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An honest and insightful teenage novel about growing up in an adivasi community, being a part of its culture as well as its ominously threatened future. The young hero is in over his head in events he just about understands, where the peaceful world of the Gonds clashes with the greed of the commercial world outside.
Despite a lackluster front cover, Evan Purcell’s slim paperback adventure story has all the ingredients of a juicy fantasy story, thanks to a wonderfully conjured up central character, 12-year-old Karma Tendin the monster hunter, and equally engaging partners in friendship and crime. The pace is racy to the very last line of the story, and the writing quite simply superb. You will want more and guess what, you will get it!
10 Indian Animals You May Never See Again in the Wild
Ranjit Lal is at ease with writing both fiction and nonfiction. He is able to blend elements of one into the other with good effect. In this book, we are made aware not only about the precarious existence of the ten creatures he highlights, but also about the man-made reasons behind this unfortunate situation. His light touch ensures that this book will be read by all ages from 8 up.
A young boy’s attempts to reconcile his image of his estranged father with the rather less wonderful man who actually turns up in his life. A funny and loving look at families and how they learn to live, together or not.
A charming, quick-paced story that plays with words and makes them fun, bringing alive the everyday in a magical way. The theme of a child always asking ‘Why?’ is explored in an imaginative way and there is fortunately no big moral in the story. The illustrations are full of quirky details, to be looked at again and again for new delights everytime! The craft of storytelling through both the words and the pictures makes this book a real keeper.
Everyone’s grandma is supposed to be all warm and fuzzy and a great cook. But Biji rides a motorbike, loves to wear make up, and invents food mishmashes like mangoes with parantha. And Biji is a terrible cook. She does try, but what she comes up with is hilariously inedible. Until finally she finds that one thing she can actually cook well. The bright and action-filled illustrations help to make this colourful grandma real.
The Girl Who Loved Words: Mahashweta Devi
TThe book introduces writer Mahesweta Devi in wonderful, spare text and striking artwork that can inspire young readers to find out more about the writer. The writer’s love for words is presented through the trope of a bedtime story told by an older sister to her siblings, with the older sister revealed as Mahasweta at the end. The illustrations draw from the specific context of Bengal, paying homage to the art of Chittoproshad Bhattacharya.
This poignant narrative navigates the complexities of young adult life, while philosophically exploring death. Conversations feel authentic, and using ‘Death’ as a character and companion is an interesting device to reflect on the past and present. Pen and ink drawings suit the graphic format effectively. Importantly ending with hope and resolution, the story is insightful and wise, without being preachy. It would resonate with many young readers today.
