Books and Reviews

{pronounced May-ra Ki-tah-b gh-a-rr}

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A Lion’s Mane (Revised Edition)

An #OwnVoices Picture Book
Written by Navjot Kaur
Illustrated by Jaspreet Sandhu
ISBN: 978-0-9812412-0-3
Publisher: Saffron Press [www.saffronpress.com]
Trade Price $21.50

Audience: 9-11 years

Hardcover
{625 trees planted for the first edition}
Responsibly sourced paper
Glossary and Pronunciation guide
Illustrated world map in backmatter to encourage inquiry
40 pages

Purchase copies at Saffron Press

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Visit my Facebook page for A Lion’s Mane.

One of my notebooks did begin to fill quite rapidly during the very uncertain time of my son’s diagnosis. My writing moments, deep into the night, became a sort of healing therapy, forcing fears of the unknown to be quashed and new realities to evolve. My son’s Sikh identity would be a constant and so would his now Deaf identity. The written words rooted a desire for my son – that he should never feel afraid to stand out and be different. My first book, A Lion’s Mane, leads a way forward for any child wondering about personal identity, with the protagonist’s big question: Do you know who I am?

2010 Honor Book Award Recipient

All children want to see themselves represented in the books they read. A Lion’s Mane takes young readers on a journey to cultures around the world to explore the meaning of the dastaar, the turban of the Sikhs. Allusive words placed within a vibrant red dastaar help promote our connections as global citizens and encourage dialogue about issues of identity and kinship.

Praise for A Lion’s Mane:

“A beautiful book for children…

I would have loved this book as a young boy growing up in New York. This book not only shares Sikh ideals but shows them in a larger context to reflect the ever increasingly multicultural world we live in. It will inspire confidence in all the little lions and princesses.”
~ Waris Singh Ahluwalia
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“A Lion’s Mane is a fantastic book…

that shares one’s identity through an inclusive journey around the world and within various cultures.”
~ Pardeep Singh Nagra, Manager, Employment Equity Office Toronto District School Board
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“What stood out for me the most were the powerful words…

that moved with the dastar through the journey. Words such as strong, respect, courageous, and generosity expose young children to understand, relate and act in the world.”
~ Jasmine Kaur, Director of Education, Sikh Research Institute
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“Jairaj is in Preschool and they had “International Day”…

where kids were asked to dress in their ethnic clothing and bring something to share with the class about their culture. So we got A Lion’s Mane just in time. His teacher read the story to the class and Jairaj was so proud since he wore a dastaar to school that day! His teacher sent me a letter telling me how much the kids enjoyed the book. Thank you for making such a special book and keep up the good work!”
~ Harleen Kaur Nagra, Mother of Jairaj and Jeet Singh
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“Navjot Kaur’s recent work of A Lion’s Mane brings about a refreshing sense of inspiration,…

delight and encouragement for any reader. I truly enjoyed this piece of literature as it reminded me of the deep values and principles of Sikhi, along with a message to respect all of humanity and it’s diverse cultures and religions.”
~ Dr. Onkar Singh ND and creator of the musical composition for the book trailer
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“Navjot Kaur very wisely brings home the realization with highlighted words,…

simple engaging text and ideal for story-telling. The fascinating illustrations by Jaspreet Sandhu compliment the text to show that we are all different and yet bound by our intertwined humanity and unmistakable universal values. A Lion’s Mane is a great children’s book and an important perspective for Sikh children caught in the faith identity challenges and also for non-Sikh children, educators, and community leaders. Congratulations on handling and illuminating such a delicate subject with such wisdom, foresight, and imagination.”
~ Kanwal Prakash Singh, Indianapolis, Indiana USA
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“As a teacher, I can appreciate the importance of identifying yourself through words,…

connecting with literature, and integrating faith and culture into stories that children can relate to and understand. A Lion’s Mane provides this opportunity for our Khalsa children. When read aloud to students I could see their eyes brighten when their “Nanaji” is in the book, and ‘a boy just like me’ is taking Amrit! It is refreshing and exciting to see students so engaged in a story, not to mention a bellowing classroom of 20 roaring students. This book is a wonderful teaching tool to encourage cross-cultural education. I treasure this book in my classroom as do the students and I look forward to what will come next.”
~ Tanveer Kaur
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“I grew up as a Sikh with a turban, so I know how difficult it can be to explain who you are and why you look different…

I also know how difficult it can be to stand up to bullies who attack you just because you look different. A Lion’s Mane will help children to find answers to the questions they get asked every day, and the questions they ask themselves about who they are. It will give them words to define themselves to their friends and strangers. And it will give them strength to stand up for who they are and for what they believe in. Navjot and Jaspreet have done a great service to the community by creating this little book with a very big message. I highly recommend the book and I hope this is the first of many to come!”
~ Mohanbir Sawhney, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Research in Technology & Innovation; Kellogg School of Management
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“A Lion’s Mane by Navjot Kaur is a tale of a Sikh boy who takes his readers on a journey,…

making amazing connections to world cultures as he goes along. The red turban or the dastaar runs through the book like a river- symbolic at first of Sikhism and then morphs itself into a universal symbol of strength. A book to make all children proud of their uniqueness.”
~ Rina Singh, Children’s Author
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” A Lion’s Mane has become my favorite gift for the little ones I love…

As a non-Sikh American with a deep love for the Sikh community, it’s important for my nephews and nieces to learn about different cultures. A Lion’s Mane – with its colorful characterizations and thoughtful prose – introduces their growing minds to our vast, diverse world, in ways that they otherwise may never see.”
Andrea Branchaud

“My customer was thrilled…

I loved the book, and am looking forward to showing it around. I like the fact that the book celebrates our differences, but also connects us. Sometimes I think everyone is so concerned with being pc, that we are in danger of becoming a homogenous society. If we don’t ignore our differences, and instead find the threads that bind us as human beings, what a world we will have! Sorry to go on, but the message in your book struck a big chord.”
~Tammy (Greenley’s Bookstore)
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“I love this;…

a great idea to present an illustrated story about a Sikh child explaining his culture with comparisons drawn to other ethnic traditions. A very intelligent approach. Great work!!”
Pops – Tigerstyle, Music Producer
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“An amazing, colourful journey that’ll help children appreciate why their friends look different…

At a time when young Sikhs are under pressure to fit in, this finely illustrated and well written book will help young people enjoy and celebrate our rich Turban tradition.”
Jay Singh-Sohal, Journalist & Filmmaker
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“A very colourful and absorbing book which offers an informative and educational approach to an often misunderstood topic…

This is a long overdue and very welcome addition to the literature which introduces Non-Sikhs to our beliefs and customs.”
Harbinder Singh, Director of Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail
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“An enlightening and inspiring book that focuses…

on the fundamentals of unshorn hair and sovereignty encapsulated in the turban. This book deals with the Sikh concept of universality as well as highlighting the fundamentals of the ‘Sikh Value System’. This is a ‘must have’ book in the library of every primary school, especially in diaspora. I wish I had A Lion’s Mane when I was a child!”
Palbinder Singh, Chairman of Metropolitan Police Sikh Association
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“A fantastic piece of work. Although aimed at children…

this book has a lot to teach people of any age and of any cultural background. I read this with my 4 year old cousin and she enjoyed the experience. I was equally thrilled, to see a vibrant book which touches upon the issues of both culture and identity and how our norms and values make us who we are. As a Sikh, I am delighted to see a Sikh child as the main character as it raises further awareness of our young and beautiful religion and the values it transmits. In a world where cultural misunderstanding is often the basis for conflict, this book could quite conceivably become an essential read for children across the globe. As both a sociologist and a global citizen, I sincerely hope it does.”
Deepak Singh Bhachu, Educator and Lecturer of Sociology and Government & Politics
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“Kaur’s book makes me realize how little I know…

In it, she tells the story of the dastaar, the Sikh turban, and compares it to different cultures in the world. It is beautiful. It was referred to me by a friend from a Sikh background, who struggles with whether to cut her child’s hair or not. The book honours strength in diversity, and parents with these values (and their children) will love it.”
http://www.bunchfamily.ca/about-2
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“My customer was thrilled…

I loved the book, and am looking forward to showing it around. I like the fact that the book celebrates our differences, but also connects us. Sometimes I think everyone is so concerned with being pc, that we are in danger of becoming a homogenous society. If we don’t ignore our differences, and instead find the threads that bind us as human beings, what a world we will have! Sorry to go on, but the message in your book struck a big chord.”
Tammy (Greenley’s Bookstore)
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Reviews for A Lion’s Mane:

Navjot Kaur’s first children’s book “A Lion’s Mane” is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking text. Illustrated by Jaspreet Sandhu, this whimsical story follows the narrative musings of a young Sikh boy as he takes the reader on an adventure through time and place to explore some of the major ideas behind Sikh faith and culture…
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… Tracing the ingenious literal and metaphorical unfurling of the young narrator’s dastaar (the Sikh turban that all baptized males are required to wear) readers are invited to “join [the] flowing red dastaar on a journey.” As the young boy ties his dastaar he exposes the many tenets of Sikhism as represented by the dastaar. As Kaur unravels his dastaar, the reader learns about the patience, generosity, wisdom, and strength as is embodied in the Sikh faith, culture and community.

While Kaur’s introduction to Sikhism is both important and effective, one must also isolate the importance of having a positive representation of Sikh characters within her story. Every child should be able to see themselves and their communities reflected in stories. As a community that often suffers misrepresentation due to a lack of education, Kaur’s book does a very good job of both educating readers and reflecting a diversity of children and their experiences. It is always impressive when an author can create a work such as this; a work that so seamlessly educates and encourages.

Kaur’s work is a brilliant look into Sikh culture, one which encourages tolerance and pride both in oneself and others. It also raises very important questions about both our personal and global identities. The real genius of Kaur’s book lies in her emphasis on collective differences. As the narrator teaches the reader about Sikhism, he explores how the ideas inherent in many Sikh beliefs are also central to many other communities. Specifically, Kaur draws the readers’ attention to the commonality between the Sikh beliefs being discussed and those of the Bantu peoples, Iranian peoples, Chinese peoples, and Anishinaabe- Ojibwe peoples. As readers, we see some of the same values reflected throughout several of our own communities, and thus recognize the values of both our similarities and our differences. The narrator tells us that his dastaar makes him “different, just like you.” By emphasizing the value of collective differences in this book, Kaur teaches readers tolerance, showing us how it is the sum of our shared differences that make us strong individuals and members of strong communities.
~ Another Story Bookshop, Toronto
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By RP Singh

On our weekly library trips, I find myself going through shelf after shelf of children’s books trying to find something both entertaining and challenging for my young and enthusiastic readers. Often times, the books we find are one-dimensional; either instructive, or funny, or downright silly. Rarely do I come across a book that strikes a balance of being both educational and inspiring…this is what I found in A Lion’s Mane by Navjot Kaur…
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A Lion’s Mane is about the journey of a young Sikh boy who while discovering why he has his long mane (kesh), also learns about the principles of his faith. Concepts like patience, generosity, wisdom, and courage are all woven in to his beautiful red dastaar that guide you through the story.

In addition to the captivating illustrations, it is the simple messages that are reinforced throughout the book that I found particularly meaningful…and easy for children to process. Statements like,

“When we learn something new, it makes each of us stronger”
“Being a Khalsa knight gives me the courage to stand up to bullies”

Although I have read several children’s books that touch on the Sikh experience, what I appreciated most about A Lion’s Mane, was how Sikh religious and cultural principles are raised in the context of other cultures and communities with similar principles. I had no idea of the symbolic role the lion played in Native American Hopi culture. In explaining who we are to non-Sikh communities, I think it is just as important to share how our traditions are similar as it is to show how we are different.

In saying that, the book pushed me to learn a bit more about some of the other people and cultures mentioned. I found the glossary most useful in explaining to my children who is Wangari Mathai and what the Anishinaabe tribe is.

A Lion’s Mane has become quite popular in our sangat circle, not only not for being an excellent resource for inspiring children – Sikh and non-Sikh alike – but also for Saffron Press’s commitment to being environmentally responsible (printing their books on 100% recycled paper) and socially conscious, donating a portion of their proceeds to restore sight and prevent blindness in children.

The image on the front cover of the book shows a young boy tying his dastaar in a mirror. But as he peers at his reflection, he seems himself with the whiskers of a lion, symbolizing its strength, courage and bravery. So many children struggle with their self-image and identity. And with our distinct uniform, many Sikh children find it even more challenging. I feel any book or initiative that helps promote a positive self-image and confidence in one’s identity should be both supported and celebrated.

I look forward to further publications from Navjot Kaur, and would encourage her to consider a sequel depicting the journey of a Sikh girl. Although the path of Sikhi is the same, I’m sure the experience is different. And there are few, if any, children’s books I’m aware of with a young Sikh girl as the main character.

A Lion’s Mane is definitely a hit with our kids! Truly a wonderful book…a must read!
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“Kahani – an award-winning children’s literary magazine”

There are very few children’s books that feature Sikh children; Navjot Kaur’s first picture book, A Lion’s Mane (Saffron Press, 2009) attempts to fill that void…
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Paper Tigers
Paper Tigers Review of A Lion’s Mane

EcoLibris
Green Book Review

Multiculturalism Rocks!
Review: A Lions Mane

Teach with Picture Books

Making Peace with Picture Books

Teach Mentor Texts

A Lion’s Mane

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Dreams of Hope
Written by Navjot Kaur
Illustrated by Gurleen Rai
ISBN: 978-0-9812412-1-0
Publisher: Saffron Press [www.saffronpress.com]
Trade Price (Canada): $17.95

Hardcover
Responsibly sourced paper
32 pages

Special Keepsake page
Decorated end pages
Audience: 1-6 years

Follow our story over on Instagram @saffronpress

Dreams of Hope ~ Children’s Book Trailer is here!

Reviews for Dreams of Hope

Zetta Elliott’s Fledgling mentions Dreams of Hope

Seeing Stars

Praise for Dreams of Hope:

“Utterly fresh and enchanting!…

Saffron Press books are a marvelous addition to any child’s bookshelf. Both A Lion’s Mane and Dreams of Hope do the very best work a book can do: open a window to another world, or show us something seemingly commonplace in a whole new light.”

Sandra Garossino (Publisher, House of Parlance Media) )
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“I just finished your book. It’s so inspiring! …

I ended up with a big smile on my face when I turned the last page.”
Maite Albuquerque, Art Director
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” Dreams of Hope is a beautifully-illustrated lullaby which naturally features a loving girl and her Sikh father. …

Panjabi words are integrated into the soothing, repetitive text, and there’s an invitation to write your own “dreams of hope” at the end of the book, followed by a map of monuments of peace on the final end papers. All of this adds up to a lovingly-produced bedtime book to share with children of all ages. It’s special, and I haven’t seen anything else like it.”
Laura Atkins, Children’s Literature Specialist
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” Just got the beautiful Dreams of Hope in the mail. …

I love it! Wishing you all the kushi in the world.”
Noa Nimrodi, Children’s Book Author
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