The alliteration in the title of the book caught my attention. However, my thoughts ran, ‘Will it attract the target reader?’ Why not? It’s a picture book; no doubt. Nevertheless, it occurred to me that it could cover a wide range of young readers.
The lap-sit reader, sitting on the mother’s lap would be fascinated by the illustration on the front cover continued on the back cover. She would pull the book from the mother’s hand; turn it front to back and also start flipping the pages with wide-eyed wonder. Soon parent and child would be lost to the world with eyes glued to the illustrations, page after page, with ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, mother trying to interpret them in a way the child would appreciate.
To the beginner reader, the rhyme and rhythm of the words would be an added attraction.
The dimple in his chin
and his cheeky grin
can get him out of many a sin.
Several others such.
To the next higher age group of readers, reading the book becomes a good activity as well, to connect the generously large and bright illustrations with the words associated to them on each page. To the primary school readers, depending on personal comprehension level and the kind of help received from the parent, the story becomes captivating. The senior primary school reader is on her/his own. The book becomes a good companion. Read aloud happens with eyes on the illustrations as well. You can see the pages turned back and forth to enjoy the words and illustrations. The large, round, expressive eyes of the characters steer the reader through their emotions and feelings.
I became such a child at heart with the book in my hand. My child ego blossomed, pushing the adult ego to the back burner. Putting my fingers to the keyboard to write a review came at a later stage. It is worth mentioning the takeaway—the exciting hunt for the thief of the missing things in the house culminates in an endearing family relationship which surfaces towards the end of the story in a natural way. The invaluable worth of such a relationship if etched in the young mind at this stage will last a lifetime.
‘Mummy, you should rest.
You don’t always have to be your best.’
We bring her breakfast in bed,
masala chai and anda bhurji
on warm and fluffy bread…
…says the young protagonist as her wobbly younger brother and cocker spaniel as lazy as a snail trail behind her. The ending of the story on an inspiring and happy note is worth mentioning.
I hope young parents will decide to buy the book for their children and/or for birthday gifting. Though at first glance the book may feel pricey, I can say it wouldn’t be money wasted. There are enough thoughts and actions that could be organized and comprehended on a simple mind map tree that will be hours of fun learning for the reader.