Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story by Natasha Khan Kazi
This adorable 40 page culture focused picture book explores a Desi tradition with layers of competition, frustration, mystery, problem solving, kindness, and joy woven in. Lulu likes the groom and his family, but at her cousin Amirah’s wedding, the games are about to begin, and she has a plan to win the money for team bride, and prove she is old enough to share in the spotlight. Each of the traditional teasing games though find Lulu pushed aside, until the joota chupai, where the shoes go missing. With Nani’s encouragement to stay true to herself, Lulu gets a chance to shine by doing it her way, and bringing the families together. There are a few visible hijabis in the illustrations of this Muslim author/illustrated book and the backmatter really makes the traditional references accessible to all readers. As a Pakistani American, my children haven’t attended cultural weddings with all the traditions, fun, and games, and this book is already a favorite in discussing what this family does, where our families might do it a bit different, and how they can twist it to fit an upcoming wedding we have this summer. The bright large pages, add to the text and illustrations truly conveying the excitement, emotions, and colors of South Asian weddings. By focusing on one tradition, and not trying to include everything about the multiday affairs, the book stays on message and maintains an in the moment tone, keeping the readers engaged, well done.
The book opens at the mehndi ceremony of Lulu’s cousin, and while the dances are taking place, Lulu is scheming. She knows the next day there will be chances to make some prize money from blocking the groom and stealing his shoes, and she is determined to capitalize. Normally it is just the bride’s side against the groom’s side, but Lulu has to battle her own cousins for a role in the games. Tarek says she is too little. Zara is clever at negotiating, and Farah is athletic and gets places fast. In the past, Lulu hasn’t been included, but this time, this wedding, she is ready.
On the groom’s side it is Kamal, Sameer’s little brother that serves as Lulu’s biggest competition, and who trips her as she heads for the shoes. Frustration and sadness have damped the festivities for Lulu, yet she still is helpful and kind. With the games wrapping up, a dejected Lulu finds solace in her grandmother’s lap. When Nani shares why the shoe stealing tradition still is carried out, Lulu knows just what to do to find the spotlight her way.
