Home Is In-Between (Mackids USA) - words by Mitali Perkins, illustrations by me!
This book came to me at a very special time in my life, as I was beginning to call Melbourne, Australia my second home. I grew up in Kolkata, India but spent most of my adult life travelling and living in new cities. I am all too familiar with the feeling of not really feeling rooted or not knowing where one truly belongs. But as I built new friendships and nurtured the old ones and learned to navigate old traditions and new, I found my very own in-between! If you've ever travelled far away from the place you called home, I'm sure you'll love this sweet story!
Here are some of my favourite illustrations from the book:
Our brave little lead Shanti leaving her home town in India. Tearful goodbyes until the next meeting!
Shanti's family arrives at their new home in the United States of America
Shanti balancing languages
Balancing two worlds is never easy and can be overwhelming at times!
(This one is inspired by my childhood! I used to play the harmonium and hope that I can pick it up once again some day!)
This one has a little homage in the picture frame above the piano to my dog Lali (you also see her in the village scene from earlier). She was a street dog that we looked after. She was fiercely independent, loyal and loving and smartest doggo I've ever met!
