The Mithai Box Is Not Empty - by Namrata Agarwal (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Ria wants to be the best chai party host to impress her grandparents, who are visiting all the way from India. She even shares her precious mithai box of her favorite sweet, motichoor ladoo, with the whole family. After all, her grandparents always taught her "Atithi devo bhava, like God we welcome our guests with warmth and respect." Everyone loves the motichoor ladoo. And Ria is happy that everyone else is happy. But as the ladoo disappears, she worries that there will be none left for her. What good is being the best host if Ria doesn't get to have fun too? But her grandmother has a surprise. . .one last motichoor ladoo!"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

This delicious sweet picture book celebrates the joys (and rewards) of sharing. . . and delectable Indian desserts!

Ria wants to be the best chai party host to impress her grandparents, who are visiting all the way from India. She even shares her precious mithai box of her favorite sweet, motichoor ladoo, with the whole family. After all, her grandparents always taught her "Atithi devo bhava, like God we welcome our guests with warmth and respect."

Everyone loves the motichoor ladoo. And Ria is happy that everyone else is happy. But as the ladoo disappears, she worries that there will be none left for her. What good is being the best host if Ria doesn't get to have fun too?

But her grandmother has a surprise. . .one last motichoor ladoo!

Sharing has never been so sweet! The Mithai Box Is Not Empty celebrates the joys of generosity, but reminds us not to forget our own happiness. An author's note on mithais and a matching mithai game are included in the back of the book.

Review Quotes

Illustrations are brimming with riotous colors, both displaying the vivid Indian saris as well as embodying the joy of being reunited with family lending a glow to the page. . . . An overall rich narrative, this book covers an important but underrepresented Indian tradition of gifting mithai boxes, making it a necessary purchase or read.
--School Library Journal (starred review)

The kaleidoscopic colors and floral patterns in bright oranges, pinks, and greens create a lively and bustling backdrop. Images of Ria's diverse friends gathering around delicious food and steamy cups of tea create a cozy, warm, and welcoming tone. A sweet story that speaks to the joys of sharing.
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Namrata Agarwal has written for children's magazines, such as Faces (Cricket Media) and IntellyJelly. She is a member of SCBWI and CBI, and is the co-founder of KindMinds Critique Writing Group for children. Currently she lives in NJ with her two kids and husband.

Parvati Pillai is an illustrator and designer who has worked on everything from magazines to Disney books. She is the illustrator of The Runaway Dosa by Suma Subramaniam, Bindu's Bindis by Supriya Kelkar, and more.