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+)