PICTURE BOOK REVIEW & AUTHOR INTERVIEW! Anjali Can! by Sheetal Sheth & Lucia Soto
ABOUT THE BOOK
Seven-year-old Anjali is back and ready to prove there’s nothing she can’t do, in this third book in the Always Anjali series! When a beloved community center is threatened with shutting down, Anjali must quickly find a way to save the space or risk losing it.
The local community center is a second home to Anjali. It's where she met her best friends; it's her favorite spot for game and movie nights; and it's where she learned to play tabla.
Anjali has so many happy memories there, but now the community center is closing! Unwilling to let the center shut down for good, Anjali is determined to keep the place open. Some people may say there's nothing she can do, but Anjali knows better--she can and must take action! There is no stopping her.
From actor, author, and activist Sheetal Sheth comes the third book in the Anjali series and a reminder of the power of one and to always fight for what you believe in.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW w/ SHEETAL SHETH
What is the 'story behind the story'?
This is my love letter to community organizers, activists, anyone who cares to DO something.
You are never too young. It starts with caring about something—whether it's a cause close to your heart, a problem you want to solve, or a change you believe in. It’s about a girl who learns to trust herself, even when the world isn’t listening or doesn't think she CAN. I think we’ve all been Anjali at some point—wondering if we’re enough, if we’re allowed to take up space.
The world needs our ideas, our energy, and our heart. And the littles have it all.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Quiet, a mug of something warm, and space to stretch out my thoughts. Sometimes that means I am dreaming. It could be in the shower or during a workout or a walk. Sometimes music. And always, always post-its and pens everywhere. But more than anything, turn all distractions off and it’s the mindset I bring in: permission to be honest and a little vulnerable.
I hope my book will ....
give littles courage and language to own their agency, especially in moments that try to dismiss it. And I hope it sparks conversations—at home, in classrooms, wherever kids are showing up bravely in the world.
What is it like to have others illustrate your words?
Actual magic. To see how an artist interprets the world you’ve built with words—it’s a whole new layer of storytelling. And when it’s someone like Lucia Soto, who brought Anjali Can to life with such heart and texture, it’s humbling and thrilling. I’ll never get over the feeling of seeing that first sketch.
What has your writing journey been like?
Unexpected, deeply fulfilling, and so joyous. I knew I always wanted to write children’s books but I had no idea I would be able to, at this level. It hasn’t been easy, and continues to be challenging, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Thanks to Sheetal Sheth for stopping by to answer a few questions! And thanks to Random House for arranging the interview.
REVIEW
When Anjali discovers the community center is going to be shut down she decides to do something about it. With the help of her family and friends she writes letters, gathers signatures on a petition, and tries to arrange a protest. Just when it seems like she's failed, the community comes together to save something important to them. Adorable illustrations and straight-forward text present readers with a reminder that each of us can make a difference if we work together. Children will find in Anjali a character to root for as she fights to save something she cares about deeply. Anjali Can! shows young readers that they can make a difference in the world if they use their imagination, hard work, and the help of others. An inspiring book for both individual and group story times. The book would be especially helpful in inspiring groups of children to take action in their own communities. Recommended.
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