Sugar in Milk
Sugar in Milk
Hardcover – Picture Book, October 6, 2020
by Thrity Umrigar (Author), Khoa Le (Illustrator)
A timely and timeless picture book about immigration that demonstrates the power of diversity, acceptance, and tolerance from a gifted storyteller.
An ALSC Notable Children's Book of 2021
A Kirkus Best Books of 2020
A School Library Journal Best Books of 2020
Winner of the 2021 Ohioana Book Award
An Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award, 2022
"An engaging, beautiful, and memorable book." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Lush illustrations and a strong message of hope and perseverance make this a standout title." --School Library Journal, starred review
When I first came to this country, I felt so alone.
A young immigrant girl joins her aunt and uncle in a new country that is unfamiliar to her. She struggles with loneliness, with a fierce longing for the culture and familiarity of home, until one day, her aunt takes her on a walk. As the duo strolls through their city park, the girl's aunt begins to tell her an old myth, and a story within the story begins.
A long time ago, a group of refugees arrived on a foreign shore. The local king met them, determined to refuse their request for refuge. But there was a language barrier, so the king filled a glass with milk and pointed to it as a way of saying that the land was full and couldn't accommodate the strangers. Then, the leader of the refugees dissolved sugar in the glass of milk. His message was clear: Like sugar in milk, our presence in your country will sweeten your lives. The king embraced the refugee, welcoming him and his people. The folktale depicted in this book was a part of author Thrity Umrigar's Zoroastrian upbringing as a Parsi child in India, but resonates for children of all backgrounds, especially those coming to a new homeland.
Publisher: Running Press Kids (October 6, 2020)
Language: English
Hardcover: 48 pages
ISBN-10: 0762495197
ISBN-13: 978-0762495191
Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
Lexile Measure: AD740L
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Item Weight: 14.8 ounces
Dimensions: 7.85 x 0.45 x 11.4 inches
