#Review: The Scent of Roses by Adithi Rao

This beautifully crafted story explores the complex emotions of loss, grief, and anger through the eyes of young Sajad. When Abu disappears, Sajad is consumed by Bram Bram Chok—a powerful metaphor for the storm of emotions that take over his heart. The book sensitively portrays a child’s struggle with overwhelming feelings, making it both a moving and relatable read. The rhythmic, almost musical quality of the narrative captures the intensity of Sajad’s emotions, while the underlying message of healing and emotional understanding is conveyed with great subtlety.

Krishna Bala Shenoi’s illustrations add depth to the storytelling, vividly bringing to life both the turmoil and eventual calm in Sajad’s journey. The language is simple yet poetic, making it accessible to children while also resonating with older readers. This book is an excellent conversation starter about emotions, making it a valuable resource for parents, educators, and young readers learning to navigate feelings of loss and anger.

Find this book here.