“Nancy and the Dosa Cake” by Reshma Joel is a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of a young girl whose birthday takes an unexpected turn when she falls ill. Illustrated by Pooja Saklani, this book portrays how love, family, and a creative twist make it a celebration to remember.
As someone who grew up in Kerala and spent a big part of my childhood with my own grandmother, this story felt like a comforting embrace. It brought back memories of early mornings filled with the smell of dosa and evenings spent wrapped in the warmth of my Ammachi’s stories. Now, as a mother myself, I see that same bond blossoming between my little one and my mother—and this book captured that tenderness beautifully.
The story follows little Nancy, a bright-eyed 7-year-old who’s feeling blue on her birthday because of a terrible cold. But what truly stood out to me was how the author gently explored the emotional weight of missing loved ones, especially parents, and how grandparents often step in with quiet magic. Ammachi’s love is not loud or flashy—it simmers gently, just like the dosa cake she invents to cheer Nancy up. The moment she turns something so simple and traditional into a grand surprise is truly touching. It’s a reminder of how food and care go hand in hand in Indian homes, and how traditions are sometimes born from love and necessity.
ANJALY FRANCIS
Anjaly is the founder of Common Room and a Cambridge- certified teacher of English. Her childhood goal was to read every book in the children’s section of the library. Through Common Room, she wishes to inspire and nurture young minds by providing a platform to explore and develop their writing skills, foster creativity, and ignite a love for storytelling.
What I also loved was the way this story highlights the everyday beauty of Malayalam-speaking households, and how language, food, and affection all weave together to create a deep sense of belonging. The idea of creating a dosa cake as a birthday tradition? Pure genius—and deeply rooted in our culture.
The illustrations are a treat in themselves. Soft, expressive, and warm-toned, they echo the mood of the story—gentle, loving, and filled with small details that make you pause and smile. From the coziness of Nancy’s bed to the golden-brown crispness of the dosa cake, every page feels like a slice of home.
This is a story I would happily read aloud to my daughter, and I know she’ll ask for it again and again. Because at its heart, this book is a celebration—not just of birthdays, but of love, traditions, and the kind of care that only a grandmother can give.
Meet the Author
Reshma Joel is a passionate children’s book author, creative writing mentor and editor. After a successful career in HR, she followed her true calling—writing.
Reshma has conducted numerous creative writing workshops, empowering children to express themselves with confidence and imagination. She works as an Editor at Bookosmia and is a part-time creative writing facilitator at an educational platform for kids. Through her work, she continues to inspire young minds to find their voices and bring their stories to life.
