The Why-Why Girl
The story lends itself to many layers of interpretation as all works of art do. As you read the story, seemingly simple, you first realise the divide  between urban life and life close to  nature, the rich and the poor, then the divide between the literate and the illiterate, between adult and child, and above all the divide between those who ask why and those who don't... 
     The  translations read beautifully. By recreating this very Indian story in other Indian languages, the story enjoys a new rhythm, a fresh dynamism, and an inexplicable verve in the hands of each of the translators. The text smoothly allows itself to be  embedded in other languages and hence in other cultures too. While reading aloud, the grip one has on the mother tongue, on the turn of an onomatopoeic word or a well-crafted phrase is thoroughly enjoyable, and it readily shows with  the audience.
     I read  the Tamil version of The Why-Why Girl to a  group of under privileged  young girls. Not only were  they in awe of the beautiful illustrations by Kanyika Kini, but also thought it a luxury to hold a book, so smooth, neat and colourful. And finally some very poignant "Whys" emerged at the end of the story — "Why should I not be  happy? Why does my father not go to work? Why am I so dark?  Why do I hate myself so?"
     But what I liked most was one petite girl asking, "Why can't I wear Veshti?"
     So the why-why  girls continued to inquire right through the read-aloud session.
– January 2004, The New Indian Express

Mahasweta Devi's first picture book, in bold typeface and with brilliant illustrations, is packaged for children above six years. The delightful tale of an inquisitive tribal girl also touches on gender issues and empowerment.
– December 2003, India Today

The Why-Why Girl, Tulika's latest offering in the Wordbird series for six years and above, features Mahasweta Devi's story about how Moyna, a Jharkhand girl, becomes literate by constantly asking 'why?'. Kanyika Kini's luscious illustrations bring Moyna's world alive with a rare sensitivity.
– October 2003, Outlook

...the text flows across the page in big waves, curling upwards like the questions Moyna raises. The story is delightful...The visual representations of her questions flow delightfully into each other. At one point, fishes in a stream dissolove into a sky full of stars. Why should you buy this book? Simply to learn the amazing power of the word 'why'..
– June 2005, The New Indian Express

Kolaba
Who wins the bout? Your kids will tell you if you gift this beautifully worded and illustrated book to them.
– August 2004, The Tribune

Sandhya Rao has used the vernacular for the desired effect...as these sounds capture the tumult of stormy visuals. Keeping in tune with Tulika's tradition of striking pictures and words, the book offers the opportunity to experience several world at once – of people, places, animals, birds, trees, colours, shapes and ideas.
– July-September 2005, Writer and Illustrator