Room in Your Heart
by Kunzang Choden
illustrated by Pema Tshering
ISBN 978818988495
Content note: The book being reviewed is written by a Bhutanese writer and portrays Bhutanese culture; the reviewer is not of Bhutanese heritage.
Room in Your Heart is one of the debut publications of KitaabWorld, which launched its publishing enterprise in 2018 and works to bring stronger South Asian representation to children’s literature. This picture book tells a sweet and simple story about generosity. It portrays an elderly woman beset by a long string of strangers seeking shelter for the night in her humble home. As each visitor arrives, they ask in turn, “Neypo shong gna?” translated as, “Is there room for me?” This repeated refrain resonates in a special way for readers of diasporic heritage, for this seeking of “room for me” and how to make room in one’s own heart for others, centrally informs the way many of us move through the world.
The watercolor-style illustrations, created by Bhutanese artist Pema Tshering, augment the warm atmosphere of this tale. Author Kunzang Choden is a Bhutanese writer and folk tale specialist, and holds the distinction of being the first Bhutanese woman to publish a novel in English. Following the end of the story, the book concludes with a spread of general facts about Bhutan.
With its warm tone, and the gentle rhythm created by its repeated refrain, Room in Your Heart feels very suitable for a bedtime read-aloud. Younger audiences will appreciate Choden and Tshering’s much needed addition to the emerging repertoire of English-language picture-book literature that is by and about South Asian people and cultures.
Review by Anastasia Chiu. Editing assistance by Jennifer Chan.