Unaad Brado ani Itar Goshti by Vidya Dengle

If you love dogs and are looking for short and interesting children’s stories in Marathi then “Unaad Brado ani Itar Goshti” (Naughty Brando and Other Stories) by Vidya Dengle is a good read on a rainy afternoon.  

Title: Unaad Brado ani Itar Goshti

Published By: Urja Prakashan

Story: Vidya Dengle

Illustrations: Reshma Barve

Rs 35

What is it about: 10 short stories told by dogs and cats spread over 38 pages take readers through love, loss, surprise and awe as they unfold.  Brando participates in a fashion show and he’s dressed up as a monster will he win?  A girl and a boy meet at the vet with pets in tow will cupid strike? What happens when a pack of dogs turns detectives? These are just some of the interestingly told short stories in this little book. 

Each story ends with a twist, now I can’t give away more.  Read the book to know more. 

Why it stands Out:  The black and white illustrations though aptly done are not the strongest point of this book.  The book stands out for the magic of storytelling.  Vidya Dengle has excelled at blending fiction with creativity and realism to churn out endearing animal stories for anyone who loves animals and can read Marathi. 

Will be best enjoyed by: anyone above the age of 8 

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

Getting your kids to talk about their pets.  Teach them about the importance of kindness to animals. 

Love Ratings?

Suspense Quotient: 4

Fun Quotient: 4

Simplicity Meter: 4

Visual appeal:2

Trouble with Magic by Asha Nehemiah

Title: Trouble with Magic

Author: Asha Nehemiah

Publisher: Duckbill Books

Price: INR 125/-

 

What is it about: Veena is a little girl brimming with bright ideas.  She gets Aunt Malu to use her magic to make something new and wonderful. But magic has its own rules and soon Veena and her aunt are in big trouble.  

 What is the trouble? How do they get out of it? Read the book to know more!

Why it stands Out:  Trouble with Magic oozes Asha’s characteristic style which essentially is funny and filled with crazy adventure.  The story is simple yet interestingly told.   Wonderfully illustrated this book is a good read for the 8-12 year age group.  

Will be best enjoyed by: 8-12 year olds

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

Talk about magic.  Take the story to a new level by telling children magic really lies within.  If we believe in ourselves we can change anything!

Talk about rules.  Why it’s not cool to break rules, perhaps?

Love Ratings?

Suspense Quotient: 4

Fun Quotient: 4

Simplicity Meter: 4

Visual appeal: 4

Thank God It’s Not Moral Science: 4

Revenge of the Puppets by Nadine D’souza

Puppets have brought stories to life for a very long time now.  Revenge of the Puppets, a colorful picture book by Karadi Tales brings one such story to life.  In this story puppets teach us an important lesson “Old is gold”

Title: Revenge of the Puppets

Published By: Karadi Tales

Story: Nadine D’souza

Illustrations: Ayush Rajvanshi

Rs 95

What is it about: Bhairo and Bhanu, two puppeteers armed with four puppets have created magic on stage for a very long time.  One fine day after another well appreciated performance the duo think it is time for them to make new puppets.  After all they had used their puppets for a very long time and they were having trouble running a smooth show with the old ones.

What happens when Bhairo and Bhanu decide it’s time to be off with the old and on with the new?  Well I won’t give that away.  Read this engaging book to know more. 

Why it stands Out:   

Spread over 17 pages, this book has beautiful pictures dotted with Rajasthani puppets. The illustrations are colorful and the author tells a simple story through the four heroes of the book, the puppets. 

Will be best enjoyed by: All kids above 5 years will enjoy this book. 

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

Get your kids to make finger puppets or masks and tell the story. 

Talk to them about the art of puppetry.  The story talks about different aspects of a puppet show such as a stage, strings, movement, villain, etc.  A good way to introduce puppet shows to your kids. 

The real lesson lies in realizing the importance of preserving the old. 

Love Ratings?

Suspense Quotient: 4

Fun Quotient: 3

Simplicity Meter: 3

Visual appeal: 4