MOWMT 5: Cultural Picture Books with Namrata Agarwal

The Engine of a Strong Cultural Picture Book – by Namrata Agarwal

 A cultural story often focuses on a small, relatable moment rather than trying to represent an entire culture. It might center on cooking with a grandparent, getting dressed for a festival, or opening a food box.

These stories don’t explain culture outright; they reveal it through everyday actions. Sensory details, smells, textures, sounds, ground the story and make it feel authentic. At the heart of the narrative is a child’s emotional experience, such as joy or disappointment. The story is shaped by gentle tension, and its resolution feels earned rather than forced. A big question to ask is “Could this only happen in this culture?”

The details and the moment are culturally specific, but these stories address a feeling that is more universal. Cultural stories show us that while traditions may look different, emotions often feel the same. By stepping into these moments, we learn about others and in the process, better understand ourselves and our own experiences.

Here are several mentor texts that informed my understanding of culture, sharing and inner conflicts –

Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala – Written and Illustrated by Meenal Patel

Published by Beaver’s Pond Press, Inc. (2019)

 A picture book that highlights the special bond between a child and her grandparents, with food traditions in the story. It highlights the Intergenerational bonds: the close relationship between Priya and her grandmother is at the heart of the story.

 Every day after school she helps her Babi Ba (grandmother) make rotli (a traditional flatbread), and while they cook, Babi Ba tells Priya vivid, sensory memories of India  from the warm smells of spices, the colors of marigolds, to the sounds and sights of life there.

The book shows how sharing traditions and memories helps keep a culture alive, even far from home. Babi Ba’s experience becomes a bridge between her heritage and the community around her

Tomatoes for Neela –

Written by Padma Lakshmi and Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, Viking Books for Young Readers (2021)

This book emphasizes emotional growth through a small, relatable disappointment.

Neela loves spending Sundays with her Amma, cooking a special tomato sauce recipe. But one day, the tomatoes in their garden aren’t ready yet. Disappointed, Neela learns about patience, seasons, and where food really comes from as she waits for the tomatoes to ripen. When harvest time finally arrives, the cooking becomes even more meaningful not just because of the delicious meal, but because of the care and waiting behind it.

Should I Share My Ice Cream?

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems, Hyperion Books for Children (2011)

This story highlights elephant’s inner struggle over sharing and feelings of generosity, selfishness, and friendship.

Should I Share My Ice Cream? stars a lovable little elephant named Elephant who is enjoying his big, delicious ice cream cone. Just as he’s starting to savor it, his friend Piggie shows up cheerful and eager to get in on the fun. Now Elephant faces a dilemma:

 Should he share his ice cream... or keep it all to himself?

THE MITHAI BOX IS NOT EMPTY

Written by – Namrata Agarwal

Illustrated by Parvati Pillai, Holiday House (2025)

The Mithai Box Is Not Empty is my picture book that celebrates Indian sweets, family traditions, and the joy of sharing. The story centers on Ria, who faces a small dilemma, Ria’s feelings shift from disappointment or frustration to appreciation and joy after a thoughtful advice from a grandparent.

The Mithai Box Is Not Empty (Holiday House, 2025), has been released and has received a starred review from School Library Journal.

My story highlights how small dilemmas can turn into opportunities for gratitude, joy, and connection, all framed in a culturally rich, visually playful setting.

Ria’s dilemma, disappointment, and eventual joy mirror common human emotions. Most children have faced situations where things didn’t go as expected, so they naturally connect with her experience - making the story universal.

Parvati Pillai’s vibrant illustrations bring Ria’s world to life, making each page a joyful visual feast that perfectly complements the story’s warmth and cultural richness.

PRIZE: Namrata is offering a 30-minute virtual Ask Me Anything. 

Namrata’s Bio – Namrata Agarwal is a children’s book writer. She has written picture books - Misha series and The Grasshopper and the Owl. She has also written for children’s magazines like Faces and IntellyJelly.  She is a member of SCBWI, RateYourStory and Writing Barn. Currently she lives in New Jersey with her two kids and husband. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and crafting.  https://namrataagarwal.com/ . You can follow Namrata on Twitter @namrataagarwal,  Instagram @namrata.writer 

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