An early chapter book about a Muslim-Canadian boy whose gender-atypical love of mehndi (skin decorating with henna) is at first frowned upon and then encouraged.
Tehzeeb, a boy of Indian descent living in Canada, loves to draw and dreams about fashion. When he visits his favorite uncle’s house for the festival of Navroz, he’s excited to learn that his cousin Rahima is getting married. To celebrate, the family has invited the artist who will be doing the mehndi for the wedding. She offers to draw some on Tehzeeb, and he’s captivated, so she leaves him a mehndi cone to practice with.
Soon, he’s drawing mehndi on family and friends and getting better and better at the intricate designs, even though some other students tease him about the smell and color. His aunts and female relatives are delighted by his skills—but his uncle, who had always supported his art, tells him that boys doing or wearing mehndi is “just … wrong.” Tehzeeb is hurt and wonders if he should stop.
On the day of the wedding, however, a delay in getting Rahima to the venue means he’s called upon to do her mehndi en route. Everyone is wowed by his designs. Even his uncle eventually comes to see that “mehndi is for everyone,” and apologizes to Tehzeeb.
Author Zain Bandali has steeped the story in Swahili, Gujarati, and Kutchi foods, words, and traditions, while illustrator Jani Balakumar adds full-color images that reflect the tale. While there is no clear queer inclusion, Tehzeeb’s gender creativity is apparent and ultimately celebrated. A warm, thoughtful, and culturally rich tale.
