Friday, May 30, 2014

Our Teacher by SuRaa



Our Teacher, translated from an original story by Sundara Ramaswamy is a wonderful story that teaches the importance of integrity.  

Title: Our Teacher
Published By: Katha
Author: Sundara Ramaswamy (SuRaa)
Translated by: Malati Mathur
Art: Neeta Gamgopadhyay
Price: INR 150





What is it about: Academic failure is plaguing Section A of the school.  Section B guided by the very capable Padmavathi M’am is doing very well in studies.  But then again there is only one Padmavathi M’am, the lone lady teacher in a school manned by 40 teachers.  Will Section A ever be able to score cent per cent marks in Maths?  Will anyone from the class bag the Seethalakshmi Annual Memorial Prize? A glimmer of hope arrives in the form of Elizabeth Thomas, a new teacher.  Will Section A excel?  Read the book to know more.  

Why it stands Out:  A wonderful lesson of integrity, hard work and perseverance.  The story has a charm of its own brought out by the black and white illustrations by Geeta Gangopadhyay.  In times when “cut, copy, paste” has become the mantra of many, this book is a great read for young readers

Will be best enjoyed by: Young readers above 10 years.

Love Ratings?
Fun Quotient: 5
Simplicity Meter: 5
Visual appeal: 4

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Thangam of Mehrgah by Geeta Dharmarajan



Thangam of Mehrgarh by Geeta Dharmarajan is the winner of The Katha Chitrakala-Search for Excellence.  Beautifully illustrated by Mrinalini Sardar, this book is a great way of introducing young readers to the Indus Valley civilization.

Title: Thangam of Mehrgarh
Published By: Katha
Author: Geeta Dharmarajan
Art: Mrinalini Sardar
Price: INR 225





What is it about: Thangam is a girl who lived in the Indus Valley and the book is a magical journey in to a civilization that has fascinated historians and ordinary folks alike.  What happens when caravans laden with precious jewels arrive in Thangam’s city of Mehrgarh.  Will Thangam leave her chores of feeding animals and rush to see what the merchants have brought?  What offer does her father make to the merchant who has the best lapis lazuli? For all this and more pick Thangam of Mehrgarh off the shelf and travel in to an enchanting bygone era.    

Why it stands Out:  The illustrations by Mrinalini Sardar bring the magic of thousands of years ago alive.  The story is peppered with details of life as it was in the Indus Valley.  Details of the script, sanitation, way of life for a child back then and many more interesting facts at the end of the book make the book a valuable peek in to history. 

Will be best enjoyed by: Young readers above 8 years.

Love Ratings?
Fun Quotient: 3
Simplicity Meter: 5
Visual appeal: 5



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Dobakatti by Geeta Dharmarajan



A simple, short story about the adventures of a little girl and the wind Geeta Dharmarajan , Dobakatti is a great way to introduce toddlers to sound, movement and opposites.
Title: Dobakatti
Published By: Katha
Author: Geeta Dharmarajan
Art: Vandana Bist
Price: INR 95



What is it about: Dobakatti is a short story about a little girl and her friend the big wind.  Where does this friendship go?  What does the little girl learn on this journey?  Pick up a copy to know more about the fascinating journey. 

Why it stands Out:  For me the book really stands out because it is a short and simple one.  The story has a magical yet far away touch to it while it introduces toddlers to sounds, movements and opposite words.  The illustrations by Vandana Bist capture movement very well, almost real. 

Will be best enjoyed by: Young readers 2-3 years.

Tips for Moms and Teachers: Try out the activities that come printed on the book.  I think they are great tools for learning. 
Love Ratings?
Fun Quotient: 4
Simplicity Meter: 4
Visual appeal: 4


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Case of the Runaway Continents



A delightful book by Geeta Dharmarajan which introduces young readers to the theory of evolution and phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. 
Title: The Case of the Runaway Continents
Published By: Katha
Author: Geeta Dharmarajan
Art: Joyita Banerjee
Price: INR 120



What is it about: Geeta Dharmarajan’s writing on the biography of planet Earth, is brought alive by illustrations by Joyita Banerjee.   Over millions of years Earth separated into different continents, which in time drifted away from each other.  How were coral reefs formed?  Why do earthquakes occur?  What happens in a volcanic eruption?  All this and more is what the book is about. 

Why it stands Out:  An engaging narrative supplemented with illustrations, the book turns something most young readers would find too scientific in to a wonderful story peppered with information.    

Will be best enjoyed by: Young readers above 8 years

Tips for Moms and Teachers: Some activities you can link to this book are:
You can have a quiz on evolution, continents, coral reefs and volcanoes.

A drawing session might help students apply theory to art and learn better. 

Cut outs can be distributed so children can assemble a jigsaw puzzle of sorts to understand various phenomena explained in the book.  

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