Reviewed by Paige Pagan
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Book Author: Saira Shah
Super Nani and Captain Yaz is a picture book for elementary children that tells the story of how a young girl grows and cultivates a bond with her grandmother despite speaking different languages.
Nani will be visiting for the first time from her small village across the world and Yazmin will finally get to meet her grandmother in person. But when Nani arrives, it’s not what Yazmin expects. Nani doesn’t know English and Yazmin doesn’t know Punjabi — how will the two find a means of connection? Eventually, through key words, gestures, and ultimately via the Pakistani tradition of making hand-sewn rag dolls, Yazmin discovers that communication is more than conversation and love can be articulated through action.
Maria Gabriela Gama’s luminous illustrations aptly portray Yazmin’s excitement over Nani’s visit. The abrupt shift to a blue/mauve palette underscores both Yazmin and Nani’s subsequent sadness over not understanding each other and the distance that creates between them. With patience, imagination, and love, Yazmin and Nani build their bond through the shared activity of crafting Captain Yaz and playing with her, shown through the return to vibrant artwork. I appreciate that Yazmin’s mother, rather than pressuring Yazmin to learn a different language, encourages her to find other ways of connection and expression, and when Nani returns home, she also helps Yazmin discover ways to maintain the relationship that she formed with Nani.
As stated in the author’s backmatter, this book was inspired by Saira Shah’s observation of the relationship between her daughter and mother, but the message she presents extends beyond familial. She states in her author note, “If you ever meet somebody who speaks another language, you too can find a new way to communicate.” This is a great book for teachers to share with their students to foster understanding, compassion, and collaboration.
Paige Pagan is a Social Justice Books program specialist at Teaching for Change.
Find more books on this topic on our Grandparents and Elders, Culture and Language, and South Asian booklists.
Super Nani and Captain Yaz by Saira Shah
Published by Interlink Publishing Group Incorporated on October 14, 2025
Genres: Culture and Language, Grandparents and Elders, South Asian
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Early Childhood
ISBN: 9781623715786
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Publisher's Synopsis: A hilarious celebration of family, Punjabi culture and the rag doll-making tradition with a dash of superheroes! Brought to life by debut author, Saira Shah, and vibrant illustrations with real 'POW!' from Maria Gabriela Gama.
In a bustling city, there lived a little girl called Yazmin. And in a small village far away, there lived an old lady called Nani. Yazmin was Nani's granddaughter. But the two of them had never, ever met. Yazmin is very excited to meet Nani for the first time. Until they realize getting to know each other is going to be a bit tricky — they don't speak the same language! But with the help of Yazmin's trusty superheroes and a new rag doll, Yazmin and Nani find there are ways for them to talk after all.
This touching story encapsulates the communicative power of toys and Saira's storytelling gives voice to challenges faced by many multi-generational and multi-culture families. Paired with Maria's artwork, which represents the unbreakable bond between grandparent and child regardless of distance, this book deserves a place on every bookshelf.
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