Immerse yourself in an exciting adventure of rhythm, music, and dance with Suchi Sairam's illustrated picture book, Singing Surya Dreams to Dance. Surya is a precocious first grader with a knack for singing, which annoys his sister, Deepa, to no end. But what Surya truly loves is dancing, especially the traditional Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. Surya is afraid others will find his love of dancing unnatural because many people think dancing is not for boys. When he visits the dance studio with Deepa and their mom, Surya inadvertently reveals his love of dancing in front of others. He is taken by surprise when the dance teacher not only supports his passion for dance but also enthusiastically celebrates his remarkable skills. Will Surya's friends embrace his love of dancing?

We should never hesitate to express ourselves through our creativity. The lesson is wonderfully conveyed in this wholesome tale by Suchi Sairam. Dance transcends cultural boundaries and is for everyone, and it's beautifully showcased in Singing Surya Dreams to Dance. Full of gentle charm and heart, this colorful picture book sheds light on the Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. Featuring likable characters, Sairam's uplifting story is about embracing one's strengths and passions. Surya is relatable and compelling, and young readers will cheer for him in this story. Illustrator Vidya Vasudevan does a fantastic job of complementing Sairam's storytelling with vibrant artwork that breathes life into the characters. The book encourages readers to find joy in their passions without hesitation or fear. It will entertain children and adults alike.

Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam will teach children the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in themselves. Surya is a boy who loves Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. His friends at school tell him that dancing is a girl's thing and boys should play sports. So, he doesn't tell anyone, not even his family. As his older sister practices Bharatanatyam, he secretly watches, trying to learn the moves. But one day, when he waits for her in one of the classes, he gets carried away by the music and starts dancing. The dance teacher is surprised by his talent and asks him about it. He confesses to her why he likes dancing. Then, the teacher explains that both men and women can dance, opening up the boy's perspective. However, Surya must be encouraged to follow his dreams.

I found Surya to be a wonderful character. He is tender and dedicated. He also demonstrates how much can be accomplished through purposeful effort. He likes to sing and dance, two activities young readers will be able to relate to and that allow them to express themselves beyond words. Surya also goes through insecurities because he doesn't know if what he is doing is right or wrong. And through that inner struggle, he gradually learns the value of being oneself. The author, Suchi Sairam, does an excellent job with clear narration, concrete explanations, and a realistic and interesting plot. In addition, the illustrations by Vidya Vasudevan are charming, with soft colors, and the characters are sympathetic and expressive. Singing Surya Dreams to Dance is an inspiring story that reminds us how art is for everyone.

Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam is about a boy who loves to dance. Surya likes to sing, but he loves dancing. He wanted to dance the Bharatanatyam more than anything else, but he couldn’t because boys don’t dance. That’s what his first-grade friends in school said. So Surya kept his passion for dance a secret, but he couldn’t help peeking at and imitating his sister Deepa when she practiced for her dance recital, much to Deepa’s annoyance. One weekend, Surya followed Ama (Mom) and Deepa to dance practice. While he sat waiting for Mom to sort out Deepa’s costume, he watched the dance practice with a growing itch to dance. Before Surya knew it, he was on his feet, twirling and leaping alongside the class, and then the music stopped. When Surya collected himself, all the girls and their teacher stood, staring agape. Will this slip get him in trouble?

Singing Surya Dreams to Dance blends culture, art, and contemporary social issues. The story is simple, but it touches on several themes such as uniqueness, peer pressure, friendship, kindness, and acceptance. I liked the positive tone and how kind the characters were. I also liked the colorful and expressive illustrations by Vidya Vasudevan; they captured the characters well and added life to the story. I liked that certain words were highlighted. The highlighted words were mostly positive words or slightly difficult words that I believe can improve children’s vocabulary. I also liked learning about Bharatanatyam. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam is a heartwarming and inspiring children's book that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the power of passion. The story follows Surya, a young boy who loves Bharatanatyam dance but struggles with societal expectations that boys don't dance. The book captures Surya's journey of self-expression and courage through vibrant illustrations by Vidya Vasudevan and a sensitive narrative. The story is a touching reminder that art transcends gender and that pursuing one’s passion can lead to joy and fulfillment. The characters, especially Surya and his supportive teacher, are relatable and endearing, making this a delightful read for children and adults alike. Including cultural elements, such as Bharatanatyam and its significance, adds depth and educational value to the story.

Surya's story challenges gender stereotypes by addressing the societal belief that boys don't dance. Despite his love for Bharatanatyam, Surya initially hides his passion because his friends at school insist that dancing is only for girls. Through his journey, Surya learns that this stereotype is unfounded when his teacher introduces him to male Bharatanatyam dancers and reassures him that loving dance is what truly matters, not his gender. Surya's courage to embrace his passion and his eventual acceptance by his family and peers demonstrate how breaking stereotypes can lead to self-expression and happiness. It also encourages children and young adults to question societal norms and support others in pursuing their dreams, regardless of gender. It’s a beautiful story that offers hope to those facing similar stereotyping. Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam encourages readers to challenge societal norms and support others in their creative pursuits.