Bipathu and a Very Big Dream

This is such a lovely book!I thoroughly enjoyed reading it..Recommended reading for children and for adults as well!

Disclaimer - I received a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't influence my review or rating.Bipathu and a Very Big Dream is lovely middle-grade fiction about a nine-year-old poor Muslim girl, Bipathu, who has only three love– football, her big brother, Saad, and Hrithik Roshan and every day she dreams about all of them playing football. When village school opens once again after the pandemic and the Math teacher announces to start of a football training camp for district selection trial, her dreams come true, not literally but close to.Writing is lucid, engaging and fun. The story is written in the third person narrative from Bipathu’s perspective.Bipathu is compassionate, caring, and strong girl who stands up for the people she loves and cares about. I loved how this little girl viewed the world, questioned what she didn’t understand, voiced logic, and never abandoned her responsibilities. Bipathu not just learned to never stop dreaming but started believing in the universe, how if she really wished for something the universe will help her and make things happen.Bipathu’s elder friends were amazing. What I loved most about friendship with her elder neighbor is how Bipathu never felt she was missing out on anything by spending time with her neighbors and her family nor she envied other kids but could see what other kids were missing out by staying at home watching TV and playing on the phone.The author subtly covered many layers in this small lovely story. The representation of Cerebral Palsy. Gender stereotype is highlighted throughout the book. Economic inequality and position in society is also hinted. There is also a hint of religious differences.Even with many serious layers, there are many light and heartwarming moments in the story that would make kids and adults smile and laugh. I also enjoyed little facts in the book about football and Indian football player. I don’t know Malayalam so it was fun to learn basic Malayalam words.While I could google Malayam words, kids might find it hard to pronounce them and also would need an adult’s help.Overall, this is heartwarming, lovely, and fun middle-grade fiction

Bipathu and a Very Big Dream is a heartwarming book taking readers on a journey through the life of a compassionate nine-year-old girl Bipathu. Set in the serene village of Kaikurusi, the story beautifully captures the essence of childhood innocence, dreams, and the power of unconditional love.Bipathu lives with her siblings Saad and Faesal and mother Umma, as her father is no longer with them. Despite the hardships they face, Bipathu's spirit shines brightly throughout the book. Her elder sibling, Saad, has cerebral palsy, and Bipathu's unwavering love and care for him is truly heartening to witness.One of the aspects that makes this book endearing is Bipathu's deep passion for football. Although she is prohibited from playing by Ustaad, her mother's employer, Bipathu immerses herself in the sport in her imagination. She even dreams of green hens laying football-sized red eggs and plays football with baby coconuts. She enrolls herself for the football selection camp however gives up when Umma wants to join tailoring course so that she can take care of her siblings.Within her community, Bipathu also encounters challenges in the form of a school bully named Sulaimaan ( Ustaad’s grandson) who forbids anyone from playing football.The relationships Bipathu forms with the people around her add depth and emotion to the narrative. Her friendship with Madama, a blind neighbor, is particularly touching. The daily walks they take together, sharing their thoughts and experiences, create a beautiful bond between them. Madama's wisdom and optimism serve as a guiding light for Bipathu, leaving readers with valuable life lessons.Another notable character is Maash, Bipathu's neighbor, who is portrayed as a kind-hearted individual. Together, Madama and Maash gift a pair of braces to Saad, instilling in Bipathu a belief in the mysteries of the universe and the power of unexpected miracles.Bipathu's character is skillfully developed throughout the book. Despite her young age, she exhibits remarkable responsibility and care for her family. From assisting her mother with household chores to helping Saad with his learning, Bipathu's selflessness is truly commendable.