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!

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.

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.

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.