This 40 page picture book shows a grandma and grand daughter, not really overcoming, but make progress by putting in effort to connect despite language limitations through doll making and imaginative play. The dupatta wearing Nani comes to visit Yazmin for the first time, and once the excitement settles, Yaz comes to understand that Nani only speaks Punjabi and not English like Yaz. A bit of a stretch that Yaz wouldn’t know this about her grandma, but the overall sweetness of the story overcomes some of the weaker plot elements. And bolstered by the engaging and bright illustrations, the book does make for an enjoyable read and springboard for modeling thinking outside the box to make connections. I do appreciate the cultural rep, and the mention in passing that “Captain Yaz fights battles to save the world…even at the mosque.” I additionally like that there are directions in the backmatter for “How to make your own Superhero Rag Doll,” as well as a map of Punjab, a glossary, and “A Note from the
Author.”

Yaz wakes up to the news that her Nani is coming to visit for three months as dad stirs the curry and mom hangs bunting. In preparation Yaz puts on a shelwar kameez, has her hair braided, and mehndi applied. Once Nani arrives and doesn’t understand Yaz’s superhero explanations, it becomes clear to Yaz, that there is a problem. The two, meeting for the first time, do not share a common language. As the days pass, the excitement drains and quietness takes over.

Then Nani is sewing one day, and together the two of them make a rag doll, “Captain Yaz.” The doll becomes the catalyst for adventure and exchanging words in Punjabi, even when Nani has to go back to her home. The two find a way to keep in touch, and Super Nani joins the mix.

This book reminds me of so many Ramadan books that have the protagonist wake up wondering why the house is decorated and the family is up eating when it is dark outside. Similarly, I find it a bit odd that Yaz knew no Panjabi and didn’t know her Nani didn’t speak any English, that the family is cooking and decorating for her sudden (?) visit. The family doesn’t even make a trip to the airport, Nani just knocks on the door. I also wish there was some Islam or cultural grounding, I was very surprised they went to the mosque, it honestly felt a bit out of place. I’m probably overthinking, but by the same token I do like that the two of them, Nani and Yaz, just needed to find a way to engage with one another, the love was never in question, and distance and language were ultimately just minor obstacles.