★
"Anand's story is simple and purposeful, but it's a much-needed purpose, sweetly delivering a message of body positivity around a common insecurity that is rarely addressed."
— Booklist, starred review
Shelly Anand Introduces Laxmi’s Mooch with Penguin Classroom
A New Children’s Book Explores Body Hair, One of the Final Frontiers of Self-Acceptance
“One of the goals of Anand’s book is to start conversations around bodily autonomy with children—that what they do with their body is their choice and that it’s important to respect how some bodies may look different from one another.”
— Fareeha Molvi
“Joyful, positive story
about seeing your own differences and being excited about them!”
— Jasmine Guillory
★
“Debut author Anand skillfully balances humor with sincerity, crafting a narrator who is both vulnerable and powerful, while Abi contributes sunny-humored illustrations ... Laxmi’s journey is both accessible and authentic, and it is a true pleasure to watch her not only embrace her own body, but also teach her classmates how to embrace theirs as well.”
More praise for Laxmi’s Mooch
★
"A joyfully affirmative picture book with a winning first-person point of view."
"Readers of all ages will appreciate the message of self-love presented within Laxmi’s story, which takes on body positivity for a relatively young audience in an uplifting way."
— School Library Journal
"Readers invited to watch Laxmi grow may also gain some confidence to celebrate their own bodies no matter what they look like--or where their hair may grow."
— Shelf Awareness
