Who am I? Let me introduce myself.

I am Shohini Sen. I was so happy to receive the last Mango Smiles (Vol 9), and even more happy to see the review of one of my favorite book series, A Series of Unfortunate Events. I also liked hearing about pen-friends in the article by Megumi. Anyhow, thanks for remembering this reader!

I live in the United States in Williamsville, New York. I love the United States because it is home, but living here cannot ever make me forget India where my parents were both born. In fact, most of my extended family lives in Kolkata, like some of you! I enjoy going to Kolkata because I have many friends there. My parents know Gautam Uncle from a long time ago and it was a big coincidence to hear that Maura Auntie comes from the same city we live in now!

First I'll tell you a little about me and then about the United States. My areas of interest are sports, music, art, dance and schoolSI'm a very busy person! I learn karate, piano, swimming Bharat Natyam and Tap dancing. I enjoy all of these. I have a little sister named Leena, who is three years old and is extremely cute. I love making new friends, so if you want to - get my address from Maura Auntie and send a letter my way! I cannot read Bengali but I can understand it. Living in the United States means I have Spanish, Muslim, Indian and Chinese friends - you can see why they call this country a "melting pot"! At my school we get to learn a different language. I learn Espanol, that's Spanish! I really enjoy eating all sorts of Indian, Chinese and American foods too. I remember eating pizza when Maura Auntie and Gautam Uncle came to visit us about 3 years ago!

My town of Williamsville is a suburb of Buffalo, New York. There are no sky scrapers here. Since 9-11 everything has high security in the United States. There are some good schools and I think mine is one of them. There are all sorts of cars zooming the streets here. But if you thought America is clean, you are wrong! People sometimes litter and there are a lot of cars creating pollution too. This country definitely has some nice restaurants where you can try all kinds of foods from around the world. If you want to learn more about me and where I live, send me a letter,okay! (Ask Mauntie how to contact me)

Love, Shohini Sen Age 11; Buffalo, NY (USA)

Editor's Note: Shohini, be sure to visit Mustard Seeds Library on your next visit to Kolkata and you are sure to get a big welcome from lots of young people there!!

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Front cover
Mustard Seeds Report
A visit to Sunderbans by Saptak Mohanta
Mustard Seeds Haiku Contest
The disappearance of my glasses by Chotku Parekh
Mini Chatterjee's Culture Corner: Dowry system in Indian weddings
Tanabata by Megumi Takemura
Write Me by Shohini Sen
Cooking and Science - Try It!
A Rainy Watery Excursion by Maura Aunty & Malini Basu
Association for peace exchange with Indian and Pakistani youth
More Haiku
Book Review by Arnab Chakraborty
Mango Bite: Interview with Puja Paul by Aparupa Biswas and Mini Chaterjee
Back cover
MUSTARD SEEDS MAIL ART CONTEST