce young kids to LGBTQ+ positivity. There's also glossary at the back for terms the reader may not be familiar with, so if you're unfamiliar with Hindu culture you get to learn something too! It's a simple but moving story and looks great on top of that.

I loved the colorful illustrations and hopeful story of Ritu Weds Chandni!

The book tells us the story of same sex couple Ritu and Chandni’s big day. Little Ayesha shares how she and her family will represent Ritu in the baarat. The baarat is a dancing parade usually led by the groom’s side to the wedding venue. In this way, the book shares how many same sex couples modify traditions to reflect their relationships.

The book has some difficult moments. In one, Ayesha learns that many family members will not be joining the wedding because they oppose Ritu and Chandni’s union. In another, protestors douse the wedding party with hoses.
The story ends on a hopeful note as Ayesha leads the wedding party in a defiant and hopeful dance.

The color and visual style of the illustrations could carry this book on their own. But on top of that, the story is hopeful and shares how kids can stand up for others and themselves.

As far as I know, this is the first children’s book addressing Indian weddings and Indian same sex couples. Hope to see many more in the future.

Thanks to Yali Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was simply too adorable 😍🥺 I loved how adorable the whole wedding setting was, and at the same time showed the ignorance of human. It was sad and yet happy. The ending was so cute, and I think everyone needs to read this little graphic novel!

Ameya Narvankar’s Ritu Weds Chandni starts off on a joyous note. Little Ayesha is thrilled because “her favourite cousin is getting married…” Everyone is decked up and getting ready to dance in the baraat, she sings. The family sets out to the bride, Ritu’s house and memories of her brother Deepak’s wedding flood Ayesha’s mind.

But we see the first signs of trouble brewing as Ayesha’s mother says that traditionally it’s the groom who leads the baraat. Not everyone is going to share Ayesha’s happiness, she realises.
Ritu Weds Chandni is a beautifully illustrated book that questions identities and societal norms. Seen through the eyes of a child, they seem incomprehensible and unnecessary. Why can’t two people who love each other, be together? Isn’t love supposed to transcend all boundaries?

I wholeheartedly support Yali Books and Narvankar’s efforts in asking such important questions at a young age.

"I had explored the topic of visibility and representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the Indian society, wherein I had looked at different portrayals of characters in films and media, especially in literature. I found that none of it existed in an Indian context," Narvankar explains in an interview with The Indian Express.

With more awareness, there is an urgent need to address that awareness in a sensible, balanced manner in children. Inculcate fair values in them and help them understand that the world has all kinds of people. "The idea was to address the fact that children are not born homophobic, they are conditioned to believe in certain things," says Narvankar in the same interview.

I agree and there aren’t too many books dispelling that notion for children. This is one of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It takes barely a few minutes to read but it demands much thought afterwards.

Thanks to Yali Books for the ARC!

This book was so good. I want everyone to read this. The sweet and small book will hardly take your 10 mins of the day. It's authentic and real. It focuses on the society issues we face here in India. The graphics are too good. I am in love with all the characters in this book.

Ritu Weds Chandni ❤️

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

Little Ayesha can’t wait to see her cousin Ritu get married. As Ayesha wears her lehenga and dances in the baarat (wedding procession) she learns that not everyone is happy with Ritu marrying a girl, with some vowing to stop the celebrations. Will Ayesha be able to save Ritu and Chandni’s special day?

We don’t see enough LGBTQIA and Queer books for children and this was a beautifully put together story with vivid illustrations to compliment. Ayesha struggles to understand why certain members of her family are angry and refuse to attend the wedding. As the elders bicker, fight and mistreat the brides, we see Ayesha’s fearless innocence and faith in love shine through.

There is still so much stigma surrounding same sex couples and marriage. They often face discrimination from their loved ones, community and society. Ameya emphasises in her author’s note that we must encourage discussions to raise awareness and educate those around us, starting with children. Extremely proud of Ameya and the team for the concept and implementation of this fantastic book! 👏🏽✨

This was a adorable read, a young girl is exited to see her cousin get married, it’s clear it’s a marriage of love. Others are not as exited though and the couple received hate and sabotage whilst travelling to their marriage, which the young girl does not understand. The story could have been longer and expand on the premise to help children understand more but other wise it was a lovely book.

<i> Thank you so much to NetGalley and Yali Books for giving me this arc to review </i>

This is exactly the kind of book I would like to have read as a young child and I am so very happy that children do get a book like this. Ameya Narvankar wrote a beautiful story that comes alive with the illustrations.

The story itself is a nuanced tale about love. Ayesha loves her cousin Ritu, but more importantly, she doesn't see why Ritu's marriage to Chandni should be any different to any wedding she has been a part of before.

It doesn't matter to Ayesha that her cousin is marrying her girlfriend, rather than a much more socially acceptable boyfriend. That optimism gives Ayesha the ability to be brave even when those around her don't see it as bravery. Ayesha just wants her cousin to have the same experiences on her wedding day that the cousins before her have had and I admire that.

I don't think it is very often that we get to read stories as Desi's about Queer triumph in our own circles and I love that with the art we get a story about triumph. We get a story about familial love and that marriage should be a celebration of that love. That our communities shouldn't be able to dictate who we love on the basis of sex or gender but rather by the worth of their character.

I definitely recommend this children's book and I hope to see more desi books on queer topics that feature joy.

The illustrations in this book are vibrant, colorful and incredibly lively. It is truly a delight to the eyes. The storyline of a wedding serves as a perfect focal point to showcase love and acceptance regarding same-sex relationships. This book is timely and it surpasses culture. It can be enjoyed by one and all.

The book is beautifully illustrated and the story is really heartwarming. The language and storyline make a difficult topic approachable, appropriate, and understandable for children. This could be a great way for non-Indian children to learn more about the rich and beautiful traditions of Indian weddings and for all children to learn about the importance of love and acceptance. It shares the important message that children can be difference-makers in the lives of their loved ones and that grown-ups aren't always right just because they are grown-ups.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review!

Ritu Weds Chandni by Ameya Narvankar is a very sweet and joyful book, even when it delves in the unfortunate reality of homophobia that still exists in most communities. It has wonderful art and seems informative about Indian traditions, as it beautifully illustrates the wedding ceremony alongside the events of the story. It lightly delves into the reality of homophobia without being too much for a kid to read and, as a queer brown woman myself, I think it is important to introduce children -especially children of color- to such inspiring stories and begin to discuss and explain these realities at a young age, to foster kinder hearts for the future.

My favorite thing is that the story has a happy ending and maintains its joyful tone throughout the whole book, without downplaying the important message. The vibrant art in this story is also such a treat, I had to go back and read it a second time to marvel at the illustrations.

I really enjoyed this sweet little story, and I will be recommending it to my friends too!

Seen through the eyes of a girl who is struggling to understand why people may be against the wedding between her didi and her girlfriend, Ritu Weds Chandni gives a voice to the South Asian LGBT. A festive happy event is about to be ruined by the absence of conservative relatives and the aggressive neighbours, but Ayesha will not let it happened. Naturally she succeeds to overcome the tensions with the simplicity of a child who does not need the narrow minded explanations of the adults to display her genuine love.
The message is convened in a children book but I bet there are adults that need some extra motivation to accept the choices of their fellow humans too.
The illustrations are acceptable from the aesthetic point of view. A list of the Hindi words used is provided at the end of the book.