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+.