All the books that I could recall on the theme of CROCUS 2013 had already been reviewed on ST. I was mulling over doing a post on some classics that look at migration and movement, journeys and displacement. These came to mind- Gullivers Travels, Robinson Crusoe, Children of the New Forest, Coral Island, Huckleberry Finn. My friends added - Sindbad the sailor, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Treasure Island, The Hobbit, Little House on the Prairie, The Phantom Tollbooth, Alone on a Wide Wide Sea and Dear Olly ….
And it is then that the latest Tulika book , The Magical Fish made its way to me , just in time, for this CROCUS.
Story : Chandrakala Jagat
Pictures : Shakunlata Kushram
At a time when sadness prevailed, a selfless and determined old lady- a dukariya and her two daughters go looking for happiness. She hears from the wind about a magical fish that lives in a green lake (Adhar Talab in Jabalpur) high up a mountain. She believes it can spread joy amongst her people.
The fear that accompanies a move, the imminent threat of the unknown and the need for survival are highlighted by the fish’s concerns at being asked to move out of the lake. How others can help you face change and settle into a new environment, and how movement brings joy to many, is what the rest of the story is about.
The art is in typical Gond style and very colourful with some unexpected touches.For instance, the weight of sadness on their shoulders.
The book is available in multiple languages and has an interesting, eye catching cover with a gorgeous finish.
4 comments:
"At a time when sadness prevailed..." Sounds interesting, Art.
One can never get tired listening to fishie folktales and folk-art. :) Great to see Gond on the cover. Can't wait to see the inside pages. Intriguing! Will pick it up from Tulika. Thanks, Art!
Gond Art is so irresistible...the cover pic looks very attractive. Nice pick Art !
Would love to read this one Art.
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