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This brilliantly researched collaboration between a graphic artist and archaeologist meticulously presents the story of the Indus Valley Civilization in a comic-book format. Through an unnamed narrator, it presents complex historiographical issues accessibly, not shying away from difficult debates of origin and identity. The imagination of the Indus cities requires fidelity to known objects and structures. The book adheres to this closely.
Unknown Heroes of India’s Freedom Struggle
The term ‘freedom struggle’ conjures images of iconic leaders, yet there were millions of others who contributed to India’s independence, displaying remarkable courage and sacrifice at their own small levels. Journalist P. Sainath documents the lives of these lesser-known figures, many in their twilight years. The graphic format brings their stories alive in this fascinating children’s version.
An exceptional book that blends text and illustrations to introduce pioneering woman photographer Homai Vyarawalla. The story moves briskly from one photo to the next on Homai’s limited roll of film, with illustrations that brilliantly capture the photography process. The biographical note and facsimiles of Homai’s images at the end adds valuable context. This book is a model biography, hopefully setting tone for others to come.
This compelling story of a young boy in rural Tamil Nadu, leading a life differently from the likely readers of this book, spotlights the precarious and deprived, yet free existence of a child from a nomadic community, and the social context in which the family’s tradition occupation is abandoned. Neither school nor the care and comfort of family are in the picture. A thought-provoking read that can generate introspection and discussion.
The book attempts to bridge the divide between urban and rural children’s lived experiences. Suddenly uprooted because of his parents’ distress migration, Giri finds himself in a situation where he is no longer the smart and popular boy in his class as he once was. Instead, he is a silent stranger, whose language no one understands. How he slowly negotiates this new reality, and takes charge of his life, is an inspiring story, told with a light touch.
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.
Good poems for children are hard to come by, especially modern ones. This is a delightful collection of poems on all sorts of weird and wacky themes like dinosaur eggs and pangolins that play music. The incidents are bizarre yet identifiable. The language is witty and beautiful, with unusual words and carefully crafted rhythm. These are poems to read aloud, or silently to yourself, and enjoy the play of language and a parade of quirky creatures.
This lovely book, set in rural Kerala, features a captivating cast embodying essential questions- How to live with difference, how to remain curious, and hold on to dreams. These themes are delicately examined, allowing readers to think independently. The writing, simple yet richly layered, evokes a sense of place and rootedness. The illustrations are few but packed with detail and character.
