Debut Book By Princeton Student Celebrates Multilingualism

India-West News Desk

In a literary debut that sparkles, sixteen-year-old Uma Menon, the daughter of immigrants, unveils a heartwarming ode to the power of multilingualism in her children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Published by Candlewick Press, the story sheds light on the enduring benefits of speaking more than one language.

The narrative revolves around Sumi, whose mother possesses the extraordinary ability to seamlessly switch between Malayalam and English, a linguistic prowess that Sumi marvels at and wonders if it might be a superpower. Through Sumi’s eyes, readers are taken on a delightful journey as the young protagonist recounts her mother’s migration from India and the evolution of her bilingual abilities, now intertwined like fine cloth.

Rahele Jomepour Bell’s inviting illustrations playfully incorporate visual metaphors, adding a whimsical layer to the narrative. Uma Menon’s lyrical text, skillfully articulated from a child’s perspective, delicately touches on crucial subjects such as linguistic diversity and accent discrimination. The book emphasizes the uniqueness and importance of every person’s voice, regardless of how they speak.

Menon was born in 2003 and raised in Winter Park, Florida. Growing up, she could not find stories that reflected her experience in a multilingual house, so she wrote this book at age sixteen. This debut stands as an unabashed celebration of the gift of multilingualism.

It serves as a reminder that language is a powerful tool that can transcend borders, connecting people across the globe. The story not only entertains but also educates, making it an invaluable addition to children’s literature. It is an exploration of language and culture that is a testament to the vibrancy and richness that multilingualism brings to our lives.

Menon was a National Young Arts Winner for three consecutive years and has been nominated thrice for the Pushcart Prize. She studies international affairs and creative writing at Princeton University.