As a Sikh mom, I am constantly on the search for good children’s books that can help instill Sikh values in fun and creative ways. I have always believed that everything we need to know and all the answers to any of our questions can be found in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, but have struggled with understanding Gurbani. I also find it challenging to explain the message of Gurbani in a language my kids can understand and relate to.
All of this changed when I picked up a copy of Ajeet Singh, the Invincible Lion. The author has interpreted Gurbani in a way that is easily understandable for all ages. The message of the shabad is clear and empowering, and shows kids a way to cope with a familiar and difficult situation. I realized that I had never seen a Sikh protagonist featured in a children’s book, or one with an image of a Sikh boy wearing a patka and a dastar. I’m the type of mom that will buy any book with an image of a person in a patka or dastar, usually found in the background of a scene. Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would be a well-written children’s book with a Sikh protagonist. I couldn’t wait to read it to my kids.
My kids were excited just by looking at the cover! They loved the image of a strong, confident, Sikh kid featured on the book. As I began reading the book I wasn’t sure how to incorporate the Gurbani or connect it with the text, so I did the first thing that came to my mind and began singing the shabad. My kids were intrigued and began singing along with me instinctively!
As we went through the book, all of my kids (ages 9,6,5, and 2) could relate to the book and the important concepts that are shown in it. The Gurbani is interpreted in simple language while still maintaining the important concepts of the shabad. It even has advanced concepts hidden within the graphics. The book magically relates Gurmat at a kid-friendly level and gives positive responses to bullying through Gurbani.
My kids became obsessed with the book (especially the younger ones) and wanted to read the book every day all day! Occasionally when I would be reading it for the 9th time in a row, I would skip the gurbani and read the English, but my 2 year old would insist that I sing the line from the Shabad on each page and he would sing with me. When my two year old said to me that he wanted to wear a dastaar like Ajeet Singh from the book, tears came to eyes and I couldn’t express enough gratitude for what this book has done.
I would encourage all to buy this book for the Sikh kids in their life.
Bhupinder Kaur is a lawyer, activist, mother of four living in Los Angeles, CA. She spends her time volunteering for legal orgs and in the Gurdwara, and loves playing soccer and eating chocolate.
Ajeet Singh the Invisible Lion is currently available at www.bravelionbooks.com or at amazon.com by typing in ‘Ajeet Singh the Invincible Lion.’
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