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A Dupatta Is...
A Dupatta Is..., written by Marzieh Abbas and vividly brought to life by the artwork of Anu Chouhan, is a loving and lyrical ode to the dupatta.
A dupatta is so much more than a beautiful piece of fabric.
A dupatta is sound—swooshing and swashing like a superhero cape.
A dupatta is scent—cinnamon and cardamom, crushed coriander and peppermint oil.
A dupatta is fun—playing peekaboo and building cushion forts with dupatta canopies.
Dupattas—shawls traditionally worn by women in various cultures of South Asia—are beautiful and colorful of course, but they're also fun, functional, and carry the sounds and smells of family and identity.
A dupatta is so much more than a beautiful piece of fabric.
A dupatta is sound—swooshing and swashing like a superhero cape.
A dupatta is scent—cinnamon and cardamom, crushed coriander and peppermint oil.
A dupatta is fun—playing peekaboo and building cushion forts with dupatta canopies.
Dupattas—shawls traditionally worn by women in various cultures of South Asia—are beautiful and colorful of course, but they're also fun, functional, and carry the sounds and smells of family and identity.
Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
About the author
Marzieh Abbas
14 books31 followersMarzieh Abbas
Author bio: Marzieh is an award-winning author. Raised between the bustling cities of Dubai, U.A.E and Karachi, Pakistan, Marzieh loves traveling, reading and samosas. She is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and a graduate of the Lyrical Language Lab, Children's Book Academy, and Storyteller Academy. She loves teaching fellow creatives and has conducted several classes online for writers. She is active on Twitter, Blue sky, and Threads where she continues to form connections with the Writing Community, runs a kidlit review group on Facebook and blogs about her author journey and life in Pakistan on Instagram. Marzieh dreams of owning a talking parrot someday. But, until then, she lives in Pakistan with her husband and children who inspire her every day. A DUPATTA IS... (Feiwel & Friends, 2023) is her debut picture book in the traditional American market. She is also the author of the popular Nadia & Nadir series which has 12 books out so far and six more are on the way. Visit her on the web at www.marziehabbas.com
IG link: https://www.instagram.com/marziehabba...
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/MarziehAbbas
FB link: https://www.facebook.com/marziehabbas/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@marziehabbas...
Blue sky: https://www.threads.net/@marziehabbas...
Picture books under contract:
HENNA IS…(Feiwel & Friends, 2024)
AWE-SAMOSAS! (Clarion, 2024)
YASMEEN LARI, GREEN ARCHITECT (Clarion, 2024)
PICKLING TIME (Albert Whitman, 2025)
BOOKS ON MY BACK (Feiwel & Friends, 2024)
Board books under contract:
TBA
Chapter book series under contract:
NADIA AND NADIR (ABDO Books, 2024)
Author bio: Marzieh is an award-winning author. Raised between the bustling cities of Dubai, U.A.E and Karachi, Pakistan, Marzieh loves traveling, reading and samosas. She is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and a graduate of the Lyrical Language Lab, Children's Book Academy, and Storyteller Academy. She loves teaching fellow creatives and has conducted several classes online for writers. She is active on Twitter, Blue sky, and Threads where she continues to form connections with the Writing Community, runs a kidlit review group on Facebook and blogs about her author journey and life in Pakistan on Instagram. Marzieh dreams of owning a talking parrot someday. But, until then, she lives in Pakistan with her husband and children who inspire her every day. A DUPATTA IS... (Feiwel & Friends, 2023) is her debut picture book in the traditional American market. She is also the author of the popular Nadia & Nadir series which has 12 books out so far and six more are on the way. Visit her on the web at www.marziehabbas.com
IG link: https://www.instagram.com/marziehabba...
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/MarziehAbbas
FB link: https://www.facebook.com/marziehabbas/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@marziehabbas...
Blue sky: https://www.threads.net/@marziehabbas...
Picture books under contract:
HENNA IS…(Feiwel & Friends, 2024)
AWE-SAMOSAS! (Clarion, 2024)
YASMEEN LARI, GREEN ARCHITECT (Clarion, 2024)
PICKLING TIME (Albert Whitman, 2025)
BOOKS ON MY BACK (Feiwel & Friends, 2024)
Board books under contract:
TBA
Chapter book series under contract:
NADIA AND NADIR (ABDO Books, 2024)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 3, 2023
This beautiful book is not only an ode to the Dupatta but also introduces and celebrates the many ways in which a Dupatta is used. Abbas’s rich and lyrical language paired with Chouhan’s gorgeous illustrations provides a window into the culture and traditions of Pakistan. The refrain “but a Dupatta is so much more…” makes for a great read-aloud and keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. I highly recommend the book in homes, classrooms, and libraries!
April 11, 2023
This book is a marvel.
Our dupattas mean so much & the author brings to life their depths & meanings in our cultures. The words & symbolisms on the pages synchronize so wonderfully with the illustrations. The feelings evoked by every page are exuberance & joy.
The artistry is vibrant, endearing & heartwarming. I am convinced this book will become a read & play aloud favorite for many families!
Our dupattas mean so much & the author brings to life their depths & meanings in our cultures. The words & symbolisms on the pages synchronize so wonderfully with the illustrations. The feelings evoked by every page are exuberance & joy.
The artistry is vibrant, endearing & heartwarming. I am convinced this book will become a read & play aloud favorite for many families!
April 12, 2023
Marzieh Abbas's story A DUPATTA IS shines! Abbas's words are lyrical and invite the reader to keep reading because 'a dupatta is so much more...' The gentle refrain 'because a dupatta is so much more...' weaves the story together beautifully and I didn't want it to end. Ani Chouhan's pictures are dreamy and feel like home. Paired with Abbas's words, the story is a treat. The last page 'a dupatta is identity' felt like a gentle hug and reading this story as a Pakistani-American, I felt seen and celebrated. Dupattas are such a strong part of our culture and this story captures it perfectly. I love how Abbas and Chouhan captured the different designs and fabric styles showcasing the diversity of a dupatta. I can't wait for more books from this talented duo!
September 13, 2022
A DUPATTA IS...combines lovely, rich text with inviting, child-friendly illustrations to gently educate about the meaning and significance in the dupatta, a shawl traditionally worn by people of different South Asian cultures. The line "a dupatta is..." repeats, providing a structure that guides readers from more straightforward characteristics such as a dupatta's shape, material, and color, to more complex concepts like its role in faith, legacy, and identity. The book has a positive message about pride in one's own identity and culture, and has the power to spark kids' interest in learning about cultures other than their own. I can see using this book to start important conversations in schools and at home about clothing, symbols, and traditions in different cultures. Highly recommend A DUPATTA IS...!
Read
September 13, 2022This concept picture book shows brilliantly how clothes are part of a culture. It seems that a duppta is a simple piece of cloth, but Marzieh with her well-crafted book proves that a duppta is more than this.
A gem to introduce children to a different culture.
A gem to introduce children to a different culture.
October 8, 2022
A DUPATTA IS demonstrates how a piece of fabric can do and mean so much. Layered text infuses heart and emotion into every page. The clever catch phrase, “But a dupatta is so much more,” left me wanting to turn the page to discover even more.
November 14, 2022
This beautiful picture book written by Marzieh Abbas is fun and lyrical. Readers will fall in love with all the beautiful ways a dupatta is used. Abbas' lovely words flow so effortlessly and the illustrations are vibrant and sweet!
January 27, 2023
Sweet, beautifully illustrated and wonderfully descriptive. A Dupatta is… is such a great introduction to the much loved piece of clothing for many in South Asia. Fun, function and fabulousness combined, a dupatta is so much more!
Read
May 5, 2023You know, I still don't know what a dupatta is. I don't know how it's worn or used or when. I think the idea was great, and the illustrations are bright. Ironically, the book jacket called it a shawl, so that's where I got my information from instead of in the book.
September 11, 2022
Using a piece of cloth, a dupatta, as her central focus, Marzieh Abbas explores the Muslim culture of Pakistan. The question "What is a dupatta?" is answered, first generally, as a fabric that can be made of different materials, then in greater detail through the senses, through what it can do or be, how different patterns and materials can tell you where it was made (or where the woman wearing it is from), and then moves on to more abstract concepts like how it is art, beauty, fun, faith, legacy, and identity. The refrain, "But a dupatta is so much more..." cues the reader to turn the page and find out more. The language used throughout is lyrical, engaging, and a joy to read aloud, and the gorgeous dupattas illustrated by Anu Chouhan show just how intricate and lovely these cultural icons can be. I love how the story depicts kids using dupattas in a variety of ways for play (including roofs for their pillow forts, LOL) and, of course, to wipe their sticky hands. This book is a wonderful introduction to Pakistani and Muslim culture via an item that is so much more than a piece of cloth. This review is based on a PDF ARC supplied by the publisher.
May 17, 2023
A beautiful book on Dupattas and the many uses and values they have❤️
Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Marzieh Abbas
Illustrated: Anu Chouhan
Published by Macmillan Kids
This beautiful book is an ode to Dupattas, and each gorgeous page spread mentions the many uses and adds on to it on each page turn a reader does.
Dupattas are culture, comfort, fashion, faith, and so much more.
The words are lyrical and beautiful to read, and the images are absolutely stunning. My 5 year old daughter was so happy to read it, as it felt like a dress up book to her. She kept pointing out the gorgeous clothing and dupattas and especially the bridal page- she was so into the images that she wanted me to search ones on youtube for her to look at!
I loved how both culture and faith were central to the story. The pages showed a dupatta used in salah, and it was beautiful to see Islam and Pakistani culture beautifully displayed on a book that is all joy and beauty.
My only muslim-related remark would be the page with bakhoor being used to drive away spirits as I do believe that is a cultural practice and not a religious practice but it did not bother me while reading.
A beautiful book and one that will be a treasure on our shelves❤️
Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Marzieh Abbas
Illustrated: Anu Chouhan
Published by Macmillan Kids
This beautiful book is an ode to Dupattas, and each gorgeous page spread mentions the many uses and adds on to it on each page turn a reader does.
Dupattas are culture, comfort, fashion, faith, and so much more.
The words are lyrical and beautiful to read, and the images are absolutely stunning. My 5 year old daughter was so happy to read it, as it felt like a dress up book to her. She kept pointing out the gorgeous clothing and dupattas and especially the bridal page- she was so into the images that she wanted me to search ones on youtube for her to look at!
I loved how both culture and faith were central to the story. The pages showed a dupatta used in salah, and it was beautiful to see Islam and Pakistani culture beautifully displayed on a book that is all joy and beauty.
My only muslim-related remark would be the page with bakhoor being used to drive away spirits as I do believe that is a cultural practice and not a religious practice but it did not bother me while reading.
A beautiful book and one that will be a treasure on our shelves❤️
October 15, 2023
Glad that this book exists, but some of it reads clumsy to me. I was ok with the various representations of what a dupatta can be until the full-page spread announcing that it is identity.
Aside from that, some of the ways that it was described as being used felt almost a bit unhygienic to this reader. You would use it as a blanket at the beach or park, and then wrap it around your head and face? If I had these questions, I presume a lot of "window" readers would, too.
The illustrations of the various bright colors and patterns of the fabric were nice, but the style was extremely underwhelming in a digital Disney sort of way.
The glossary is helpful for a few terms, but a number of others went undefined.
Aside from that, some of the ways that it was described as being used felt almost a bit unhygienic to this reader. You would use it as a blanket at the beach or park, and then wrap it around your head and face? If I had these questions, I presume a lot of "window" readers would, too.
The illustrations of the various bright colors and patterns of the fabric were nice, but the style was extremely underwhelming in a digital Disney sort of way.
The glossary is helpful for a few terms, but a number of others went undefined.
February 22, 2023
With rich and lyrical language matched by lush and gorgeous illustrations, A DUPATTA IS is a stunning picture book that introduces kids to the traditions of Pakistan. I love how Pakistani words are woven into the text naturally, and how the repeating refrain of “so much more” leads the reader into each successive scene and sensory experience. It’s a perfect window into a different culture!
April 12, 2023
What a gorgeous book about the importance of a dupatta, especially for readers who may not be familiar with them. Lovely lyrical text paired with a bold refrain keeps the reader wanting to turn the page. Beautifully illustrated, capturing the elegant movement of the fabrics. Mostly, this book celebrates culture, and I hope it makes its way into many schools, libraries, and book stores!
September 19, 2022
In A DUPATTA IS ... Marzieh Abbas’ sweet, sensory-rich text and Anu Chouhaun’s gorgeous art celebrate the many ways women wear the dupatta, a long wide scarf that is part of the shalwar kameez, Pakistan’s national dress. A refrain of “but a dupatta is so much more …” entices readers of all cultures to turn the page and learn more as they explore this important symbol of identity and tradition. I accessed a digital ARC.
March 30, 2024
Educational ☺️ I learned 💗
April 11, 2023
For fans of FRY BREAD (Kevin Noble Maillard), A DUPATTA IS by Marzieh Abbas weaves together history and cultural traditions set alongside a little girl's everyday life. Two layers of text make this appropriate for readers across a wide span of ages. Meanwhile, the repeated phrase "But a dupatta is so much more" makes this a fun read aloud and invites readers to turn page after page. Anu Chouhan's vibrant, playful illustrations create a strong visual narrative of a child's everyday life in the Middle East.
July 21, 2023
This book is a much-needed love letter to the dupatta, or as we Bengalis call it, the orna. The beautiful lyrical text shares a diversity of traditions and also the luscious sensory experience of growing up with dupattas. I especially loved the book spread that described the scent of dupattas, as it brought back lovely memories of childhood. This book is a wonderful introduction to Pakistani culture. I can see using this book to start important conversations in schools and at home about culture-specific clothing. The illustrations from Anu Chouhan are so fun and inviting and perfectly capture the grace and beauty of the dupatta. Highly recommend A DUPATTA IS...! I accessed a digital ARC.
May 8, 2023
Fun book. Love the cultural aspect of it as well as the way the little girl described Dupattas.
January 23, 2023
4.5
I read this 30 page early elementary book a few times before writing this review and honestly my cheeks hurt because I cannot stop smiling. The lyrical writing radiates warmth and pride, culture and tradition, legacy and identity, while acknowledging both the playfulness and solemnness of a piece of fabric. My heart breathed with the clarity and articulation that is felt and contained within the fabric that perhaps all Pakistanis feel, but cannot convey so poetically. The book may be meant for children four to eight years old, but all readers will appreciate the text and illustrations that seamlessly flow like a favorite dupatta grabbed while running out the door. I struggled with picking only a few images to share, as every page became my new favorite as the book progressed. Admittedly though, one page did give me pause as it conflated incense burning with getting rid of evil spirits which comes across as a religious belief, but is a cultural practice.
The book starts out with the actual physical description of what a dupatta is and how it is adorned. It then moves on to describing the color, the sound, the smell, the place, the function, the art, the beauty, the fun, the faith, the legacy, and the identity. Each spread ends with the words, "but a dupatta is so much more..." seamlessly weaving so many facets of what a dupatta is together to create a true understanding of it from a tangible, to cultural, to practical perspective.
I love that there is a page about faith, and praying five times a day with a dupatta being worn, it is a little odd that there is a portrait decorating the wall behind the two characters making dua, but at least it is clearly behind them. I absolutely loved that so often the wearer of the dupatta was also wearing a hijab, particularly the bride picture- which is absolutely gorgeous. It signals without words that a dupatta can be worn to cover a Muslim woman's head, but it is also often not. The backmatter further details that it was once worn as part of the national dress and as a form of modesty, but now is often worn as an accessory.
One summer in Pakistan, a friend and some cousins and I started trying to formulate 101 Things to do with a dupatta (wipe noses, pull things out of the oven, catch fish), it was the year of net dupattas so clearly covering your head was not one of them. Sure we were being silly, but to see the book also highlight wiping sticky hands, and wrapping it up like a sari, and using it as a cradle to rock a baby was very, very accurate and heartwarming.
I read this 30 page early elementary book a few times before writing this review and honestly my cheeks hurt because I cannot stop smiling. The lyrical writing radiates warmth and pride, culture and tradition, legacy and identity, while acknowledging both the playfulness and solemnness of a piece of fabric. My heart breathed with the clarity and articulation that is felt and contained within the fabric that perhaps all Pakistanis feel, but cannot convey so poetically. The book may be meant for children four to eight years old, but all readers will appreciate the text and illustrations that seamlessly flow like a favorite dupatta grabbed while running out the door. I struggled with picking only a few images to share, as every page became my new favorite as the book progressed. Admittedly though, one page did give me pause as it conflated incense burning with getting rid of evil spirits which comes across as a religious belief, but is a cultural practice.
The book starts out with the actual physical description of what a dupatta is and how it is adorned. It then moves on to describing the color, the sound, the smell, the place, the function, the art, the beauty, the fun, the faith, the legacy, and the identity. Each spread ends with the words, "but a dupatta is so much more..." seamlessly weaving so many facets of what a dupatta is together to create a true understanding of it from a tangible, to cultural, to practical perspective.
I love that there is a page about faith, and praying five times a day with a dupatta being worn, it is a little odd that there is a portrait decorating the wall behind the two characters making dua, but at least it is clearly behind them. I absolutely loved that so often the wearer of the dupatta was also wearing a hijab, particularly the bride picture- which is absolutely gorgeous. It signals without words that a dupatta can be worn to cover a Muslim woman's head, but it is also often not. The backmatter further details that it was once worn as part of the national dress and as a form of modesty, but now is often worn as an accessory.
One summer in Pakistan, a friend and some cousins and I started trying to formulate 101 Things to do with a dupatta (wipe noses, pull things out of the oven, catch fish), it was the year of net dupattas so clearly covering your head was not one of them. Sure we were being silly, but to see the book also highlight wiping sticky hands, and wrapping it up like a sari, and using it as a cradle to rock a baby was very, very accurate and heartwarming.
February 27, 2023
A DUPATTA IS…is a beautiful nonfiction picture book that introduces kids to dupattas, shawls traditionally worn in various cultures of South Asia.
Author Marzieh Abbas uses sensory-rich text to teach readers what a dupatta is made from (fabrics, dyes, paints, beads) and the many ways it is worn/used.
Artist Anu Chouhan fills the pages with dozens of uniquely patterned and colored dupattas. The charming spreads alternate between scenes of dupattas worn during daily life (shopping, enjoying tea, praying) and kids using dupattas for play and comfort.
The book’s intended audience is ages 3-6, though i enjoyed it as an adult and learned interesting facts.
Overall, the author and illustrator created a great picture book worth the purchase of a copy.
This review is based on a digital ARC.
Author Marzieh Abbas uses sensory-rich text to teach readers what a dupatta is made from (fabrics, dyes, paints, beads) and the many ways it is worn/used.
Artist Anu Chouhan fills the pages with dozens of uniquely patterned and colored dupattas. The charming spreads alternate between scenes of dupattas worn during daily life (shopping, enjoying tea, praying) and kids using dupattas for play and comfort.
The book’s intended audience is ages 3-6, though i enjoyed it as an adult and learned interesting facts.
Overall, the author and illustrator created a great picture book worth the purchase of a copy.
This review is based on a digital ARC.
October 6, 2022
This story resonated for me so deeply! As someone, who has many dupattas, of many kinds, it makes me so happy to see a picture book that reflects something so personal to my identity. I love how author Marzieh Abbas unfolds the many layers of a dupatta with the enticing refrain, “but a dupatta is so much more…”. What a wonderful way to encourage readers to turn the page to find out the next beautiful thing that a dupatta can be. My favorite spread is the one that showcases the incredible variety of dupattas and the places that birth their designs. Anu Chouhan has beautifully illustrated the versatility and the beauty of a dupatta, matching the lyricism and joy of the text. This book is a beautiful window and a mirror for readers of all ages.
June 5, 2023
A Dupatta Is... is a beautifully crafted children's book that effortlessly combines educational value with artistic brilliance. Marzieh's choice of words is both lyrical and informative, making the text accessible and engaging for young readers. The simplicity of the narrative allows children to grasp the fundamental characateristics of a dupatta, such as its shape, material, and color. However, what truly sets this book apart is its ability to delve into deeper themes surrounding faith, legacy, and identity. The illustrations in A Dupatta Is... are nothing short of mesmerizing. With vibrant colors and a charming art style, the book immerses readers in the beauty of South Asian culture. Must read!
November 3, 2022
Do you know what a Dupatta is...what it means, what it looks like, what it "says," how it makes one feel? What a beautiful and touching exploration of Pakistani culture and that of Sri Lanka and India--as expressed around the world through fabric. The essential refrain of the story states, "A Dupatta Is..." and then in lyrical language (that is both specific, concrete, and also abstract), engaging, relatable, and heart-felt explanations and gorgeous art (by Anu Chouhan) welcome the reader to find out. A DUPATTA IS a book by Marzieh Abbas that everyone of every background should read--but it is also so much more!
April 19, 2023
This book is beautiful and colourful! I just loved the lyrical yet simple prose and the gorgeous illustrations. What a gorgeous story showcasing the culture and heritage of the dupatta...many of us have grown up with this piece of fabric in our lives and not really given it much importance or thought, but Marzieh pays a wonderful tribute to the dupatta, in the most poetic way! My family is originally from Hala in Sindh, Pakistan and I was so happy to see it mentioned in the story. The many uses of a dupatta and all the incredible things it stands for...even as a south asian I was blown away! Highly recommend this wonderful book!
May 4, 2023
"But a dupatta is so much more..." than a color, a shape, a smell, a fabric. This book made me appreciate the many ways in which a dupatta is woven into the lives of the wearers, how dupattas create threads of connection between people but also within oneself. Readers who wear a dupatta will revel in this lovely ode to how they are part of their heritage and identify. Readers who do not wear them will be able to make connections to the types of things they DO wear that connect them to their cultures and families, and they will learn about the many uses and meanings of dupattas specifically. Highly recommended!
September 5, 2023
What a gorgeous book - a feast for the senses!
The text, the illustrations, the information ... this book is wonderful from all perspectives!
I found myself eagerly engaging the page-turn to find what else a dupatta could be! The text is absolutely child-centered and has a lovely tone and flow - and does not shy away from introducing relevant vocabulary and concepts.
In the best children's books we can learn something - about ourselves, and the world within which we live and grow. This book does just that in the most enjoyable way.
Highly recommended for the home or classroom bookshelf.
The text, the illustrations, the information ... this book is wonderful from all perspectives!
I found myself eagerly engaging the page-turn to find what else a dupatta could be! The text is absolutely child-centered and has a lovely tone and flow - and does not shy away from introducing relevant vocabulary and concepts.
In the best children's books we can learn something - about ourselves, and the world within which we live and grow. This book does just that in the most enjoyable way.
Highly recommended for the home or classroom bookshelf.
September 18, 2022
A DUPATTA IS... is such a lovely book. Marzieh Abbas's carefully chosen words and Anu Chouhan's beautiful art weave together, creating a book that every child (and adult) will love. What is a Dupatta? It's fabric, shape, color, sound, and so much more. Abbas writes with whimsy and lyricism as she takes us on a learning journey of all the wonderful things that a Dupatta can be and what the most important one is. Children need mirrors and windows in literature, and this beautiful book will resonate with everyone. I highly recommend it.
August 5, 2023
This beautiful ode to all a dupatta can be is full of sensory-rich imagery and is fun to read aloud! With vibrant art that follows a girl through her everyday life and lyrical text, this story will appeal to readers who are already familiar with dupattas and those who are not. Dupattas (large scarves traditionally worn by women throughout South Asia) can be color, sound, scent and "so much more." A dupatta can provide cover from the rain. It can be a plaything. Art. Heritage. Identity. I highly recommend this evocative and informative picture book!
September 18, 2022
Marzieh Abbas explains to readers, in a sweet and engaging way, what a dupatta is. More than just a piece of fabric part of Pakistan’s national dress, in exquisite colors and shapes, a dupatta "is so much more." This refrain entices the reader to turn the page, and discover a deeper understanding of what a dupatta can be, all the while enjoying the beautiful illustrations. A great read!
(I read the digital ARC.)
(I read the digital ARC.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews