When I read this picture story, the first thing that struck me was the appropriateness of the title Khichdi Ki Dawat. Cheryl Rao has tried to weave a friendship across generations, between Gagan and his great-grandmother. Khichdi is not just a favourite food item, but is also used as a metaphor here. The story moves around a typical urban middle-class family and envelops the flavours of cooking and family life.
However, the way the story begins, the introductory part, the paragraphs, are quite long. Worries about the elders of family are hidden in the layers of the story and they do not emerge properly. The story could have been tighter and crisper. As far as the illustrations are concerned, they do not add to the text. From the very first page you get to know whom Gagan is worried about.
The plot is fine but the story does not draw in the reader and could have been more sensitive and interesting. Over all, Khichdi ki Dawat is a bit insipid. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]<strong>