Sangeet and the Missing Beat is a vibrant and colourful picture book that introduces students to the tabla, a twin percussion instrument of Indian origin. The story of Sangeet creating beats and rhythms on her tabla demonstrates how stories help us learn about and connect to our families and communities in English Language Arts. Readers will also discover how our communities are diverse and made up of individuals who share common experiences and aspects of life to support the Social Studies curriculum. Sangeet's journey to find the missing beat in her song shows how music is all around us. Students might create their own rhythms and beats using inspiration from sounds in the world around them in Arts Education. Learning about the tabla instrument in this story could also be a springboard for students to plan, design, and build their own percussion instruments to support ADST curriculum.

Other End Matter: Glossary of terms
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Kiranjot Kaur is a multi-disciplinary artist, author, and engineer. Her work aims to celebrate her artistic influences including her Panjabi, Sikh, and Canadian heritages. Kiranjot's goal in developing children's books is to create stories and art representative of her life growing up in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, and she hopes to inspire kids to dream big and recognize their own amazing potential (just like Sangeet!). Among many artistic adventures, Kiranjot is currently pursuing a PhD in earthquake engineering. She lives with her two incredible daughters and loving husband in Surrey, B.C., Canada. Author available for school and other venue readings and presentations.

Kiranjot Kaur's profile page

The book's joyful storyline is complemented by vibrant, cartoonlike illustrations that have a homespun feel. Cue applause for this picture book about a Sikh girl who loves music. Kirkus Reviews

Kiranjot Kaur's illustrations for Sangeet and the Missing Beat are vivid, and her attention to details is impressive. Sangeet's long, dark hair, which is always flowing around and behind her, expresses as much emotion as her face does. She and her family are also wearing kara's on their wrists, a steel bangle, worn by many Sikh's. These details are important. Even the little patterns on all of Sangeet's clothes and the accuracy of the illustrated tabla all add layers of warmth to the story. Highly Recommended! Canadian Review of Materials

Sangeet and the Missing Beat is a wonderful picture book and a resource that can be used to initiate class discussions and lesson introductions about music, diversity and perseverance. Children will enjoy hearing about how Sangeet faces her dilemma and ultimately solves her problem with support from her loving family. By the end of the story, readers will likely be thumping and tapping away, trying to create their own beat. Punam Gil, teacher-librarian

This book was perfect for my lessons on international female percussionists. Sangeet shows the same commitment and creativity as many great musicians. I challenged my class to find that "Missing Beat" by listening to the sounds around them. This book is truly inspiring! JoAnne Danson, music teacher

Sangeet and the Missing Beat is a great addition to any classroom library. My students can see themselves in this book and it is very popular during reading time. Often, I see them drumming after they read the book. Bal Dhaliwal, teacher

CBC Kids Book Club video, Aug 3, 2023: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzGtwWDKxrdwVgNrJCcHmwnpLXGV?projector=1