Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam is a lovely children’s book about a young boy, Surya, who loves to dance but hides his passion because of what others might think. The boys at his school don’t dance, so he hides his passion, only to discover, with the help of an encouraging teacher and a few surprising allies, that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with following what makes your heart happy. It’s a story about confidence, support, and celebrating who you are, with vibrant illustrations that make the whole thing come alive.

Reading this book made me smile more than once. I loved how Surya felt like a kid I might know or even once was. There’s something so touching about the quiet way he hides his joy, and how powerful just one moment of being seen can be. His fear and joy mix together in such a raw and honest way. And the teacher is the kind of adult every kid deserves. She’s supportive, kind, and just plain awesome.

What really stayed with me was the gentle but clear way the book pushes back against tired old stereotypes. I wish more books like this had been around when I was growing up. There’s such power in a story that shows kids it’s okay to be different, to love something unexpected, and to proudly go after it. Vidya Vasudevan’s illustrations are bursting with energy. You can almost feel the rhythm jumping off the page.

I’d absolutely recommend Singing Surya Dreams to Dance to parents, teachers, or really anyone who wants to help kids grow up confident and kind. This is perfect for elementary school kids, especially those figuring out who they are and what they love. It’s a feel-good, dance-in-your-seat kind of book that reminds us all: joy doesn’t need permission. Let kids be who they are, and celebrate them for it.

Pages: 61 | ASIN : B0F834FJKV