Together for Mama

Asha becomes a big sister and a big help to her parents when Mama struggles to find energy after the baby's birth. This touching and meaningful story will reassure families who are experiencing the hardship of postpartum depression.

Asha loves baby Maya, and she's so happy to be a big sister. But Mama seems sad. Asha hears her whisper to Papa, "I can't do this." And hears Papa on the phone to Dadi and Nani, asking them to come. The next day, the two grandmothers arrive, ready to tidy and cook and comfort. "Will Mama feel better?" Asha asks Nani. "I believe she will," Nani answers. "Especially with our help." 

This honest and empathetic story sheds light on a common challenge, providing young children and their parents with the knowledge and reassurance they need.Pooja Makhijani is a writer, mother, and baker. She is the author of the picture books Mama’s Saris and Bread Is Love, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Teen Vogue, and Bon Appétit among others. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University, Sarah Lawrence College, and Rutgers University and has twice been in residence at SPACE on Ryder Farm. She lives in Central New Jersey with her daughter.

Nadia Alam is a first-generation Bangladeshi Canadian artist who has illustrated many picture books, including Many Things at Once, The Wishing Machine, and Mauntie and Me. She lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter, son, and dog.