Kids resources
We have outlined below some school resources that may be of assistance to Sikh parents, Sikh children and teachers of Sikh children. We suggest using these resources not only when dealing with bullying involving a Sikh child but also proactively to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Let’s talk about bullying and being a Sikh in Australia
By Dr Daniel Connell
A book written and illustrated in Australia by Dr Daniel Connell and the Turbans and Trust team based on an initiative of Sikh Helpline Australia.
You are free to reproduce this book for educational purposes. If you would like to purchase a print copy of the book please directly contact Dr Daniel Connell.
What is a Patka?
by Tajinder Kalia
Mohan wears a patka everyday...and he gets lots of questions! Parents, Educators and Caregivers can use this book as a resource to educate young children on the Sikh Patka. Topics covered include:
- Who wears them, and why
- Proper etiquette
- General information
This beginner book is appropriate for children aged three to six.
The many colors of Harpreet Singh
by Supriya Kelkar
Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from happy sunny yellow to courageous red. He especially takes care with his patka--his turban--making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet's mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, everything just feels gray. Can he find a way to make life bright again?
Hair Twins
by Raakhee Mirchandani
Every morning Papa combs through his daughter's waves like he does his own -- parting it down the middle, using coconut oil to get all the tangles out.
Some days he braids her hair in two twists down the side of her face. Other days he weaves it into one long braid hanging down her back, just like a unicorn tail.
But her favorite style is when he combs her hair in a tight bun on the top of her head, just like the joora he wears every day under his turban. They call this their hair twin look!
A Lion’s mane
by Navjot Kaur
Central to this story is a young Sikh boy, who explores what it means to be different just like you. The first page turn asks a question that will encourage deeper conversations about identity and belonging: “Do you know who I am?”
Join this little human’s quest of self-discovery through the metaphor of a lion’s mane.
The narrative’s rhythm flows alongside the vibrant, red fabric of a dastaar (turban worn by members of the Sikh community), strengthening the character’s identity with each new word stitched into the dastaar.
“When we learn something new, it makes each of us stronger.”
Veer’s first day of school
by Gursharan Bharth
Veer is excited and nervous about his first day of school. He’s looking forward to meeting his new teacher and classmates. Will he like his new school? Will he make friends? Follow Veer’s journey on his first day of school!
This book can be a tool to start conversations about diversity and inclusion. It can be used to encourage children, families, and educators to explore similarities and differences bridging the gap between home and school.
Children can learn about different foods we eat and how they can reflect our roots and history. This book is both a mirror and a window for young children who are searching for themselves in stories as well as learning about things unfamiliar.
The Hair She Wears
by Deepika Kaur Pujji
The hair she wears can be tied back in two braids For she is courageous, never afraid.The hair she wears can be decorated with a bow For she is curious, ready to grow.In this rhyming, sing-song picture book, author Deepika Pujji describes all the wonderful, empowering adjectives that describe a Sikh girl by way of her long, lustrous hair.
What color is my patka?
By Deepika Kaur Pujji
Growing up as a Sikh boy, Ricky looks different than many of his peers. He wears a parka, a Sikh head covering, which protects his uncut hair. Ricky shares how he confidently approaches his day and why this makes him so special. Join Ricky as he chooses which color patka to wear each day in this fun-loving book filled with rhymes.
Ajeet Singh - The Invincible Lion
Written by: Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Interpreted by: Bhajneet Singh
Ajeet Singh is surrounded by a group of kids who won’t share toys or play with him. They bully, tease him and bring him down! His mom advises him to seek out kids with different qualities, those who are happy and kind like the type of kid he wants to be. Ajeet learns that true friends bring out the best in each other. Gurbani can inspire and guide even the littlest lions. Its timeless universal message can help Sikh kids powerfully deal with bullying or any adversity in their life. This book hopes to inspire kids to live in eternal optimism and find the sangat that leads them to becoming the best versions of themselves!