Bipathu and a Very Big Dream

This is such a lovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.. Recommended reading for children and for adults as well!

Bipathu often has the same dream. A dream where she, her Ikka Saad, and Hrithik Roshan are playing football. But dreams don’t come true, do they? Especially not very big dreams like this one? As we read the story, we find out! 'Bipathu and a Very Big Dream by Anita Nair is about dreams, reality, and everything in between. All kinds of special relationships blossom in the story, and the most precious one of all, to my mind, is the one between Bipathu and her neighbour, whom everyone calls Madama. Madama has strange notions about how the universe comes to help people, and much to her surprise, Bipathu realises that Madama isn’t entirely wrong. The universe takes multiple forms, though. Sometimes, it even takes the form of a wounded puppy, one that leads to the spark of another unusual relationship. From gender stereotypes to bullying and disability, 'Bipathu and a Very Big Dream' addresses very big themes with the lightest possible touch. Bipathu wants to play football, but she “knows” that girls aren’t allowed to. Her brother Saad has cerebral palsy, but evoking pity or empathy isn’t a central element of the plot. Bipathu’s classmate Suleiman is a bully, but he isn’t one-dimensional. Although we never find out why he became a bully, we do see her wondering what changed him: a hint at complexity, which leads to conversation and questions. Every detail of the story is nuanced, making 'Bipathu and a Very Big Dream' a warm read that leaves the reader smiling. Bipathu sparkles brightest, but there are so many other quirky, delightful characters that won my heart! All in all, it is a sweet, feel-good book for middle grade readers.

Disclaimer - I received a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't influence my review or rating. Bipathu and a Very Big Dream is lovely middle-grade fiction about a nine-year-old poor Muslim girl, Bipathu, who has only three love– football, her big brother, Saad, and Hrithik Roshan and every day she dreams about all of them playing football. When village school opens once again after the pandemic and the Math teacher announces to start of a football training camp for district selection trial, her dreams come true, not literally but close to. Writing is lucid, engaging and fun. The story is written in the third person narrative from Bipathu’s perspective. Bipathu is compassionate, caring, and strong girl who stands up for the people she loves and cares about. I loved how this little girl viewed the world, questioned what she didn’t understand, voiced logic, and never abandoned her responsibilities. Bipathu not just learned to never stop dreaming but started believing in the universe, how if she really wished for something the universe will help her and make things happen. Bipathu’s elder friends were amazing. What I loved most about friendship with her elder neighbor is how Bipathu never felt she was missing out on anything by spending time with her neighbors and her family nor she envied other kids but could see what other kids were missing out by staying at home watching TV and playing on the phone. The author subtly covered many layers in this small lovely story. The representation of Cerebral Palsy. Gender stereotype is highlighted throughout the book. Economic inequality and position in society is also hinted. There is also a hint of religious differences. Even with many serious layers, there are many light and heartwarming moments in the story that would make kids and adults smile and laugh. I also enjoyed little facts in the book about football and Indian football player. I don’t know Malayalam so it was fun to learn basic Malayalam words. While I could google Malayam words, kids might find it hard to pronounce them and also would need an adult’s help. Overall, this is heartwarming, lovely, and fun middle-grade fiction