Don’t judge a book by its cover? There is no problem with this book. The cover and artist’s note, declaring inspiration from such diverse art forms as traditional Indian miniature painting, Indian matchbox design, and a ‘harmonious blend of Indian and Australian flora’, encapsulate the intertwining narratives and cultural crossovers of the stories within.

The introduction by the editor, Aarti Betigeri, is headed by a sweet photograph, as are nearly all of the stories. Notes at the end of the book about the writers often reveal interesting lives shaped by childhood. The book is the latest in the Black Inc. Growing Up series and the first to appear under a national flag.