BOOK REVIEW: "JJ's Science Adventure - Heat & Light" by Aurelia Tan, Dr. Jonathon Koh and Andrew Ang

I have read many graphic/comic book stories during my childhood - Amar Chitra Kathas (India), Richie Rich, Dennis the Menace, Archie, Asterix, Tintin and so on.  I sometimes still do.  Recently, I heard about Aurelia's Comics for Education (ACE) - graphic novels for kids that teach science!  My interest was piqued!  But when I received a copy, I had to queue up because an 8-year old and his big sister got to it before I did!

Jonathan and Joyce are twins whose grandfather is Professor Tan, a scientist with an important invention - the "World Maker" which helps the twins learn science in an enjoyable way.  Joyce has a special bag that transforms into a portal and takes them into different worlds.  Rob-O is a robot that accompanies the twins in their trips to different worlds, helping and guiding them.

In this story, "Heat & Light", the twins are on a mission to find a puzzle piece in a mining tunnel. But little do they know that they are secretly being followed by one of the evil Professor Sinister's minions.  Will the twins be successful in their mission?

I liked how the authors have incorporated various scientific concepts into the story and weaved them into an exciting adventure!  Various scientific principles related to heat and light are explained in a simple manner.  These help the twins get out of trouble and even to escape dangerous situations.

Silly sibling interactions and awkward situations for the bad guys also give this story an element of humour.  I found Joyce's sensitivity to Professor Sinister particularly amusing.

The illustrations by Nicholas Liem are a winner.  Beautiful, colourful, and suitable pictures complement the story and transport the reader into the world being discovered by the twins in the story.

And that's not all!  The "Did you know?" and "Challenge yourself" sections provide additional information and fun word games at the end of the book.

Overall, this book is a fantastic read for both, boys and girls 7+.  A story book and graphic novel, with adventure, science, humour and plenty of excitement - ALL in one! (http://www.harvestedutainment.com/)

BOOK REVIEW: "Sona and the Wedding Game" by Kashmira Sheth/ Yoshiko Jaeggi

Wedding games have traditionally been a part of Indian weddings since hundreds of years ago when child marriage was very common.  In those days, the games were ice-breakers for the groom and the bride who would've often NOT even seen each other before!  It was also a good way for the two families to get to know one another.  Today the games are still played, but more as a tradition and to add a fun element to the entire marriage celebration.

In this book, Sona is about to attend her first Indian wedding - her sister's!  The more Sona hears about the different, the more fascinated she gets.  There are several traditions that make up the entire wedding program - the mehndi, the groom riding on a white horse, colourful rangoli and garlands over doorways.  It almost seems like a festival!  But what leaves her most astounded is the tradition where she, as the bride’s sister, must steal the groom’s shoes!  

Sona is worried if she will be successful in her important job.  What do you think will happen?

Kashmira Sheth and Yoshiko Jaeggi have weaved this Indian wedding story into a fantastic picture book.   The text authentically portrays the excitement of a first Indian wedding from Sona’s perspective.  Her observations, thoughts and questions help her understand the various ceremonies that make up the wedding.  The tilak or kumkum, the mantras chanted by the priest, walking around the sacred fire seven times – are all explained in a simplistic way. 

Amazingly life-like illustrations spectacularly depict the flurry of activity and enthusiasm that pervades in a wedding household.  Even the ceremonies that make up the wedding, such as mehndi, applying turmeric paste on the bride’s face, the groom riding on a white horse, the bride and groom walking around the holy fire – have all been shown in a remarkably realistic manner.

This is a great multicultural book for children learning about various cultures.  A great resource book on Indian weddings for children.  

Appropriate for audiences 6+.                                           

BOOK REVIEW: "Juna's Jar" by Jane Bahk/Felicia Hoshino

Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award

"Juna’s Jar" is a story about coming to terms with the absence of a friend or loved one. It is filled with both, sad and exciting moments.

When Juna's best friend moves away, she is miserable without him.  She tries to cope with his absence in various ways, each of which involve an empty jar of kimchi.  A small fish swimming in the jar lifts Juna off on an exciting underwater adventure.  When a small bean plant is grown in the jar, Juna climbs down into a rainforest where she has another thrilling adventure.  Next the jar becomes home for a cricket. Juna takes off on the ride of her life flying over the city on the cricket's back.  

Everywhere she goes, Juna looks for Hector and wishes he had been with her.  As Juna wonders what she could put in it next, she finds the most perfect thing she could have wished for.  What is it?  You'll have to read to find out.

This is a beautiful book with charming illustrations that made me fall in love with Juna and story. There's plenty in this story for children - being at one with nature, friendship, adventure and most of all, the message of moving on. 

Appropriate for children 5+.

BOOK REVIEW: "Balu's Basket" by Chitra Soundar and Uttara Sivadas (Publ: Tulika)

Sometimes objects come in handy in unexpected ways, for purposes other than what they are intended for!  (Just like the time my husband used a clean diaper to take care of a coffee spill in a rental car!!)

For Balu, a routine walk home turns into a special experience, all because of a basket!

On his way home from school, Balu finds an abandoned basket on the street.  He picks it up and continues his journey home.  On the way, he uses his basket in various ways to help vendors selling their wares as in a typical village market!  An egg-seller running after his chicks, a flower-seller with her crying baby, a fruit seller with fruits that roll off his table, and more!

The story is accompanied by lovely illustrations that bring to life an Indian village market and make us an eager observer to Balu's journey home.

As I read this story to children, before turning each page we played a guessing game about who Balu would help next and how!

There are several things in this story - the importance of reusing and recycling, the power of creativity and feeling good by helping others.

Highly recommended for children 3+.

BOOK REVIEW: "Troll Swap" by Leigh Hodgkinson

This is the first book I've ever read by Leigh Hodgkinson, the author/illustrator.  A google search revealed she has written and/or illustrated several other beautiful picture books.

What do you do if you are not what others expect you to be?  Do you continue being who you are, or do you change yourself to please the others?

Timothy Limpet is a troll unlike other trolls.  He likes being clean, lives in a dry, well-lit cave.

Tabitha Lumpit is a little girl unlike other little girls and boys.  She likes being messy, loud and having lots of fun.  "Tabitha Lumpit would rather pick her nose than a flower any day of the week."

For both, Timothy and Tabitha, it is not easy trying to be the opposite of what they already are!  But what can they do?

When their paths collide one day, they find the answer to that question!  Can you guess what it is?
Well, what's the title of the book?
Yes, they SWAP places!

Timothy is happy that he is with Tabitha's parents who appreciate his tidy habits.  Tabitha is happy she can be as loud and messy as she wants with Timothy's family!  Timothy's and Tabitha's families are, of course, delighted that the little ones at home are exactly what they're expected to be!

So does everyone live happily ever after?  Does Tabitha live happily for ever in Timothy's house and does Timothy live happily for ever in Tabitha's house?  You'll have to read the book to find out!
(I'll give you a clue: it's nice to stand out in a crowd!)

The two characters are relatable to children with their tidy/messy habits, quiet/loud nature and polite/impolite ways.  I love the adorable illustrations in this book.

An amusing, entertaining story for children 4+, and yet has a message.

BOOK REVIEW: The Pleasant Rakshasa by Sowmya Rajendran and Niveditha Subramaniam

Monsters are a theme that have inspired several children's books and movies.  "The Gruffalo", "Go Away Big Green Monster", "Where the Wild Things Are" are only a few of the popular ones.

"The Pleasant Rakshasa" bears semblance to the classic, "The Rainbow Fish".  Karimuga is one pleasant 'rakshasa' (monster).  The other rakshasas think he's lucky because of his beautiful purple skin, bright pink cheeks, splendid red eyes, teeth as yellow as wild flowers, wonderful hairy legs and huge belly!  But Karimuga doesn't feel the same!  He doesn't like being the reason for anybody's sadness.  He wishes that the other rakshasas could have his beauty.  His wish does come true!  But is Karimuga happy thereon?  It is not until Karimuga discovers something about himself that makes him a very HAPPY rakshasa. Read the book to find out what it is!

The text flows well in simple language except for two words - "immortality" and "invincibility" that I was surprised to come across in a book categorized for 3+.  But quirky, colourful illustrations make the story enjoyable.  Overall, an enjoyable read with the wonderful message of friendship and sharing.

Recommended for ages 4+.

BOOK REVIEW: “Kanna Panna” by Zai Whitaker/Niloufer Wadia (Publ: Tulika Publishers)

Zai Whitaker has written a number of books on wildlife, conservation and indigenous people.  This story is about the 'differently abled'.

What would you do if nobody 'understands' you?  That's how the main character, Kanna feels.  He is a quiet boy who doesn’t speak much even though words play around in his mind.  But when something happens during his stay with his Aunty’s family, the incident changes him into a whole new person!

Kanna, his Uncle, Aunty and cousins get trapped in the deep, dark maze of cave temples due to a sudden power outage.  Everyone is terrified, except Kanna.  The darkness does not scare him for he is used to it – Kanna is blind!

I love this heartening story and the charming illustrations that go with it. Kanna is such a cute little boy that during my first read of the book, I wondered why the parents were constantly picking on him.  That he is blind gets revealed rather suddenly, making the reader view Kanna differently.  But what follows is truly inspiring!

This story brings forth the power of the less abled and reminds us that being ‘normal’ has its limitations.  One must never take anyone for granted! What a surprise for Kanna's Aunty when someone unexpected likes Kanna comes to the rescue! 

A thought-provoking read for children 8+.  Can be read by slightly younger children too.

BOOK REVIEW: “Ashwathy and the Boot of God” by Sowmya Rajendran (Publ: Puffin)

  

I was intrigued by the title of this book when I spotted it on display at the Starmark bookstore in Chennai.  A glance at the back cover and I was hitched.  And I'm happy to say that I enjoyed reading this book.

When 14-year old Ashwathy of Kuttipuram, Kerala, stumbles upon a boot with a little notebook inside it, she is surprised to meet God who tells her about a murder mystery she, Ashwathy, has been ‘chosen’ to solve.  To help her investigate, God puts her in touch with the murdered woman, Sreeja, who appears before Ashwathy in a dream to share her story. 

A cigarette stub, a strange husband, a quiet daughter, a diary. Ashwathy has some serious investigating to do.  She seeks help from her friends.  Together they form the unofficial FBI Branch of Kuttipuram, Kerala.  With God’s help, they disguise themselves as grown-ups (I especially enjoyed these parts!) to probe around for further clues to help them solve the mystery.

A typical lecturing mother, a supportive father, teachers’ expectations, teen crushes – add to the mystery to make this book enjoyable for all children 12+.  The only awkward character is the math teacher making Ashwathy, and the reader, feel uncomfortable in his presence.  We often get hints until the real story about him unveiled. 

The FBI Branch of Kuttipuram do emerge winners.  In fact, Ashwathy even sets the math teacher right in her own way with some assistance from God.

I loved how God is portrayed in the story as a helpful, caring, light-hearted woman.  She makes jokes about breaking 108 coconuts as offering, brings tea and even asks for toddy!

A humourous and fast-paced read for ages 12+.  Some adults would relish too!

BOOK REVIEW: "What Shall I Wear Today?" by Natasha Sharma/Tanvi Choudhury

Written in informal verse, this simple story is about a problem confronted by many (adults included!)  - "What shall I wear today?"

The little girl on the cover just can't figure out what to wear - pants are too tight, shirts with buttons are troublesome, lehengas are too long, salwars are slippery, and so on.  Will she ever find the perfect thing to wear?

Charmingly illustrated by Tanvi Choudhury, this book has a subtle message for children - that problems must not be cried about.  Instead one should look for ways to overcome them.

This book is perfect as a read-aloud and also for children learning to read. (Ages 4+)

BOOK REVIEW: "Bookasura" by Arundhati Venkatesh

Another hilarious read by Arundhati Venkatesh, author of the Petu Pumpkin series.

Summer hols have started and Bala is bored.  Amma and Appa are always attending to his baby sister who cries, eats and poops all the time.  Thankfully, he has his good friends for company - his BOOKS!  

However, their existence is threatened when Bala finds his baby sister eating up the pages from one of them.  Bala knows what to do - he locks them up in his cupboard.  But what will he do all summer long?  

Soon Bala finds himself on his way to his grandparents' in Melagam.  Bala carries his ten favourite books with him.

Thatha tells lots of stories while Paati makes the most delicious things to eat - dosa, vada, mysore paak and more!

One day, when Bala visits Appa's friends, Navaneeth Uncle and Kala Aunty, he goes exploring in their orchard.  Kala Aunty warns him about not going near the well.  But that’s the place Bala decides to rest and read.  Before long, there is a flash in the sky and a monster stands before him - multi-headed, moustached, book-eating monster, Bookasura! 

Bala is terrified when the monster gobbles up four of his favourite books!  Not only that, Bala must provide three books every day to keep the monster happy. 

Bala is in trouble when he has no more books to feed the monster.  Inspired by Thatha’s story of Bakasura and Amma’s constant criticism of TV, he comes up with a plan.  What does he do?

The author plays well with words - Bakasura, Bookasura, Bakwaasura!  Bala’s conversations with the monster are amusing with the clever use of titles of popular children’s books.  

I liked how the book finally ended, but disliked what I felt were unnecessary descriptions about heads splitting open and eyeballs falling out.  However, some children may enjoy reading about that stuff.

Overall, an enjoyable read for children 6+.

BOOK REVIEW: "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate

Winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal

A shopping mall like no other... With a circus!

An elephant, a dog, a parakeet and a gorilla who has spent 25 years of his life in captivity!

That is what this story is about.  Katherine Applegate brings to us a true story of a male silverback gorilla who was taken thousands of miles away from his home in the forests of Africa.

 Narrated in first person, Ivan tells us about his life in a glass cage, his friends, people around him and humans who visit. 

"I wish humans could understand me the way I can understand them."

Ivan is observed and mocked by circus visitors who beat their chests and expect him to do the same – behave like how they think gorillas behave instead of just sitting and staring back at them.

"It's not as easy as it looks."

Ivan’s glass domain has a tyre swing, a tiny plastic pool and an old TV.  One of the walls even depicts a jungle scene.  But that’s of no use for it doesn’t give the sensation of a real jungle like the feel of a cool breeze, the warmth of the sun and the smell of the flowers.

But there are some things he does like about his life - talking to Bob, the dog and Stella, the elephant, watching movies on TV and drawing pictures!

His favorite human is Julia, the ten year old daughter of the cleaner, who not only seems to understand him, but also inspires him as an artist. 

           

The arrival of Ruby, a baby elephant, is a significant turning point in the story.  Ruby is insecure in her new home.  An ailing Stella helps her adapt and accept her new life.  Before she dies, Ivan promises her to take care of Ruby who is being forcibly trained by Mack to perform tricks for the circus.

Ruby reminds Ivan of his childhood.  Of life outside his glass 'domain'. But he is so used to his captive life that he is unsure about going back to a life of freedom in the forests.

Ivan doesn’t want Ruby to have the same life he did.  He vows to take her back to freedom.  Away from the hook, away from bondage. Back to freedom.  But how can a captive gorilla help a baby elephant?

What does Ivan do? Will he succeed in helping Ruby get a better life? 

Will Ivan ever regain his own freedom? 

I love this unique story with a non-human perspective of humans.  It brings to light the cruelty imposed by humans on animals by unfairly caging and mistreating them for their own benefit. 

This story has a message - about preconceived notions about animals, about perseverance and not giving up hope.  A wonderful read for all animal-lovers! 

"Humans waste words.  They toss them like banana peels and leave them to rot."

This book is a must-read for everyone 10+.  No more words to be wasted!

                                                                                                       

BOOK REVIEW: "Ashoka and the Muddled Messages" by Natasha Sharma/Tanvi Bhat

King Ashoka, or Ashoka the Great as he was known, ruled India more than 2000 years ago.  He was all for conquering and expanding his kingdom.  But the heavy loss of life in the battle at Kalinga (modern Orissa) made him a changed man.  He took to Buddhism and became a proponent of non-violence, imposing a ban on animal sacrifices and promoting vegetarianism.  He issued his views in the form of edicts and inscriptions carved on rocks and pillars in his kingdom. 

“Ashoka and the Muddled Messages” is a fictional story.  Someone is tampering with Ashoka’s edicts by conveying the opposite of what the king wants to communicate to his people.  Ashoka seeks help from his Tremendous Ten, a team of trustworthy female bodyguards, who use their prowess to investigate.

Other interesting characters in the story are Ashoka’s chief minister, Agramatya who dons different coloured beards and an incredibly fussy Queen Tishya who is sick of the strictly vegetarian meals cooked by the royal chef!

Who is responsible for altering the edicts?  You’ll have to read the book to find out!

I learned a few things about King Ashoka as part of my school curriculum years ago.  But, thanks to this story (especially the Fact or Fiction section in the end of the book), I learned a few new things – that Ashoka had female bodyguards, that coloured beards were in fashion in that era (why not now, I wonder?), how Ashoka married Queen Tishya, the different names for units of time, and so on.

A part of the HISTORY-MYSTERY series from Duckbill Publishers, this is an interesting read for middle level readers (9+).  Though some younger children may be able to read it, I think the sarcasm and humour will not be fully understood and appreciated. 

I loved the Fact or Fiction section at the end of the story.  But I would’ve liked to see a separate word glossary to look up while reading the story. 

The author, Natasha Sharma has creatively chalked out a well-written story about Ashoka’s real edicts.  Tanvi Bhat’s illustrations are wonderful, making it attractive for readers to pick up the book and satisfy their curiosity.

Look forward to reading other books in the series – “Akbar and the Tricky Traitor” and “Raja Raja and the Swapped Snacks”.

BOOK REVIEW: "The Adventures of Beekle-The Unimaginary Friend" by Dan Santat

A 2015 Caldecott winner

Author-illustrator Dan Santat brings us this story about a far-away island where imaginary friends are born and reside, waiting for a real child to pick them.  Beekle is one such imaginary friend.  But soon he is left alone in the island for he is the only one who has not been picked. 

Disappointed but determined, Beekle sets out on a journey to the real world.  He must find a real child who will be his friend!

Beekle finds the world of real people unfamiliar and strange until he sees other imaginary friends like himself.  But where is his friend?

Beekle climbs atop a tree.  There are many real children around him.  But when no real child comes to him, he feels sad. 

However, the windy autumn day brings something with it that makes Beekle feel better.  What is it and what happens next?

I like this book for various reasons.  One, this is the first time I read a story about imaginary friends instead of children with imaginary friends.  Two, the first sentence of the story really got me hooked– “He was born on an island far away where imaginary friends were created.”  Three, the depictions of various imaginary friends, including Beekle himself, are very likeable.  And finally, the way this book ends makes me wonder if there’ll be a sequel for readers to look forward to.

This book is appropriate for children 4+.  There is a message in the story - that life is full of ups and downs.  One must never give up on one’s dreams, but keep trying.

BOOK REVIEW: "Chained" by Lynne Kelly

Winner of the Crystal Kite Award for 2013

'Chained' is set in a fictional village in Rajasthan.  The story is about ten-year old Hastin whose sister, Chanda, is seriously ill with malaria.  When home remedies don’t seem to work, Hastin’s mother takes Chanda to the nearest hospital in the city far from their village. 

Chanda can be treated, but it will cost Hastin’s family more than they can afford.  Hastin's father is not alive.  But a kind man named Raju Sharma pays off the money needed for Chanda’s treatment.  However, Hastin’s mother must pay off their dues by working for the man in the city, away from her children!

When Hastin visits his mother in the city, he sees her poor working conditions and decides that he must step up as 'the man of the house'.  He begins looking for work.  But who will hire a young, untrained boy? 

ENTER Timir, a former circus owner looking to restart a circus.  Timir hires Hastin to work for him for a year - a period of time Hastin must work to earn money to repay his family’s debt.  And so Hastin begins his work as an elephant keeper!  

His first task is to catch a wild elephant in the jungle.  As much as he dislikes the idea of his task, he must do whatever his master says.  Every day he keeps watch on a troop of elephants that come to the jungle river, wishing that none of them ever fall into the nasty pit dug up by Timir's men.  But alas, one day, it happens!  And the one to fall in the pit is none other than the baby elephant he calls Nandita!

Hastin and Nandita develop a special bond over time.  Hastin sees himself in her for they are both separated from their families! 

One day, Hastin learns that the elephant trainer, Sharad has been mistreating Nandita to force her to do certain tricks.  To add to it, Timir makes her to perform more shows that eventually lead to Nandita's exhaustion and she collapses!  Kind old Ne Min, Timir’s cook, advises Hastin about taking care of Nandita when she is injured and unwell.

Hastin is miserable.  He feels responsible for Nandita's enslavement and often thinks of running away and freeing Nandita as well.

Timir is unsatisfied and angry about Nandita’s condition and blames Hastin for it.  He declares that Hastin must serve him for more than a year as penalty.

Do things ever get better for Hastin and Nandita?  Will they ever regain their freedom?   To find out, you'll have to read the book.

The story moves slowly, but becomes fast-paced after the first few chapters.  

I particularly liked the part where Hastin watches the elephants enjoying themselves in the river.  The scene where Nandita gets trapped and Hastin’s reaction to it is particularly touching!  I also liked how the author builds the suspense on the past lives of Ne Min and Sharad, making me curious to read further.

I didn't find the climax very convincing, but liked how the story ended.

Overall, I think this book is a great read for ages 10+.

BOOK REVIEW: “Poachers in Paradise” by Shamim Padamsee

The second book in The Adventures of the Flying Magic Jharokha series, Poachers in Paradise is Vayu and Deeya’s second adventure to find the second (out of three) keys to free their Uncle Jadoo from an evil djinn (spirit).

To help fulfill their mission, Jhoky, the magic flying window, takes the children to Kashmir where they befriend a Kashmiri girl, Zoon and her dog, Chimpu.

Poachers are out hunting for the native Kashmiri deer, hangul, for its beautiful antlers.  Vayu and Deeya, along with Zoon and Chimpu, help get the poachers arrested.

Bearing semblance to the Magic Treehouse series, this series is easy to read for readers who have reading skills.  I like this series because it not only whisks off readers on exciting adventures, but also gives them information about things unique to the place visited.  For instance, this story acquaints readers with things local to Kashmir - the hangul deer, kahwa (local tea), pheran (traditional dress for women) and wazwan (traditional feast).

I highly recommend this series for ages 6+ or anyone who loves the Magic Treehouse series.

BOOK REVIEW: "Girl Overboard! A Rose among Thorns" by Sheri Tan and Fernando Hierro

                                                      

My first book review for a Singapore themed book!!  

                  

Thirteen year old Rosie feels like her world has ended when her family moves from New York to Singapore.  She misses her old room and friends in New York.  Though she loves Grandma, she can’t understand why her family had to move to Singapore just to take care of her. 

Rosie hates Singapore – with the same old weather every day, school uniforms and after-school enrichment classes.  She shares her innermost thoughts and feelings in a diary that Grandma has gifted her.

Unlike Rosie, her eight year old brother, Alex, loves Singapore with its zoo and aquarium.  He often troubles her with his obsession for spiders and annoys her by touching her things.

Rosie’s first day at Woodside International School doesn’t go too well.  She not only makes an embarrassing entry into her classroom, but also gets punished by the gym teacher.  Could things get any worse?

Fortunately, an kind bus lady, Auntie Nora, helps Rosie get through her difficult days of being ‘new’.  Pink, a new friend, also helps her in times of crisis like when Rosie wants to get back at her arch rival for printing a silly picture of her in the school newsletter.

I bought this book at the Singapore Writers Festival.  At first glance it looked like a book for a younger audience (8-10 yrs) because of the font size, the illustrations and the length of the story.  But as I skimmed through it, I knew the content would interest my 13-year old, who eventually couldn't put this book down until she was finished with it.  Both, she and I, could completely associate with this book for it was somewhat ‘our’ story - we moved out of US a few years ago, my daughter has a pesky eight year old brother, we miss our friends, et al!

A mom who experiments with local dishes, kids wearing uniform jumpsuits at the Chinese New Year family reunion, Dad’s suit getting a makeover – are some of the other things that will give young readers a good laugh.

I liked the book for its simple story and amusing illustrations/comic strips.  A minor thing, but I did wonder why none of the parents accompanied their children to the bus stop on their first day of school.

Overall, a good read for young readers in Singapore, many of whom are expat children and will connect well with Rosie.

Looking forward to reading the second book in the series… "Girl Overboard! A Rose grows in the Jungle".

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl and the Bicycle by Matt Pett

 Another classic wordless book by another author-illustrator (I had reviewed Journey and Quest by Aaron Becker a few weeks ago).  This is the most recent picture book by Matt Pett. 

A girl desires the green bicycle that she sees in the display window of a shop.  But when she checks her piggy bank, she realizes she doesn’t have enough to buy the bicycle.  She desperately searches all possible places around the house for loose change that could have slipped here and there. But her small finds do not suffice.  So she sets up a lemonade stand and even puts up her toys for sale.  But even that doesn’t yield enough returns to be able to buy the bicycle.

Disappointed, the girl sits under a tree, watching her little brother playing with the falling leaves.  A flash of inspiration and she gets an idea!  She offers to rake leaves from her neigbours’ yards to earn some money.

A kind lady takes on her services.  The girl helps the lady through the different seasons – raking leaves in the autumn, clearing snow in the winter, planting seeds and cleaning out the garage in the spring and even walking the lady’s dog. 

Finally, there comes a day when she has enough money to get the bicycle.  Excitedly, she runs to the store.  But alas, the bicycle is gone!  It has already been sold!

Saddened by the futility of her efforts, she once again sits down to think, watching her little brother play with his toy bicycle.  Seemingly inspired by him, she gets another idea! 

What is her idea and what happens next?  You must ‘see’ the book to find out!

I like this book for the simple sketches that give us every sense of the girl’s feelings – joy, sadness, hope, a sense of achievement, shock, disappointment, gratitude.  

Even though the entire story is rendered in sort of a grayish-brown, black and white, one doesn’t miss the lack of colours at all.  The only thing depicted in colour is the green bicycle in question, besides of course, one scene where the red airplane (from the author-illustrator’s The Boy and the Airplane) makes an appearance.

As I flipped through the book observing the pictures, I reached a point when I thought the story was over.  But then when I finally turned to the last page, my heart was touched by the last illustration! 

Appropriate for 6+ years, this story is about not losing heart, learning to handle disappointments and solve problems, being kind and selfless and showing a sense of gratitude.  Be good and good things will happen to you.

BOOK REVIEW: Meddling Mooli and the Blue-Legged Alien by Asha Nehemiah, Sayantan Halder

I was at Higginbothams, Chennai, browsing the children's section for books by Indian writers when I stumbled upon this amusing read.  The author's name drew my attention to this book.  In the past I have read a couple of other good reads by her - "Mrs. Woolly's Funny Sweaters" and "The Mystery of the Secret Hair Oil Formula".  Asha Nehemiah has written several other wonderful books that I look forward to laying my hands on.  But for now here is her first book from the Meddling Mooli series.

Mooli (Murali) and Soups (Supriya) are best friends.  They follow a website called WAYOUTS (World's As Yet Original Untried Tricks and Stunts) and try to do some tricks of their own.  But this means chaos and trouble for the grown-ups!  Mooli's mother's kitchen is a mess, her list is gone and so is her electric beater.  How can she be filmed making her special cookies without her tools?

To win a prize on WAYOUTS, Mooli and Soups make a list of possible 'original' tricks.  One such trick is for a blindfolded Mooli to shoot a suction arrow on a spinning globe while calling out the name of the country it would land on.  But can anyone be successful without failing a few times?  

The arrows land everywhere, but on the globe - on Mrs.Mehta's dog, on a tree, a vacant balcony and even Mr.Reddy's forehead!  Worst of all, Mr.Reddy thinks the flowers from his garden are being stolen by Mooli and Soups! 

In their bid to prove themselves innocent, the two give Mr.Reddy a demo of how bad Mooli's aim is.  But instead Mooli's arrow makes it to the globe on the exact country he called out, much to their own surprise!  

Now all the kids must do is write to WAYOUTS about their success, along with a testimony from a witness.  And their only witness is Mr. Reddy!  But considering he still thinks they are the flower thieves, will he agree to give them a witness letter?

Will Mooli and Soups win a prize on WAYOUTS?  What do the Best Garden Competition, a video camera, a blue-legged alien, a toy remote-controlled airplane have anything to do with the rest of the story?  You can find out only if you read the book!!  

This book is appropriate for 7+.  

I liked this book because it is easy to read and has apt illustrations that go with the hilarious situations the characters find themselves in.  The story not only entertains, but also encourages children to try out new things, be responsible, accept disappointments and not give up.

BOOK REVIEW: Mala's Silver Anklets by Annie Besant, Nancy Raj

Look at the little girl on the cover and you can sense how mischievous and cute she is! 

Mala likes to sneak upon people - she upsets the cat, alarms her grandmother, frightens her little brother and scares the postman.  

One day, Mala's mother brings her a special gift - a pair of silver anklets!  Mala wears her new anklets and proudly walks around.  But soon she discovers a problem.  “Chik Chik Chum” the anklets make a sound everywhere she goes; when she tries to upset the cat, when she tries to alarm her grandmother, when she tries to frighten her little brother and when she tries to scare the postman.  Now the anklets tell everyone that she is coming!

Mala is disappointed.  What does she do?  Read the book to find out.

I was enamoured by the simplicity of the story and the perfect illustrations that show Mala to be what she is - clever, naughty and cute!

Another one of my favourites from Tulika Publishers, this book reminded me of my own dislike for silver anklets as a child.  Though it was not because of the same reason as Mala, I wore them only for very, very special occasions.

A fun read-aloud for little ones 3+ with its sound effects - Booooo, Hisssss, Muahahaha, Heehaw when Mala scares everyone and a melodious Chik Chik Chum for the anklets.  A great read for children 5+ as well.

A Book-lover's Paradise!

        

If you are in Mumbai looking for that perfect bookstore, Kitab Khana may just be the one!

Housed in a more than 100-year old heritage building, the store is a "treasure trove" of books.  At first glance, the place doesn't seem that big, but as you walk in, you find that they have well-stocked shelves that line up the walls and their partial upper level as well.  A raised platform, displaying books, is also used as a stage during events like book launches and readings.

With its beautiful 'antique' interior that blends in well with its well-stocked bookshelves, the store has an elaborate collection of books of all kinds - from classics to contemporaries, philosophy to management, various genres, several languages.

I headed straight for the children's section and was delighted to be greeted by several books that I had not seen in any of the major book store chains in the country (which only stock popular reads and hardly any books by Indian children's writers).

 My children were excited to find books by their favourite authors and to discover some interesting new reads! 

The store is well-organized, staff were helpful.  We spent more than two hours in the store and didn't even know it!

If you get hungry, there is a cafeteria with an assortment of cakes and snacks that can be enjoyed in a large sitting area.

Now each time I visit Mumbai, I know where I will be headed for sure!