Adapted for the stage by the Bay Area Children's Theater.
Under development for the screen by Sleeperwave Films.
Selected by the New York Public Library as one of the best 100 children's books of the past 100 years.
Jane Addams Honor Book
Maine Library Association Lupine Honor Book
ALA Amelia Bloomer Project Award Book
Bank Street Best Children's Books List (Starred)
Boston Author's Club Highly Recommmended Book
Association of Children's Booksellers Best Book

Author: Mitali Perkins
Illustrator: Jamie Hogan
Publisher: Charlesbridge

Naima is a talented painter of traditional alpana patterns, which Bangladeshi women and girls paint on their houses for special celebrations. But Naima is not satisfied just painting alpana. She wants to help earn money for her family, like her best friend, Saleem, does for his family. When Naima's rash effort to help puts her family deeper in debt, she draws on her resourceful nature and her talents to bravely save the day. Includes a glossary of Bangla words and an author's note about a changing Bangladesh and microfinance.