The Great Henna Party

If you were to name the person you loved the most, who would you choose?

Noor’s cousin is getting married tomorrow, and tonight, her family is throwing her a henna party. They will sing traditional songs, eat delicious treats, and have their hands painted in swirling designs using a dye called henna.

Noor is especially excited to play the henna name game. The henna artist will hide the name of the person Noor loves the most in the pattern she paints on Noor’s hands. But whose name will Noor choose?

As Noor encounters each member of her family, she finds it harder and harder to make her choice. What should she do if she loves them all? 

A heart-warming story that traces the patterns of family love through the age-old South Asian tradition of painting with henna.

“The book’s vivid, whimsical illustrations beautifully accompany the tender, well-paced text. Clear explanations of the henna party make this title a good window for children unfamiliar with the tradition. A sweet, gentle tale about tradition, family, and celebration.”

- Kirkus Reviews

“Zohra’s illustrations are beautifully whimsical and full of detail. She does a brilliant job of depicting the wonderful colours and textures you’d find at a South Asian celebration. The colour palette is warm and welcoming and the artwork is expressive and oozes joy.”

- BookTrust, Books We Love in February 2024