My Name Is Long as a River

In this sweeping picture book, an Indian girl discovers the power of her name as she travels along the river she was named after.

What’s so special about your name?

Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan doesn’t think there is anything special about her very long name—in fact, she would prefer to be called “Kav.” But Paati reminds Kaveri that her name was inspired by her family’s heritage, where she was born, and the powerful river they journey across for the Pushkaram Festival. Along the way, Kaveri’s eyes and heart are opened to the beauty and magic her name holds.

Through Suma Subramaniam’s lyrical and tender writing and Tara Anand’s radiant illustrations, My Name Is Long as a River offers messages of cultural pride, self-confidence, and empowerment.An ILA Notable Children's Book for a Global Society

"Unlike other stories about names, this book is refreshingly free of tropes like low self-esteem and bullying. Kaveri, surrounded by a loving family and closely connected to her community, has a journey of empowerment through knowing. Vibrant illustrations provide visual context and make this title specifically South Indian, though it's universal in theme." —BooklistSuma Subramaniam is the author of Namaste Is a Greeting, She Sang for India, The Runaway Dosa, A Bindi Can Be..., the V. Malar series, and other books for children and young adults. She has an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Suma lives in Seattle with her family and a dog who watches baking shows. Learn more at sumasubramaniam.com.

Tara Anand is an illustrator and visual artist from Bombay, India, based in New York City. She graduated from School of Visual Arts in 2022 and has since worked on editorial and children’s book projects. She works primarily in gouache and loves to read in her spare time. Learn more at taraanandart.com.