2023
The thing about nonsense verse is that while it seems like it has no meaning, the play of words is actually very meaningful. Gulzar’s Aapa ki Aapdi, accompanied by such wonderful art by Allen Shaw, is just that. The word ‘aapdi’ itself, probably a neologism, contains within its playful syllables the nature of being an Aapa—an older sister, perhaps bossy, perhaps a know-it-all.
From the very first spread that shows a top angle view of Anta Ghafeel, the hakim, with his horse, Allen Shaw evokes the solitariness of the character through the use of space.
Mehlli Gobhai, known as one of India’s foremost abstract artists, writes a magical tale and paints in a most un-abstract style in The Legend of the Orange Princess.
2023
The book tries to explain the concept of shadow through a linear narrative. If a reader is someone who isn’t familiar with the concept, the book doesn’t give enough for the reader to really understand the same.
2023
The book is based on a real-life character who is family to the author and loved dearly by her.
It covers a variety of topics and issues that might be of concern to any 10-year-old in today’s world and times.
The book won Second Prize in the category Read-aloud books/Picture Books in the Competition for Writers of Children’s Books organized by CBT.
It’s a very cute story that also features a vibrant use of colour that’s not just appealing to the eye, especially of those of children
2023
The book won a prize in the category Concept Books in the Competition for Writers of Children’s Books organized by CBT.
2022
The title of the book is somewhat misleading at first, since it’s not about a maternal relationship but in fact are fictional letters written by the Mangalyaan or Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM).
When she goes to her uncle and aunt in Madras for the holidays, she comes back as always with a great idea, and carrying an even greater box! What could be in it, her friends try to guess… No, it’s not Mysore Pak, it’s not an autographed cricket bat,
The book’s cover and the first few pages are predominantly black, setting the background just right for the narrative’s introductory theme—the dark night.
The book’s cover and the first few pages are predominantly black, setting the background just right for the narrative’s introductory theme—the dark night
2022
A touching tale about a little girl and her yaks, Tenzin’s Yaks is a story set in mountainous Ladakh
2022
The author Viky Arya has written and illustrated a sweet little book! It is about an adventurous ant named Chintu who leaves his ant family to follow a sweet smell that gets stronger as he gets closer.
2023
The story begins with a fight between Paati and Appa. The children, Selvan and Savi, are not pleased with the conflict. The issue of their struggle is that they are concerned about failed rice crop due to the use of lab-created seed. Appa believes that the lab-created seed is the high-yielding variety, and the production would be high. Paati, on the other hand, is not convinced.
2023
Jalebis epitomize the ordinariness in this poem and the pleasure of that ordinariness. Eulogizing the ordinary, which Sushil Shukla often does in his poems (Bhains ki Shaan Mein) and at times, making visible the unseen and the unnoticed (Kabhi Batooni Lagti Hain, unpublished), the poem presents a slice of the mundane as an event.
This bilingual book is a delightful reading for 3-6 years old children. It caters to their imagination. It unfolds the story of a feast hosted by King Lion, where the expectations of the attending animals take an unexpected turn.
What I like about the book is the King Lion’s friendly behaviour with all the animals.
This is a charming bilingual book designed to introduce the concept of seasons to early readers. Written in the form of verses, a format often appreciated and connected with by children, the book engages young readers.
Originally published in French, written and illustrated by Eric Battut, the story is about the homesickness and nostalgia felt by the residents of a cityside Zoo. When the animals confide in the Doctor who is visiting them for their annual health check-up, he realizes the uselessness of his medicines and prescriptions in the face of the deep despair all his patients feel.
A young boy comes home from school one day to face the loss of his Dadu. Aayan has many memories of his dear grandfather that he cherishes. He thinks of his Dadu with fondness and sadness. However, that is not all that troubles him.