A Show of Hands: Kalika and the Goddess of Learning

By Usree Bhattacharya

In this heartwarming picture book, young Kalika is preparing for her Hate Khori-a beloved Bengali Hindu ritual where children write their first letters before Saraswati, the goddess of learning. But Kalika has a quiet worry: how can she take part when her hands move on their own?

Set against the vibrant sights and sounds of a Saraswati Puja celebration, A Show of Hands honors both the beauty of tradition and the power of adaptation. With warmth and creativity, Kalika's family finds a way to make her feel seen, supported, and central to the ritual-just as she is.

Rooted in the experiences of an Indian American family, this story is a celebration of multicultural identity, intergenerational love, and inclusive cultural practice. It reminds readers that when tradition meets support, every child can participate, thrive, and leave their mark.

A Show of Hands invites readers of all backgrounds to discover how cultural celebrations can adapt and flourish, even far from their homeland-and how disabilities and differences don't limit us-they inspire creative new expressions of heritage and belonging.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F5QP3936
• ISBN13: 9798280807228
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 30 Pages
• Weight: 0.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.0" x 10.0"