Ani's Light

Ani's stuck in a dark cloud. His friends and family try to brighten his mood, but nothing helps. When his mother finally comes home, missing her hair, Ani's light gets brighter and brighter, chasing away his dark cloud. The unconditional love between Ani and his mother shines through as the two enjoy their precious time together, whether it’s forever, or just for now.

Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers explaining ways to help a child cope.

This sensitive, hopeful story will help kids explore their sadness when a close family member is undergoing medical treatment, while highlighting sources of light that can bring stability during uncertain times. It is also a terrific resource for anyone who wants to understand how coping has its ups and downs.

Dr. Tanu Shree Singh is an assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Higher Education, Haryana, India. She completed her studies in positive psychology at Maharshi Dayanand University and writes extensively on issues related to parenting.

Her approach to parenting, rooted in her academic background, draws heavily from her experiences as a parent and a mentor. Her passion for reading and getting more children to read led her to set up two libraries in Faridabad and Tirthan Valley.

She lives in Faridabad, India.

• One of Bank Street’s 2021 Best Children’s Books of the Year

With brevity and richness, Tanu Shree Singh beautifully describes a young boy’s journey throughout his mom’s battle with cancer in Ani’s Light. Through thoughtful words and eye-catching illustrations, readers can feel Ani’s pain and the darkness that fills his heart while Mama undergoes treatment for cancer. They can also celebrate joyfully with him as he welcomes her home. She conveys how her love will always be there to comfort him, even when she is not. That message is one of incredible value for a child of any age, and it’s one that is likely to touch many of those who read this unique and heartfelt picture book.
—San Francisco Book Review

A soft, quiet exploration of the love between a parent and child and the impact of medical treatment upon that relationship, this will also help children in a similar situation explore their feelings.
—Book Riot

This evocative and wise picture book, written by a psychology professor from India, is for children struggling to cope with the medical treatment of a parent… when Ani's gravely ill-looking mother returns from the hospital, light envelopes them both, and her advice to him is both realistic and inspiring… gives tips on how to handle children’s fears and depression, starting with ‘honesty matters.’
—Booklist

Singh and Prabhat combine forces for an unflinchingly honest yet soothing book about a child and his mother’s illness…. includes an author’s note that stresses the importance of honesty in the face of difficult situations, from illness to divorce to death…. A hopeful, sadly necessary resource for children coping with a caregiver under medical treatment.
—Kirkus Reviews

When Ani’s mother hasn’t been home in a while, a dark cloud begins to form around Ani. His friends and family do their best to try to brighten his mood, but when his light has gone missing, nothing can lighten his mood. When Ani’s mother finally returns home and her hair is missing, Ani’s just happy to have his light back. The unconditional love between Ani and his mother causes Ani’s light to get brighter and brighter, ultimately chasing away his darkness. This is a beautiful story about how nothing, even cancer, can take away the unconditional love that is shared between parent and child. 
—Bookstr

Helping Children Find Their Light in Dark and Scary Times (PDF, 652KB)opens in new window
Read an excerpt from the Note to Parents and Caregivers.

Watch the author read Ani’s Lightopens in new window. Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.