The Story
One girl stepped into the spotlight...and started a movement.
Tunga wants to learn yakshagana like her brother Ramesha. She dreams of painting her face, wearing glittering costumes, and performing ancient stories of kings and warriors. Alone in the woods, Tunga makes crowns from leaves and tree bark. She stomps and she jumps, and finally captures the attention of a teacher to guide her. As Tunga swirls and whirls onto the stage, she brings other girls into the spotlight as well, ushering in a new era for yakshagana.
In a gorgeous showcase of a traditional dance and storytelling art form popular in South India, this picture book is a tribute to the pioneering women who have carved out a space for themselves on the stage and beyond.
Author: Shruthi Rao
Publisher: Yali Books
Published: 11/06/2025
Pages: 36
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 8.50h x 11.00w x 0.25d
ISBN: 9781949528169
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
About the Author
Rao, Shruthi: - Shruthi Rao writes books for children. She loves books, trees, hikes, benches, eating kadooboos, and hanging out with her daughter. 15 of her books for children have been published in India. She lives in California with her family.Joglekar, Devika: - Devika Joglekar is an animator and illustrator. She has always aspired to author children's books, which are not only fun to read but also inspire young readers to learn and discover interesting things. Originally from India, she now lives with her husband in San Francisco Bay Area.
Description
One girl stepped into the spotlight...and started a movement.
Tunga wants to learn yakshagana like her brother Ramesha. She dreams of painting her face, wearing glittering costumes, and performing ancient stories of kings and warriors. Alone in the woods, Tunga makes crowns from leaves and tree bark. She stomps and she jumps, and finally captures the attention of a teacher to guide her. As Tunga swirls and whirls onto the stage, she brings other girls into the spotlight as well, ushering in a new era for yakshagana.
In a gorgeous showcase of a traditional dance and storytelling art form popular in South India, this picture book is a tribute to the pioneering women who have carved out a space for themselves on the stage and beyond.
Author: Shruthi Rao
Publisher: Yali Books
Published: 11/06/2025
Pages: 36
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 8.50h x 11.00w x 0.25d
ISBN: 9781949528169
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
About the Author
Rao, Shruthi: - Shruthi Rao writes books for children. She loves books, trees, hikes, benches, eating kadooboos, and hanging out with her daughter. 15 of her books for children have been published in India. She lives in California with her family.Joglekar, Devika: - Devika Joglekar is an animator and illustrator. She has always aspired to author children's books, which are not only fun to read but also inspire young readers to learn and discover interesting things. Originally from India, she now lives with her husband in San Francisco Bay Area.
