In this book we meet Ayesha, who is thrilled to attend her favorite cousin’s wedding. She is excited to dance in the baraat (a celebratory wedding procession) and celebrate the way she did last year at her older brother’s wedding.

But this wedding is different.

Ritu is marrying her girlfriend Chandni, and she will be the first bride in the Kapoor family to lead a baraat – a tradition that is usually reserved for the groom.

Ayesha’s family tries to explain to her that some people are not pleased with Ritu leading a baraat. When Ayesha wonders where her extended family could be, her aunt tries to explain that many of them are not attending because they do not approve of Ritu marrying Chandni. She even tells Ayesha’s father that some neighbors are so upset they plan to stop the celebration. Ayesha can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t be happy for Ritu and Chandni.

I love the way Ayesha loves her cousin in this book! Ritu Weds Chandni beautifully captures the unabashed affection that children show the people they love. There will be no spoilers here, but in the end, it is Ayesha’s love and joy that save the day, even when faced with the hatred of homophobia.

Ritu Weds Chandni is a beautiful celebration of love, and both South Asian and LGBTQ+ cultures. I would HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy.

I would like to thank Yali Books for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley. This was an absolute joy to read!

I love the vibrant colors of India’s weddings and Ameya Narvankar’s Ritu Weds Chandi displays them in all their glory. The colors are crisp and clean without textural shading. Individual pages have been dedicated for full scene displays. I like the interconnecting use of hoses and streamers to connect pages. The colors, connectivity, and the action on the page will keep a child entertained.

The best part of Ritu weds Chandi is the story which teaches children to be open and to stand up against bullying. Narvankar does not get preachy, but instead lets the story tell the tale of what to do in a situation like this. This is fiction of course so Ayesha’s will does not get truly tested...it is a children’s book (smile). This means we get a happily-ever-after for Ritu, Chandi, and of course Ayesha.

I love reading stories about multicultural LGBTQIA+ humans..I also have a preference for stories from India so Narvankar and Yali Books had me at the cover. Ayesha will have you at the first reading. Add Ritu Weds Chandi to your bedtime reading rotation and travel while lying in bed reading a story.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Around two years back, the Supreme Court of India decriminalised homosexuality in the country. However, despite this progressive judgement, India does not recognise same-sex marriages. None of the marital laws too expressly recognise same-sex marriages. With this background in mind, I was not at all surprised to see that the first Indian lesbian wedding storybook, though written by an Indian, needed a New York-based pubisher. I hope this situation changes and the book finds a market, as well as creates a new market in India. As the author himself says in one interview, "Children aren't born homophobic."

'Ritu Weds Chandni' is the story of a young Ayesha who is excited to be going to her cousin Ritu's wedding. She recollects her cousin brother's wedding and imagines the same fervour and festivities this time around too. However, the situation at the wedding venue is quite different, simply because Ritu is marrying another girl.

The book is aimed at the 8+ age group. And the story clearly provides a look at the wedding from the eyes of an eight year old, from her excitement over the flashy clothes and sweets to her wonderment at the discomfort of the adults to her brave opposition of the protesters.

The story skips mentioning the location of the place, but if same-sex marriages were to ever be legalised in India, I presume this could occur anywhere in the country.

The illustrations are really beautiful and will appeal to the little readers.

What was illogical to me was how the protesting riders carried long water hoses with them and started splashing the baraatis with water. Hopefully, no eight year old asks that question to his/her parents.

I loved the line in the end note where the author says, "Let us not pass on the fear of 'log kya kahenge' to future generations." Agree with that sentiment!

I received an advance review copy of the book from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a lovely story! Although this particular book is for elementary reading levels, the plot was just heartwarming. Despite the negative actions taken by people due to prejudice, seeing this type of love story through the eyes of a child was brilliant. The representation is awesome, and I hope to see more stories like this in the future!

The sweetest little book. Oh if we all could have the youth and innocence of a child, who sees things as they are with their unadulterated mind. This was an excellent book. I can only imagine the presence it will have in young children's lives, and the difference it will make in these communities. The art is also stunning, and I'm a huge fan. So much thanks to the publisher for sending it my way. I would happily buy this for any young child in my life.

I never knew a picture book could make me cry, but this one did.

A heart-warming tale with an important social message, Ritu Weds Chandni is the book we have been waiting for. This book combines storytelling with vibrant colors, which makes it very memorable. The story is relatively simple, yet makes such an impact! I can't wait for kids to pick this book up, and I really wish I had it growing up. I love how it normalizes sapphic relationships, yet at the same time shows children the way society may treat them and the challenges such couples may face, all while leaving us with a message filled with hope and love.

Important representation and nice illustrations. I like the bones of the story, though the text itself felt a bit lacking. I didn't read the synopsis, so I was surprised by the focus on homophobic opposition to the wedding (which includes water hoses being turned on the brides and wedding guests).

TW: homophobia

Ritu Weds Chandni is a beautiful, children's picture book that is a must read!

Not only is this book absolutely stunning, beautiful and magnificent, it's a wonderful read too. I was blown away by the cover and illustrations, and was then just mesmerized by the important story that was told.

Little Ayesha is excited because it's a big day! Ritu is getting married! Music, food, dancing, and colourful outfits galore. How can a little girl not be excited? It's time for a celebration! Ritu is going to lead the wedding, which is a cause for concern for her parents. Why? Because Ritu is marrying her girlfriend (and not a man, gasp!). Some members of Ayesha's family do not understand the same-sex marriage, which is confusing and sad for Ayesha.

The reaction to their wedding hurt my heart, but sadly it is realistic. People can suck sometimes.

This book is important to read! Not only does it discuss same-sex marriage in a kid friendly way but it also can introduce (or welcome you back!) to the Indian culture. I had to look up a lot of the words and I learned a lot from this book, which makes me happy that I had the opportunity to read it. I always love learning about other cultures and educating myself.

This book is marvellous! It's a must read!

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Yali Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

'Ritu Weds Chandni' with story and art by Ameya Narvankar is a picture book about a young girl excited to celebrate her cousin's wedding.

Ayesha is attending her cousin Ritu's wedding, and she's looking forward to dancing at the baraat. Unfortunately, others in the village are not happy that Ritu is marrying her girlfriend. When they take action to stop the wedding, little Ayesha makes a brave stand for her cousin.

This is a gorgeously illustrated book about a wedding in a culture that is different from my own. There are a fair amount of foreign to me words used, but there is a helpful glossary in the back for people like me.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Yali Books, Independent Book Publishers Association, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

In Ritu Weds Chandni, we follow little Ayesha and her parents as they get ready to go to her cousin Ritu's wedding. It's going to be such a wonderful time! On the ride over, Ritu thinks about how much fun the wedding is going to be. But once they arrive at Ritu's house, Ayesha realizes something is wrong - she learns that there are some family and community members who are unhappy that Ritu is going to be marrying her girlfriend.

This is a children's book that features love and family and young people fighting for what's right when faced with intolerant family and community. In the end, Ritu and Chandni are able to get married surrounded by caring family, including Ayesha who we see use her voice and actions to advocate for Ritu and Chandni's right to celebrate their marriage.

I really enjoyed the illustrations! I appreciated that the author's note at the end included other South Asian LGBTQ+ books to check out. There's a small glossary at the end with definitions of the Hindi words used in the text. Ritu and Chandni also get married using marriage traditions that I've never experienced/witnessed, and it's always nice to learn more.

This book is beautiful! I absolutely cried but the love Ayesha has for her cousin and her cousin’s fiancé was evident throughout. The art is absolutely stunning, and the story feels so full of heart. I love how Ayesha still dances in the baraat, not letting hate take the joy away from Ritu and Chandni’s wedding day.

This beautifully illustrated desi novel is all about acceptance and support for love - no matter whom you fall in love with.
It is cute, adorable and gives you all the feels - it’s a very short book; but it packs a punch into a reading of what would be a maximum of 10-15 minutes!

It also reads to be a very good introduction to the LGBTAIQ+ representation to educate children, especially in a society like our own.

Plus, the fact that this beautifully illustrated had a rough start makes it all the more reason to push it in front of the masses - it deserves the attention and respect it is due!

Kudos to the author who never gave up and to the publisher who supported a desi book!

I got an ARC of this book.

Get your tissues ready. Ayesha is the ally of dreams. She not only loves her family, but she can’t even fathom why someone wouldn’t be excited over two people celebrating their love. She is the first one to stand up for her family and she is truly what an ally should be. She may be young, but she is brave and full of love. She made me tear up near the end, I just wasn’t expecting this.

The book is written by a man, who in his afterword explains why he wrote about women instead of men. He explains that women face more pressure and have more restrictions than men do. That he wanted to make sure they could see themselves. I loved this. He realized his place of privilege and used his voice to help others.

The art is cute and colorful. I loved just how much red there was. It was vibrant and bold. It was a great color artistically, but it also fit the story well. Brides often wear red in Indian culture, which I just learned. It was great to see that this detail was included. I also loved that not all the words were in English. It made the story better. It taught me things and it didn’t compromise the meaning of the words. It was really a win-win.

Overall, wonderfully cute story, I just wish that homophobia wasn’t the main conflict. I wish that we were beyond this. I can’t blame the author for this though.

Thank you NetGalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book had such beautiful illustrations and one lovely and brave little girl saving the day! I appreciate the honesty of this book about the bigotry shown for same sex couples. I mostly appreciate the power for positivity that came from a child that only knows love.

Ritu weds Chandni is my favourite picture book of the year. As you all know, I am always excited about great South Asian children’s books, especially those that center minority narratives within the South Asian community! Ritu weds Chandni is centered around Ayesha, a wonderful little girl who is excited about attending her cousin’s wedding to her girlfriend. With gorgeous illustrations that show off the beautiful and intricate ceremonies and aspects of North Indian weddings, Ritu weds Chandni takes a look at prejudice and acceptance in a society that is still rather conservative about LGBTQIA+ rights, yet showcase a hopeful look at the future.

My favourite part was definitely Ayesha, who showcases the inherent acceptance and love of children, and I am really really glad that books like these exist for children like Ayesha. I would definitely recommend this picture book for anyone – for its gorgeous illustrations, burgeoning diversity, and a story full of heart and warmth.

CW: [homophobia (hide spoiler)]

I am EMOTIONAL. Please buy this wonderful picture book for all the children in your life.

Reading this short story was a delight. It was quick and loved all the festive illustrations. 'Ritu Weds Chadni' is the kind of book that we need to send as a gift to our friends and family because the more we narrate the stories of Queer community (in India) Easier it would be to change the streotypical mindset about Queer people.

I am glad to have read about the wedding of Ritu and Chadni. I would love to read its next part as well (if author ever decides to write it).

I strongly recommend it to parents who have kids from age from 9-14. Read this beautifully crafted book along with your kid(s) and educated them about Queer community and sexualities.

Ritu Weds Chandni // written and illustrated by Ameya Narvankar

I'm so glad I got to read this one. The illustrations in this book are absolutely amazing. I found myself staring at them much longer than I usually spend on children's book illustrations. The story was both sad as well as uplifting and something we really need more of. We get both an insight into the difficulties that same-sex marriages, a topic that may feel difficult to introduce their child to for some, still face today as well as the graceful way in which Ayesha shows her bravery in the face of that difficulty. This book is really lovely and a great start for this author and illustrator. I'm looking forward to what he will produce in the future.

why you need this story in your life ( regardless of your age ) :

➤ features a wlw couple getting married as the central storyline — in a traditional manner, the same way weddings of straight couples are carried out, cleverly indicating that same-sex couples aren't an alien concept that does not adhere to tradition and custom.
➤ simply beautiful art, portraying different skin tones, colourful saris and pretty wedding snapshots at the end !
➤ a very cute girl who is her cousin's biggest supporter and one of the best allies EVER.
➤ a glossary at the end for english translations of the few hindi words sprinkled throughout the story.
➤ showcases the fact that while homophobia is very much a thing and almost ruins their blessed day, ritu and chandni still have a close-knit group of loved ones to support them.
➤ have i mentioned the art ?
➤ doesn't make the central wlw couple an unnecessary spectacle — their wedding seems natural enough to convince any child that homophobic people are unreasonable and illogical.
➤ shows how even a little girl can make a big difference in her own way and bring about happiness and love.
➤ in a note at the end, the author mentioned that growing up, he found a severe lack of lgbtqiap+ stories, and acknowledged that wlw have it worse due to heavier societal expectations; this becomes a disadvantage for lgbtqiap+ people because growing up, queer people do not know what a healthy relationship is supposed to look like.
➤ the sheer cuteness !
➤ the author has also recommended some south asian lgbtqiap+ books at the end !
➤ THE ART.

For whatever reason, I ever received this book. It is probably the fault of the the tech I am forced to deal with. Still, from the blurb alone I knew this was going to be a wonderful, encompassing book that would bring value to all who read it.

Therefore I am giving it five stars and I hope that anyone who is lucky enough to read this in its completion , you enjoy it as much as I anticipated

Five stars.