Maya is a young girl who loves spending her time out in the sun. Her excitement for the outdoors is dampened when she receives negative comments about how the sun will darken her skin. Maya, believing her tanning skin will somehow make her less beautiful, decides to begin staying inside. She spends several days isolated in her bedroom until her Ma asks her what is wrong. Upon learning what has upset Maya, Ma takes time to explain that Mayas skin is beautiful no matter what.

This story is inspiring for young girls who may have faced discrimination because of their skin color, or been led to believe that lighter skin is preferred. Skin types of all colors are beautiful!

Thank you to NetGalley, Buddoo Books, Disha Mathur and Felishia Henditirto for this lovely ARC!

To be honest, I didn’t expect this book to touch on topics like skin color and self-acceptance, but it did so gently and thoughtfully.
For me, first and foremost, it was a story about childhood—when summer feels endless, the sun is your best friend, and birthdays are the highlight of the year. The illustrations pulled me back into those carefree days. But I’m grateful to the author for showing how even casual words from loved ones can hurt, mislead, or create insecurities.
May every child have a kind adult who teaches them to love themselves—and, of course, to remember the importance of sun protection, no matter how much we adore its warmth.

I loved so many things about this book! The illustrations were gorgeous and the message was delivered well. I loved how the story was bright and happy while also conveying a very important message. The length of the story was perfect for the target age group and the variation in the page structure was eye catching and engaging. The talking sun added another component of interest for the littles which I loved.

Maya Loves the Sun has very beautiful art and touches on serious topics. My favorite part about it was that the sun itself was a character and explains all the good it does for the earth and us as people.

This was a lovely exploration into how words can have a larger impact than we realise. I thought that the ending, where Maya helps her sister into the sun, was particularly special. The illustrations also help massively to convey the message. Although there’s a section on sun safety at the back of the book, I think it would have been helpful for this to be included somewhere in the story as it’s so important.

The title Maya loves the Sun caught my attention and made me want to read the book. What an apt and lovely name chosen for the protagonist, a young girl - Maya! Maya in Sanskrit means illusion; Maya with her experiences and learnings breaks the illusion that the Sun isn't our friend, that fair skin is better and beautiful, that girls specifically need to stay indoors to ensure that they don't darken much. In Maori language, Maya means courage and confidence, Maya in the story displays just that by embracing who she is wholeheartedly, she loves her skin and complexion, accepts who she is with confidence thanks to her mother's able guidance.

Maya loves to spend time outdoors soaking up the glow and warmth of the sun. But when Neela Aunty advises her to stay indoors lest she turns darker and when Rani, her elder sis who is always holed up at home gasps at Maya's tanned skin, Maya gets anxious and fears the Sun she has always liked until her mother sets things right and clears up the confusion.

The illustrations here have a golden glow of the Sun, ooze warmth and the story in simple terms helps us appreciate every shade of brown, embrace every aspect or part of us with confidence. Just like the Sun's light keeps life going, the book asserts the need to shine from within, this will ensure our lives are beautiful.

I loved that the book has a note to the readers from the author, a brief note on what colourism/discrimination on the basis of one's skin colour is. There are even tips to keep in mind when you spend long hours in the sun.

Overall, a wholesome, important and positive read with a message that can change the way the world thinks, erase prejudices that have been passed down for years in a family, that transcends cultures and countries.

This picture book is beautiful. The illustrations are stunning and varied. My students will love the pictures and the story of how Maya relates to the sun. She learns how her skin is beautiful throughout the story and how others view their skin.

A wonderful and deeply relevant book! Every child growing up with darker skin should have the opportunity to read this powerful story. The book thoughtfully addresses how colourism often stems from within our own families - an experience that resonated personally was while we were reading, my niece revealed that an aunt had once warned her to stay out of the sun. This story creates the perfect springboard for meaningful conversations about self-acceptance and beauty. The magical illustrations transport readers into Maya's world, bringing her journey to life with enchanting detail and warmth. An essential read that tackles an important subject with grace and understanding.

Thank you NetGalley & Buddoo Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!