When I first read the title It’s So Hot!, I was instantly reminded of Nagaur district in Rajasthan. How could I not? That was the first time I had faced such unbearable heat and still had work to do. The only difference is that Nagaur is a small town, while the book’s illustrations capture the harsh heat of a big city.
The book tells the story of one scorching hot day. People, animals, trees, plants, everyone is restless, struggling under the blazing sun. It reminds us that heat spares no one; humans, animals, nature, everything gets caught in its grip. The book shows how people travelling to work, especially in crowded areas, suffer in the summer heat. Roads are noisy with traffic, cars honking, people shouting, and arguing. Women cannot walk barefoot, searching for an auto to ride. Some cannot even stand near the cobbler’s shop because of the burning ground. Children cannot play in open fields and desperately look for shade.
Puppies play under dripping taps. The heat keeps rising, the honking gets louder, the shouting turns angrier. And in the middle of all this chaos, a huge cow sits calmly, wagging its tail, simply watching the scene.
Finally, evening arrives in a soft pink hue, and everyone breathes a sigh of relief.
While reading the book, words like ‘heat’ and ‘hot’ brought back memories of my own childhood summer vacations. To my grandmother’s home, mangoes, litchis, jamuns, evenings spent playing with siblings under mango and neem trees, climbing custard apple trees, doing a little homework, and taking afternoon naps. Those days came alive in my mind, though I missed seeing them in the book. Maybe it’s because we have moved far away from our villages, leaving behind their fresh air and simple joys, and become bound to city life for work.
There is very little text in the book, and the illustrations are beautiful. They are full of emotions, showing expressions vividly. With just a few words, the book says much; it feels almost like a slap on humanity’s face. This thin, small book is meant for children, but it actually holds up a mirror to society. It warns us: if you don’t care for nature, this will be your fate. It doesn’t just show the struggles of summer but also points towards finding causes and solutions to this growing heat.
The book gives us a chance to think, reflect, and understand not just children, but every human being. In its own way, it reminds us of our mistakes and responsibilities, urging us to remain sensitive and mindful towards nature.
A little, thin book but truly a very beautiful one.
Melody Xalxo works with the Eklavya Foundation, Bhopal, engaging with primary grade teachers, students, Anganwadis, and the wider community. She is a teacher educator and a storyteller. She is passionate about children’s learning and community-driven education. Her interests include reading, writing, nature journaling, and painting, which often inspire her work and reflections.