In this family

A family with roots in the "Land of Five Rivers and the Emerald Isle, the Swiss Alps and the Silk Road" makes its newest member feel welcome. Speaking directly to the infant, the narrator says that this family speaks Hindi, English, and some Spanish. "My name is Narayan," the young narrator says. "We have named you Uma." The narratorial voice then appears to shift as other members share their perspectives, including maternal grandparents who call themselves Nana and Nani and love to tell riddles and serve boondi ki raita, a great-grandmother who lives in New Delhi, a paternal grandmother who enjoys gardening and making spaghetti and turkey meatballs, and a paternal grandfather who lives in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, and takes the child to Al Johnson's for cherry-stuffed French toast. Uma's dark-skinned mother explains that, although Uma's lighter skin tone makes it hard for people to see the similarities between the two of them, they are still a family. And while strangers may call the family "half-and-half," they are in fact a beautiful, diverse whole. Imbued with a frank, child-friendly sense of optimism, this lyrical tale conveys the challenges of being part of a multiracial family. Though the shifts between narrators can be confusing--a problem that's sometimes aided by the illustrations--overall, it's a wonderful tribute to family. Patel's earth-toned artwork swirls with energetic linework as young Uma matures over the course of the story. A rich and inviting portrait of a loving multiracial family. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.