DERT

The Holi Day is a children’s book inspired by the Hindu festival of colors—a celebration of renewal, joy, and togetherness. The story follows Asha, a young Hindu girl determined to fill her town with color until there’s none left.

As the day unfolds, Asha calls out to her friend Zaid, who practices a different faith and is preparing for his daily prayers. Together, they navigate the celebration with care and respect, showing how friendship can honor different beliefs while still making room for shared joy. Rather than asking either child to set aside what they believe, the story highlights patience, consideration, and the simple ways people can look out for one another during meaningful moments.

Designed and illustrated by Malavika Srinivasan, the book uses a gentle, minimalist visual style that allows color, movement, and emotion to lead the story—reflecting the spirit of Holi itself.

Created as part of DERT’s collaborative, design-led publishing project, The Holi Day explores cultural tradition, friendship across difference, and thoughtful storytelling for young readers and families.

A great final critique event . Thanks to each of the students from as they showcased their final book projects for our Collab class, Design For Literacy. And an extra grateful cheer to each of our judges for providing invaluable feedback!

Our 1st day of class for the Spring term begins great group of design students starting on a new batch of baby board books! Looking forward to some great results!!

Check this out… Robert Louis Stevenson’s Gothic novella, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Hyde is one of his most well known works. The story centers on the psychological duality of good and evil in human nature, inviting us to explore the ethics in the concept of a split personality.

DERT’s addition features the cover design artwork of Sonali Jain, a communication design student from New Delhi, India. Get yours at dertbook.com.