Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Little Cloud’s Quest by Stephen Aitken and Sylvia Sikundar



Little Cloud’s Quest is the story of a little cloud and her journey as she looks for friends high up in the sky. 
Title: Little Cloud’s Quest
Published By: Katha
Story: Stephen Aitken and Sylvia Sikundar
Illustrations: Joyita Banerjee
Price: INR 120



What is it about: A little cloud is born and the book unfolds her story as she looks for friends to battle her loneliness?  The story is endearing as it reflects each one of us and our bid to fit in with the crowd.  Does the little cloud find friends in the Cirrus clouds or Cumulus clouds?  Does she end up lonely or with some friends who truly love her?
Read the story to know more.  

Why it stands Out:  Spread over 18 pages, this book has simple yet beautiful illustrations of the cloud and her journey.    The cloud facts appearing at the bottom of most pages are an excellent way to introduce young readers to little known facts about various types of clouds. 

Will be best enjoyed by: All kids above 7 years will enjoy this book.  

Tips for Moms and Teachers: Some activities you can link to this book are: 

Talk to children about the importance of loving themselves for who they are first before looking for acceptance from others like friends and peers. 
Build a flow chart depicting types of clouds and how it rains to help children understand the process better.  

Love Ratings?
Suspense Quotient: 3
Fun Quotient: 4
Simplicity Meter: 3
Visual appeal: 4

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Run Ranga Run by Geeta Dharmarajan



Run Ranga Run by award winning author Geeta Dharmarajan is a book that sensitizes young readers  to the dangers faced by the rhinoceros in an endearing child like manner. 
Title: Run Ranga Run
Published By: Katha
Story: Geeta Dharmarajan
Illustrations: Srivi
Price: INR 95


What is it about: Ranga, a baby rhino tells readers her story of bonding with her mother, learning to walk, run and be watchful in the wild.  The book begins with Ranga’s birth and nurturing in the wild.  She learns everything about life from her mother.  She learns to battle danger on her own and later with her baby brother and mother. 
What happens when poachers target Ranga and her family in the wild?  Well I won’t give that away.  Read this engaging book to know more.  

Why it stands Out:  Spread over 30 pages, this book has beautiful illustrations of the wild by Srivi.    The illustrations bring the story alive and the author tells a simple story yet thought provoking story through Ranga.  It is an excellent tool to introduce new words like prodding, nudge, content and the like to readers.  

Will be best enjoyed by: All kids above 6 years will enjoy this book.  

Tips for Moms and Teachers: Some activities you can link to this book are:
Tell your kids about the rhinoceros and the dangers it is facing in the wild.  

Talk to them about poaching and sensitize them to the issue.  

The real lesson lies in realizing the importance of telling young readers about how they can be ambassadors of wildlife protection by simply talking about the dangers animals like the rhinoceros face in the wild.  

The book is also about the mother-child relationship.  Get the kids to talk about their relationships by taking about what mummy does for them.  

Love Ratings?
Suspense Quotient: 4
Fun Quotient: 2
Simplicity Meter: 3
Visual appeal: 4