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+)