First published 2024
Every Saturday brings the same ritual to Priya's house. Her aunties, uncles, and cousins arrive for their weekly gathering. The other children dash off to play together, but Priya stays behind. She has something better. She gets to spend time alone with Mauntie, her favorite aunt whose nickname means "My Auntie." Their special bond makes Priya feel chosen and loved. Then everything changes when older cousin Aditi comes to visit and decides she wants Mauntie's attention too. Priya feels her stomach twist with jealousy. She wants her Saturday afternoons back the way they were, with just her and Mauntie. But Aditi keeps inserting herself into their conversations and activities. Priya must figure out how to handle these new feelings of resentment and competition. With Mauntie's gentle guidance, she begins to understand that love multiplies when you share it rather than diminishes.
Genres: fiction, family, contemporary, childrens
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
43 pages · Kindle Edition · Candlewick Press