Tag Archives: Beginners

Cutpiece Kumar is a book aimed at channelling the creative minds of children to take up suitable projects which they could be proud of. This neatly illustrated book very significantly highlights the stitching together of a patch work quilt by a boy, to welcome his soon to be born sister.

The kingdom was populated by people who were eager and intelligent to find answers to any and every question that came their way. But weighing Appukuttan on a machine was next to impossible.

To write for children demands a particular kind of sensitivity and, if I may say so, a childlike spirit. The ability to reach their level without sermonizing; to see the world through their eyes, and resist the pull of adulthood—to write for them is to become them.

Khushboo ki Chori is a high-quality anthology that serves as an introduction to classic Bengali children’s literature for Hindi readers. Its strength lies in sheer quality of the original contributors, which includes celebrated names like Leela Majumdar, Narayana Gangopadhyay, and Sukumar Ray.

Kavita Singh Kale’s illustrations are hand-drawn, with visible strokes and layered shading. Their grainy warmth echoes the boy’s small, tender world, mosque domes shaded in twilight blues, and eyes brimming with unshed tears. The book gently touches on desire, faith, dignity,

In another, the finding of a bear’s nail turns a simple trek into a tale tinged with dread, balancing the real with the mythical. In the third, a playful young monk’s journey to disciplined devotion culminates in a tree of light and life—a parable of patience.

But Papa, I did not cry.’ In another story, science and wonder walk side-by-side. From ice cream to Einstein’s Museum, relativity is explained so simply that even children can see its lightness. Yet beyond science, kindness, and rescue shine.

Suno Kahani 2 unfolds with ‘Badi Hokar Main Hawai Jahaaz Banungi’ where a mother and daughter turn the everyday into sky-bound play, and imagination acts as both—wings and the destination. In ‘Khoya Hua Haathi’, an elephant wanders into town— for the crowd it is a spectacle; for the elephant, a lost path back home.

Yet in sharing it, he transformed that private gift into one that now belongs to countless children. The book does not ask its young readers to follow a strict order. Chapters can be read like leaves plucked from a branch. In this playfulness lies the essence of childhood, discovery without boundaries, freedom without rules.

Ek tha Ramu is a tender tale of human-animal companionship. This book tells of a man’s love for a stray dog and the grief that follows its loss. Ashok Seksariya’s narrative is simple yet moving, while Neelesh Gahlot’s illustrations, though limited in number, add warmth and poignancy. The story introduces children to the intensity of attachment and the inevitability of mortality in a manner both gentle and memorable.

Being left-out, alone, hurt, rejected— most of us have felt some or all of these emotions at some time or the other; for a short time or for longish periods as well. The protagonist in this book is a little girl who is constantly trying to be noticed and appreciated by her peers, whether in games or at school, or any other occasion. She feels there is nothing ‘good enough’ or ‘special’ about her that will win her their appreciation.

With an amazing concept and creative as well as colorful illustrations, this picture book is well worthy of all the awards and recognitions coming its way. The illustrations have very innovatively played around with the many words with ‘bb’/‘ee’ sound in the end.

The story Pet Mein Chhupi Kahaniyaan belongs to the folktale genre, in which a friend comes to the rescue of another friend— but what is the threat? This story has ‘stories’ as anthropomorphized characters which take on animal forms to seek revenge on their wrongdoer. The consequences of sleeping on a story could be ghastly. But it is also a story of friendship saving the day.

Rooted in facts about elephant migration, told from the perspective of elephants, and accessible to readers as young as 6-7 years when read aloud to them, Mari ka Safar is thoughtfully crafted. It successfully employs storytelling to create awareness about elephant migration and arouse empathy towards elephants. Additionally, a note at the end of the story explains and emphasizes the need to protect elephant corridors.

n the former, young readers are taught to empathize with the challenges of moving places and leaving behind familiar settings, and the opportunities of growth that are brought to the forefront, along with themes of sporting spirit and its role in self-confidence.

The simple current of the tale rolls on highs and lows, stalling on expressions emphasizing, ‘All for a Roar’, drifting into a tide of speedy actions affected by the roar and finally, the soothing efforts towards a cordial transformation. From the first word to the end, the author, Nandini Nayar, excels in maintaining a velvety flow of words lending a readable quality to the text. Young readers would read aloud the story effortlessly.

In all, there are thirteen stories of animals, people, bees, birds, thieves and disappearing words, some realistic as well as some imaginative. Most of the stories are brief and crisp, dealing with amusing topics—all quaint, intrinsically funny, fantastic and elementary.

The book is sweet and funny, with delightful illustrations by Simon Yeo that vividly bring the story to life. The visual storytelling complements Neil Flory’s narrative

Illustrated with warmth and charm by the author, the book captures the essence of Lakshmi’s quest and the joy of discovering a true friend in the most unexpected place. Sharanya Kunnath’s engaging storytelling, combined with vibrant illustrations, creates a touching tale that celebrates friendship and the beauty of finding connections where least expected.

Chambers: My First Picture Dictionary is an invaluable addition to any child’s picture book collection. Its comprehensive coverage of everyday objects, aspects of life, and relationships ensures that children are exposed to a wide array of vocabulary relevant to their world. The delightful illustrations and engaging characters make learning an enjoyable experience.