“An expression of love threaded into the weave and weft of a boy’s yearning.” — School & Library Journal, starred review.

A Tamil boy explores his love for his grandmother and her colorful sari collection in this tale that celebrates the spark of every reader’s true self. We are so pleased to host this In-Person Launch Event for Jyoti Rajan Gopal at Books of Wonder, featuring My Paati’s Saris! Join us for this delightful after-school Launch Event that includes read-aloud storytime with the author, as well as opportunities to pick up Signed & Personalized copies of My Paati’s Saris.

Another exciting day with Paati begins with a host of fun activities done in preparation for tonight’s party; threading flowers into garlands for decoration, going to the market, and helping her in the kitchen with the scent of sambar in the air.

Through it, the boy finds comfort in Paati’s sari, whether he’s wrapped in its colors for dress-up or clutching its folds for comfort. Each sari holds a story—ones that speak to him, but most important of all they allow him just to be.

With joyful text by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and dazzling art, My Paati’s Saris is a commemoration of how clothing can convey tradition and individuality, and connect us to both our families and ourselves. Be sure to pick up tickets for this wonderful author event on Thursday, November 10th at 6:00 PM EST!

What you need to know to join us:

• We recommend RSVPing to attend! RSVPing here guarantees entry to the event if you are among the first 100 registrants. Please make sure to RSVP for your full party, including any and all children.

• Please note that there will only be 100 RSVPs available. Guests who have RSVPed must arrive by 5:50 PM in order to claim their spot. After that time, the reserved seat will become available to walk-up guests.

• If you are not among the first 100 RSVPs, you can still purchase a copy of each book, and join the signing queue to get signed and personalized books! Doors will open for the signing queue around 6:45 PM.

• All attendees over the age of 2 will need to wear a mask while in the store, as per NYC guidelines for live indoor events.

• Remember: if you are not feeling well please do not attend this event!

If you have any questions about the event or any of these guidelines please be sure to reach out to us at [email protected]

Meet the author!

Jyoti Rajan Gopal is a kindergarten teacher and the debut author of the picture book American Desi, a poetic celebration of the many facets of South Asian American cultures. She grew up in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, and China, and now lives in New York City. Supriya Kelkar is a screenwriter and the author of the picture book Bindu’s Bindis and the middle-grade novels American as Paneer Pie and Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame, among other books for young readers. American Desi is the first picture book she has illustrated. Raised in the Midwest, she currently lives in Michigan. We asked Gopal and Kelkar to interview each other about their collaboration and their early experiences growing into their identities as American desis.

Time: 6:00 PM — 7:00 PM EST

Free!

Registration