The Lal Badam Tree is a translation of an Urdu story written by Rumana Husain. This level 3 book (for reading independently) from Pratham effortlessly merges the charm of an old world story with the contemporary colours and textures in Ruchi Mhasane’s art. At the heart of the picture book is the Lal Badam Tree that is both a source of endless joy and irritation. It brings joy to Rashida and Anwar—and the parrots that frequent their house—who constantly gorge on the kernels hidden within the seeds. But it also irritates Ammi no end because the children have been using the doors in the house as a sort of a crusher to break open the seeds. So she shouts in anger and forbids the children from eating the kernels. But children will always be resourceful and Rashida and Anwar strike upon an idea to appease Ammi while continuing to eat the kernels. The Lal Badam tree is set in Karachi’s old mohalla, and Ruchi’s art beautifully captures the timeless quality of the solitary tree standing in a corner of the courtyard.
November 2016, volume 40, No 11