Meena is embarassed by her clumsiness - she frequently trips and knocks things over. When her class in school puts on a play Meena does not want to participate, afraid of embarassing herself even more. Then, Meena joins a yoga class at the insistence of kindly Mrs. Vohra, and slowly learns to control her arms and legs. She learns that true stillness comes from within, and with that awareness, she is able to perform well at the school play.
This gentle story teaches about Yoga in a unobtrusive manner, while keeping the story very realistic. Meena is just an ordinary girl, and the Indian part of her life is presented very naturally, without fuss. Hindi words sprinkled through the story don't seem out of place, as my daughter, who is also addressed as "Rani" is very fond of pointing out. (Just like Me! just like Me!)
Ruth Jeyaveeran's illustrations are beautiful, her depictions Meena's multicultural life make the story come alive.
My children love this book and it has become a favourite bedtime book for us.