Picture Book World

By Shachi Kaushik

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to create a reading nook for your children. I recommend

Animals in Surprising Shades: Poems About Earth’s Colorful Creatures

PM Modi’s U.S. Visit Yields Many Vital Agreements

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM participating in your local library’s summer reading program and planning trips to the local library or bookstore.

This way, your children can browse and pick out their favorite books to read. Additionally, here are a few book suggestions:

I’m an American by Darshana Khiani (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

A great read for July 4th. This is an informative and thoughtful book that provides an overview of the variety of people who call America home.

It is a remarkable resource that inspires readers to understand the experiences of different families and their immigration journeys. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations, the books showcase this country’s diverse cultures, stories, and values.

by Susan

Johnston Taylor (Author), Annie

Bakst (Illustrator)

Discover the wonders of fascinating animal facts in this book.

Through beautiful poetic forms, colorful creatures from around the world come to life. Each poem features a unique animal that children would love to explore.

Dive into the animal’s page to uncover intriguing details about their colors and other fascinating facts. The extraordinary animals, like the

Birds of a Feather by Sita Singh (Author), Stephanie Fizer

Coleman (Illustrator)

Mo, a white peacock, has always felt different from his blue-green peacock friends. While the rest grew vibrant green and green feathers, Mo’s were snowy white. Despite his friends’ efforts to include him, Mo struggled with his uniqueness.

However, when a storm threatens their celebration, Mo embraces his individuality and uses his brilliant glowing tail feathers to save the day.

This heartwarming picture book celebrates acceptance, friendship, and the power of embracing one’s unique qualities.

If you want to see some peacocks in Austin, you can visit Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve.

A Special Message from Sita Singh:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden marked what they have described as a new stage in the India-U.S. relationship, as Mr. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the White House’s South Lawn by Mr. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

Cabinet officials on both sides, and a few thousand diaspora members — some of whom chanted “Modi, Modi” — were in attendance. The visit was not just pomp and ceremony — the two sides announced a long list of deliverables spanning defence, critical and emerging technology, health, energy and mobility. Mr. Biden characterised this as a “next generation partnership” between the two countries.

“After becoming the Prime Minister, I have come here many times, but today for the first time the doors of the White House have been opened for the Indian-American community in such large numbers,” Mr. Modi said.

Members of the diaspora in attendance chanted “Modi, Modi” and “Vande mataram” before the Prime Minister’s arrival , while some also shouting “USA, USA” during the ceremony.

Also palpable in Washington were concerns around Mr. Modi’s past, when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, as well as concerns about democratic backsliding in India, today. Over 70 lawmakers wrote to Mr. Biden asking him to raise democratic norms and human rights during his discussions with Mr. Modi. A handful of lawmakers announced they would boycott Mr. Modi’s address to the U.S. Congress.

Former President Barack Obama, who is a close friend of Mr. Biden, also weighed in, appealing to Mr. Modi to protect ethnic minorities in India.

“…As democracies, we can better tap into the full talent of all of our people and attract investments… with our greatest export being the power of our example: equity under the law, freedom of expression, religious, pluralism and diversity of our people,” Mr. Biden said in his welcome speech on the South Lawn of the White House.

Both leaders referred to the two countries’ constitutions beginning with the phrase “We the people”.

“Both of our countries take pride in their diversity. Both of us believe in the fundamental principle of in the interest of all for the welfare of all,” Mr. Modi said as per a translated version of his speech. “Our strong strategic partnership is a clear proof of the power of democracy,” he added. (Continued On Page 24)

Austin South Asian

Blue-Footed Booby to Pink MantaRay, will captivate young readers.

Exciting New: Susan is an Austin-based author and will be having her book event: Wild Wednesdays: Curious

Critters: Location: Meredith Heritage Tree Deck, Waterloo Park

Date: July 26, 2023, at Time:

Dear young readers, Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect time to embark on journeys through the pages of your favorite books. Let the stories you read fill your days with laughter, wonder, and endless inspiration.

So, grab a book, let your imagination soar, and let the magic of reading bring joy all summer long! Happy reading!

With love, Sita Singh These books are available at your local libraries. Happy reading.

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