Our Tree Named Steve

Our Tree Named Steve

by Alan Zwiebel
Illustrated by David Catrow

Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons

Ages : 6 to 9

Sometimes we make deep connections with some part of nature. Sometimes, a thing with trunks and roots and falling leaves and sturdy branches, can become the very backbone of our lives. Sometimes, a children's book can read simply, as a letter from a father to his children. Sometimes, it can be all about just this one, big, lovable, fixture of their growing years. This tree called Steve.

As the letter begins, a father writes his children, reminding them of the day they came to check out the plot of overrun ground, that was to house their home. Of that memorable day, when all the children gathered around this great, weird hulk of a thing that they couldn't peel their eyes away from. And how the littlest one couldn't even pronounce the word 'tree' and it became 'Steve' instead, and how 'Steve' stuck. And how he became the centrifugal force around which their lives started to revolve. How he was a swing holder for the kids, and a target, and a jump rope holder and the shade under which, Kirby the dog's little shed was built. How when the dryer gave out, he held all their washing in a line, as also the hammock in which big, bulky Uncle Chester took a nap in. How the kids camped out in a tent by him after a barbecue, watching their parents as they danced in the moonlight.

"Through the years, Mom and I have tried to show you, in a world filled with strangers, the peace that comes with having things you can count on and a safe place to return to after a hard day or a long trip."


This is the part of the letter that captures all that Steve is and was to the family. Was, because one day, in a fierce storm that hit, Steve takes his final blow. But, the father is quick to point out, even in his final act of falling, when he could have fallen on the house, or the little one's swing, or Kirby's house, or Mom's garden, Steve performed his last trick and protected all of us to the very end, and friends like that are hard to find. 


It is the tenderest moment and you can feel it in every pulse of your own emotion. But just when it starts to feel melancholy and the yard looks forlorn and empty, there is a a wonderful upswing that leaves you feeling that you have come full circle, and that some things do last forever.

The illustrations by Catrow, are simply magical and pulsing with energy. From the dreamy view of the overgrown plot, to the carefree childhood days spent under Steve's nourishing branches, to the depiction of fallen underwear from the clothesline, covering Kirby's shaggy face, to the magic of the lights strung to the tree on the evening of the camp out, to the fiery hues of orange on a brisk, fall day, to the shock of seeing sharp spokes of wood sticking out of the fallen trunk of Steve, to the picture of utter desolation of Kirby standing atop the flat, empty stump to the final sensory aesthetics of a window view, of the very same scene, but extending down the yard to another tree at the end, with a little, newly built treehouse atop it. And the father writes....

"Steve will always be with us, in our hearts, in our thoughts....and in a different tree at the other end of our yard."


Yes, somethings are forever.

Rhymes for Ranga

Pic courtesy flipkart.com

Rhymes for Ranga
Written by Freda Bedi
Illustrated by Anna Bhushan
Published by Random House India
Ages: 6+

Remember Winnie-the Pooh? That bear who was a result of the wonderful tales A.A.Milne spun for his son Christopher Robin around his toy bear? Which parent has not told a bedtime story of their own making to a child who wanted to be told a story with elements and characters familiar to it? We all do it as parents sometimes. These stories may be loved by the child long after outgrowing them.

Freda Bedi, the writer of the book Rhymes for Ranga, did something similar. She was a British woman married to an Indian. When her first son Ranga was a baby, she realised that she did not know any rhymes for him which incorporated the surroundings familiar to him, activities and festivals. So she simply set about writing her own for him. This was in the pre-independence era- around the 1930s-40s, and these remained as a collection within the family. They were recently published by her second son, the actor Kabir Bedi, and here they are for everyone to enjoy. A mother's labour of love.

This is what she has to say in a letter to her son, which is published at the end of the book. "These rhymes grew up with you, Ranga, and they grew out of you, because it was sometimes the little words you said, and the nonsense songs you sang, that quickened something in me and gave them birth."

The rhymes are very simple, and speak of the family, the land, the familiar birds, animals and trees around, and common festivals like Diwali and Eid. They show how completely she had made this country and its people her own. She had joined in the freedom movement against the British, a fact that is reflected in her rhymes about Gandhiji, freedom and the tricolour. Towards the end of her life, she had embraced Buddhism and renounced everything to become a nun, and these leanings too are seen in some rhymes.

The dated feel of the rhymes adds to their appeal, for the India of the 1940s that they depict is very different from the India of today, yet very familiar- not very far from how rural India is even today.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Anna Bhushan, a multiple award winning UK based illustrator of Indian lineage. Very charming watercolours, in full colour, sometimes full page.

Here is one of the rhymes that will give a foretaste of the book.

One is a peasant, working with the plough.
Two is the milkman, milking a cow.
Three is a shopkeeper, selling his eggs.
Four is a gentleman, crossing his legs.
Five is a driver, his hands on the wheel.
Six is a housewife, cooking a meal.
Seven is a teacher, stern and tall.
Eight is a merchant, fat as a ball.
Nine is a dhobi, with a bundle on his head.
Ten is a thin man, with his wife well fed.

Can you imagine the figures?

Crossposted.

Loon Baby, Puffling, Chameleon Chameleon

Books about animals almost always seem a sure hit with the resident 3 year old (along with books about machines, of course). Combine beautiful illustrations and short crisp text, with a lead-in for a more meaningful conversation after the story, these animal books have managed to impress not just the little one but me as well, prompting me to share them here.

1. 
   Loon Baby
   Molly Beth Griffin
   illustrated by Anne Hunter
   
   Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
   
   Thanks to Lang Elliott's Songs of the Wild Birds, the Common Loon is a household name even if none of us has seen one face to face. Perhaps that's a reason why Oggie liked the Loon Baby book.
   
   A baby loon wades around with his mother who usually dives down to bring him back some food. Once, she dives and doesn't resurface for an unusually long time, which gets the baby loon very worried.
   
   He wanders here and there looking for her, getting lost in the process. When he must've felt completely abandoned and helpless, of course, the mother Loon finds him and takes him under her wing, safe and sound as always.
   
   The illustrations are gorgeous (sample at Anne Hunter's studio). The calm blueness of the watery dwelling is idyllic. The panic and rush of emotion when the baby fears he is lost is brought out beautifully well.
   
   The text, crisp and simple, flows easily for read-aloud sessions. There is plenty of opportunity to talk about what the loon could have done differently when he didn't see his mother come back when he expected her to.
2. 
   Puffling
   by Margaret Wild
   illustrated by Julie Vivas
   
   Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
   
   Atlantic Puffin became a favorite, again, thanks to Lang Elliott's Songs of the Wild Birds - it had the most surprising bird call which sounds like the whirring of a chainsaw (audio available here).
   
   A baby puffin is eager to go out on his own. His loving parents, Big Stripy Beak and Long Black Feather, tell him, "When you are strong enough and tall enough and brave enough, you'll leave the burrow all by yourself". Meanwhile, they feed him, care for him and teach him what to expect when the day comes.
   
   Am I brave enough? Am I strong enough? the puffling wonders as he grows impatient waiting for the day when he can venture forth independently.
   
   The illustrations are beautiful. Puffin is certainly an interesting-looking bird with bright beak and black/white body coloring ("like a toucan and penguin, mama"). The illustrations bring out not just these striking features of the mature birds, but also the fluffy softness of the baby puffin.
   
   Not surprisingly, very rarely has a picture book captured us minus the gorgeous pictures. Sort of antithetic to have a picture book with humdrum pictures, isn't it?
   
   Another wonderful book that opens up plenty of things to talk about. When Oggie wonders whether he can drive an airplane or climb a ladder to the attic by himself, it is nice to quote the puffling's anxiety and how it all works out for him when he is just ready to do all the things he has learned to do.
3. 
   Chameleon, Chameleon
   Joy Cowley (Author)
   Nic Bishop (Illustrator)
   
   Publisher: Scholastic
   
   Madagascar Panther Chameleon.
   
   Can't say it without feeling a certain something. They are colorful and strange-looking.
   
   Colour Colour Kamini was perhaps Og's first introduction to chameleons as we had it handy in our bookshelf after a recent trip to India back in 2009. Since then he has liked chameleons and we've read a few fiction and non-fiction about these creatures, including well-beloved Eric Carle's The Mixed-up Chameleon and A Color of His Own.
   
   This is a simple non-fiction photo book with a real-life story unfolding through the pictures. A male Madagascar Panther Chameleon wanders around looking for food and enters the territory of a defensive female. Through his friendly body language he convinces her that he is not a threat and she lets him in.
   
   Therein ends the story. Nothing is mentioned of mating or procreation or life cycle. Just a simple episodic a-day-in-the-life-of style narration. The photographs are awesome. There are some notes at the back about how the photos were taken.
   

[image sources: us.macmillan.com, Molly Beth Griffin's website, goodreads.com]

A Twist in the Tale: More Indian Folktales

The following is a guest review by Rachna-Maneesh-Dhir. Thank you, Rachna!

Title: A Twist in the Tale: More Indian Folktales,
Author: Aditi De,
Publisher: Penguin India,
Year of Publication: 2005

A few years ago, just when I was getting tired of seeing various retellings of traditional
western children’s tales, I discovered and fell in love with the unusual new age versions such as “The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig” by Eugene Trivizas, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Similarly, I was pleasantly surprised by Aditi De’s retelling of forty Indian folktales, some more well known that others, in this book. As Penguin, the publishers of the book, say on the jacket, “From Bengal to Bastar and Kashmir to Coorg, there are stories that have been handed down generations”.Even when I thought I knew the story’s end, I was surprised quite a few
warned by the title)!

Aditi De’s efforts at making the age old stories contemporary in context are
praiseworthy. Here are a few examples: “Do you dream of being a tiger one
day, you pipsqueak? ….It’s just three lakhs, with another lakh extra for
broader, darker stripes and sharper than sharp teeth. Does that appeal to
you?”, ““Of course, I’ll marry him,” she declared. “I’d have to be a moron not
to””and “Is the majority always right? I don’t think so”.

It goes without saying, that there is no dearth of humour. Examples, “He has
the right girth and height for a king”, “After I’ve ruled for a year and a day,
may I take a summer break to hunt for wisdom?” etc.

To call author Aditi De’s approach extremely refreshing, would be an
understatement. To give you yet another an example, “Inside the cave, dazzling lights flashed on and off. cauldrons simmered, letting out groans and muted screams as their contents bubbled and squeaked. Dog eared volumes of spells, black magic and sorcery leant against each other on leather-lined shelves. Cobwebs draped from one ornate frog decorated chair back to another, glinted as they caught rays from the wizard’s wand.”

Let me be honest - when was the last time you read such a vivid description
of a wizard’s cave by an Indian author in a children’s book?

Each tale is perfect either to be read aloud by an adult to the very young, eager
listeners – one a day, for example at bed time, or to be read on their own by
confident readers of ages 8+ years. What was also unique was the reference
to foods and costumes in most stories. The author had herself told me once
that when she reads a story, she wonders how the characters live and hence the
details to sweets and clothes was absolutely amazing!

This review would be incomplete if the illustrations by Uma Krishanswamy
are not talked about. Simple, yet detailed, unique black and white line drawings
make an ordinary fish, frog, tiger, man, woman special and worthy of second
(third and so on and so forth) looks! Every item of clothing, each and every
tree and shrub and flower, all humans and animals seem to be inspired by
elements of various folk arts – a hint of madhubani here,
a touch of gond art there, reminding me of Artnavy’s interview with the illustrator published earlier by saffron tree (http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/06/interview-with-uma-krishnaswamy.html)

All in all, A twist in A Tale, is an extremely enjoyable read both for the young and
those of us who are young at heart. I am actually hoping Aditi continues to twist
many more traditional or folk tales from our country. Afterall, can there ever
be “enough” good stories retold in a fashionable way? Children as well as adults
always have an appetite for more- don’t we?

Julia Donaldson

.. is the new Children's Laureate in the UK. Superb choice too.

We love her work, especially when paired with illustrator Axel Sheffler. Some are original plots while some are a retelling of traditional tales. All in rhyme and awesomely illustrated. We have audio versions of some of these, they have served us well as travel companions. Here's a partial list of the ones we love:

The Gruffalo: About how a little mouse outwits a big 'gruffalo'. Guaranteed to be a huge hit with all kinds of monster-lovers. Excellent example of how brains can win over brute power. One time when my little one was around two years old, she spotted a book in the library which was illustrated by Mr.Scheffler and promptly shouted 'Gruffalo!'
And oh if you ever get a chance, get Saffron Tree's resident story-teller Ms.Ranjani to narrate this one and watch the kids stilling spell-bound through the session!

Monkey Puzzle:  Little monkey gets lost and wants his mom. A kind butterfly offers to help him track her down. The monkey tells the butterfly what mom looks like but it keeps getting it wrong and taking him to a wrong animal. Like 'she has a tail that coils around trees' is interpreted by the butterfly as a snake. In the end he does get to Mom, and this part never failed to produce a big grin from my little monkey. Easily one of our most favourite books ever, though we have long outgrown them.

The Snail and the Whale: An adventurous snail goes around the world perched on a whale's tail. Heart-warming tale of how size does not matter as far as helping a friend goes.

Room on the Broom: Involves a friendly witch and her pals. I can chant this book from memory!

The Gruffalo's Child: Sequel to The Gruffalo. Mouse outwits the Gruffalo's kid this time. Slightly oblique humour too. Still brings a smile.

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book: A 'nested' story. Charlie Cook reads a book about a pirate who reads one about a knight who reads one about an alien....and finally we get back to Charlie Cook via a ghost who is reading a book about him. Brilliant.

The Smartest Giant in Town: About a considerate giant who helps other creatures in need. Also a mega hit in these parts.

Stick Man: A stick gets thrown, used in various ways, chucked, chewed upon and finally buried in the snow. Till one day he ends up in a pile in the chimney. He rescues Mr.Santa Claus himself and as a Christmas gift, Santa drops him back to his family. Perfect Christmas gift IMO - and I mean the book!

A Squash and a Squeeze: Grumpy old lady thinks her house is too tiny. Wise old man suggests she first bring in her hen, then goat, then pig and then cow in. She is puzzled but does what he says grumbling more and more about how squashed up she is getting. Finally he asks her to let all the animals out. That's when she realizes that her house is not that bad. Old story retold in an enchanting manner.   

Vanished by Sheela Chari

Vanished is Sheela Chari's debut novel for children. It is a story about Neela, an eleven plus girl growing up in the US and trying to hold on to some of her Indian roots or as her parents suggest, assimilate the best that both cultures have to offer.

Like many Indian Tamil kids there, who learn an instrument/ vocal music there, Neela is learning to play the veena.

A 'cursed' Veena with a wyvern carving on it, gifted by her grandma from Chennai, makes its way to Neela in Boston , only to be stolen. After some twists and turns, a close call at a Chennai train station included, she finds it and what she does reflects unexpected generosity in one so young.

There is intrigue, in chapels and music stores. There is a bit of information on the Veena for the uninitiated. Lending excitement is a legendary curse and how marketing ploys work.

The characters including friends both Indian and American are well etched. The Krishnan family sounds like one you know well. There is a quirky Veena teacher and a secretive classmate as well.

Without being judgemental, the author Sheela paints a picture of a (pre) teen's life in the US with Indian parents. Her concerns about oiling her hair ( smell like a salad dressing) , her laughing at her mom's ' drishti' (nazar utaarna) ring true.

A scene that completely blew me away was when the usually irritable sister allows her little brother to listen to her play the Veena and he in turn inadvertently helps her get over stage fright even if in a limited way.

A very interesting and fast read, I felt it would make a good movie. The cover illustration does not do justice to the Veena or the story in my opinion.

Go here for an interview with the author, Sheela by Uma.".......the Author Notes section of my book, I talk about how in Indian Hindu mythology, the veena is both the instrument of Saraswati, the goddess of learning, as well as Ravana, the arch-villain in The Ramayana (a religious text). Likewise, the wyvern (the dragon that appears in Vanished) is also a symbol of valor and strength in medieval history, as well as one of pestilence and revenge. I didn’t go looking for these qualities. But interestingly, as I dug deeper into my story and did more research, I discovered that these objects “resonated” in unexpected, meaningful ways........"

Following My Paint Brush

Pic courtesy: Tara Books

Title: Following My Paint Brush

Author: Dulari Devi, Text by Gita Wolf

Publishers: Tara Books

Ages: 4 - 8

Indian society has many strata based on caste and/or class. What once could have been a loose way to organize people and make laws has now transmogrified in to commandments, propelled purely by the willingness of the people to accept and conform.  Being a woman AND being born in the  lower caste AND being poor can be a triple whammy. Rarely there are some people who break out of this cycle and it is an uphill task to do so.

FOLLOWING MY PAINT BRUSH tells the real life story of the Mithila painting artist Dulari Devi who bettered her life by following her passion - painting. Her story is told through her own paintings and the simple, yet powerful words of Gita Wolf.



The above picture is a classic example of how Gita’s text is paired with Dulari Devi’s illustrations. Gita subtly tells how Dulari Devi overcame her creator’s block and draws inspiration from her life. Dulari Devi's illustration displays elements of symmetry. The repetitive geometrical patterns are typical of Mithila art. It also shows one half of the painting with minimal colors and intricate lines. Where as the other side shows vibrant colors filled in between lines. This is the fusion of two styles of Mithila art - the Kachni and the Bharni. Dulari Devi combines various styles and experiments in order to achieve the desired visual effect.

The line that spoke the most to me is:

“As time went on I couldn’t imagine a single day without painting. It was a part of my life.”

It made me think, when you are born in and living in poverty, the lack of power to do or say anything, the feeling of helplessness associated with the situation, has a greater impact on human emotions than lack of money and the material comforts it can buy. Once Dulari Devi started painting, once she started expressing herself and her paintings get some kind of recognition, she just cannot stop.

This comes through in the last page when Dulari Devi says, “I was so proud that people wanted to know about me and what I thought.”

From promoting the Mithila art to celebrating the will of this talented artist, this book is quintessential Tara. FOLLOWING MY PAINT BRUSH found its way to my coffee table and the message to my heart.

Meet Jeeva Raghunath

Jeeva is among the liveliest story tellers around. Her energetic and animated story telling leaves you wondering if this was just one person or many narrating the tale. She has translated many books into Tamil and written some fantastic picture books and more for Tulika. We are pleased to feature this immesely popular storyteller, here at ST.

ST: How did your journey into story telling start?
It all started when I met Radhika Menon,MD Tulika for the old girls meet. She offered me a marketing job and I took it up. I was marketing books by Tulika and Tara books(They were together at that time). One day, as the translator was not available, I got to translate Cathy Spagnoli’s Priya’s day into Tamil and presto! For the book launch, I did the story in Tamil and the professional story teller was born.

What is the difference between the story writing and story telling ? As an audience, it is similar to watching a movie at home and a play at the theatre.
Exactly!!! Nothing like live performance. I hate to see myself on a video without audience!It is important for both the teller and the listener.
Storytelling needs these three: Story, Teller, listener!!!

You are an awesome storyteller. Does that hone the writer in you? How do they impact each other?
Certainly!!! Specially in my Tamil translation. Tulika specifically gives me certain books to translate for they know it needs a storyteller’s perspective.

Do you prefer to do stories that are unknown or ones that are familiar while narrating? Why?
The ones that touch my soul!!!

Who were your favourite writers when you were growing up?
I love fairy tales!Silly, but true.

Who are your Top 5 favourite storytellers from across the world? Why?
I can only talk about those I’ve met.
Cathy Spagnoli US/INDIA: Absolutely awesome teller who can capture all audiences with ease.
Dianne Ferlatte, US: Vibrant.She can make you cry as much as she can make you laugh!
Roger Jenkins, Singapore: I love his improvisation.
Dr.Wajuppa Tossa, Thailand: Petite but grande raconteuse!!!Effective use of voice!
Craig Jenkins, UK: I love the way he adapts to the country he addresses.

What all languages are you comfortable writing in? And narration? How different is the experience in English versus one of our regional languages?
I love to play with Tamil because you are best in your own tongue. Neverthe less,I’am comfortable with English but it won't be too flowery! Rather simple!!

Some story tellers use props. What are your tools when it comes to story telling?
Voice, gestures, movements and facial expressions.

What is the biggest no-no in story telling as per you and on the contrary, what can help make a story teller successful?
Never imitate!!!Always Be yourself!!

How would you describe the Story Telling scenario in India today? How is Indian story telling received elsewhere in the world?
It is moving towards a bright future!!The next decade will be lucky to win awards in par with other performing arts. Very well!! They love the animated Indians….

Do you think that the traditional storytelling methods are prevalent only in the Indian villages or are they being revived in the modern context?
I think now every one wants to go back to roots, hence it is moving for the rural to the urban set up.

Any anecdotes you would like to share from your intriguing career so far?
Ever so many just to quote what the president of Singapore Mr.S.R.Nathan,told me at a high tea after my performance during the photo shoot:
Me:Wow!A proud moment,taking a picture with the president!
President:I’m the lucky one.
Me:Why?
President:Because, you can become a president but I can never tell a story!!!

Anything in particular that you would like to tell the contributors and readers of Saffron Tree?
Storytelling is from the womb to the tomb!!!Never stop telling stories.They are the best bonding tools!

Jeeva's original writings include Malli, a bi-lingual book in Tamil and English, Gadagada Gudugudu, in Tamil, A vilirunthu akku varai, a Tamil alphabet book and Kasakasa parapara, a book in Tamil verse . For more on Jeeva visit here.

Lord Ganesha's feast of laughter

Pic courtesy penguinbooksindia

Lord Ganesh's feast of laughter
Written by Meera Uberoi
Illustrated by Agantuk
Published by Puffin books, an imprint of Penguin Books India
Read aloud 4+, read alone 8+

Ganesha, or Ganapati, is probably the most beloved of the Gods. He is the remover of obstacles, the god of learning, and the one whose name is taken before beginning anything. The primordial sound 'Oum' is attributed to him, and one of his many names is 'Omkara'.

Ganesha is also seen as a benevolent god, and is often a favourite with children. They are also fascinated by the unlikely seeming form- one with an elephant's head, a large belly, and with a mouse as a vehicle to boot. Many of his stories have a childlike quality of fun. 

Meera Uberoi's book has many of these stories. Some known, some not so well known.

Do you know...
That Ganesha was the one who created the first tabla when his irate father Shiva broke his mridungam into two?
That Vyasa overcame a bad case of writers' block after invoking the help of Ganesha?
That Ganesha is wedded to Siddhi (accomplishment) and Buddhi (intellect)?
That Ganesha won a race for going around the world against his brother Skanda, once by going around his parents, a child's world, and once by going around the world in his mind, by reading up all of the available knowledge about the world?
That Ganesha swallowed and contained the demon of anger, Krodhasura (krodha=anger), who was destroying the world, and that is the reason why he has a belly that hangs down (Lambodara)? "Even today, anger must be swallowed to control it, just as Ganesha did."

These and many other tales make up this collection of stories. There are also some folktales about Ganesha other than the usual tales from the Puranas, which makes the collection complete- mythology and folklore.

Meera Uberoi's narration is very endearing, in terms that children use as a matter of course.

"Shiva's wife, Parvati, daughter of Himalaya with its sparkling streams, was pretty easy-going but disliked being disturbed when she was bathing. And Shiva never seemed to remember that. He strode in whenever he wished, cool as you please, and this really annoyed Parvati."

"'I knew it was one of your sneaky tricks!' Skanda exclaimed hotly. 'So tell me, how did you manage it?'
'We-e-ell,' drawled Ganesha, scratching one large ear, 'you didn't say which world. Parents are a child's world, so I walked around our parents--thrice.' Seeing that his brother was ready to explode, he piously added,'The scriptures say so. Ask Father.'"

A loved the book, and was giggling throughout. She has recommended it to all who would like to read fun-filled tales about the elephant god, whose birthday is today, Ganesh Chaturthi.

Crossposted.