tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-273899262024-03-16T11:52:44.830-07:00Saffron TreePraba Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12124515962155387444noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-37183858677342934512020-01-02T23:19:00.000-08:002020-01-13T06:00:19.780-08:00What did the Monster Child eat Today?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw15zVIsFi0Oq15zXPfnWoTHPIiWXscYsbcYYD60RwJNlLRAKC_GdMlibzkbwyobD4EQlzndutUlIYyR3RBvEehvSWeAvp3C6tSptGGKCXaz5GmVG-Jy-nhR6cqd2jVuYxYk/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw15zVIsFi0Oq15zXPfnWoTHPIiWXscYsbcYYD60RwJNlLRAKC_GdMlibzkbwyobD4EQlzndutUlIYyR3RBvEehvSWeAvp3C6tSptGGKCXaz5GmVG-Jy-nhR6cqd2jVuYxYk/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>Publisher- Karadi Tales<br />
Author- Sampurna Chattarji<br />
Illustration- Vibha Surya<br />
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A young girl, imagines herself as a monster and plays make believe with her food. She starts in the morning with breakfast, right through lunch, snacks and dinner , drawing crazy parallels with 'creepy' stuff.<br />
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For instance, buttermilk turns to drool juice and a baked pie into an Egyptian Mummy. The fold out flaps revel what is in fact eaten, versus the hyperbole with which the child views her food.<br />
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As the story literally unfolds, the book format engages young reader to explore in glee. The text is filled with rhyme and the font adds to the playfulness quotient of the book.The illustrations make it come alive and stay cheerful. The extreme close ups of the mouth with morsels make it delightful for the reader.<br />
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As an adult reader, it will be good to remember that children do enjoy what some adults may see as gross.<br />
You can go here for an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wI1Rf7Nego">online teaser </a>of the book which will make you smile, if not chuckle.<br />
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</div>Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-66739822775135451282019-10-31T21:20:00.000-07:002019-11-01T20:22:23.762-07:00Can You?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0bN8XA9B4DkL3SlFzu3HNnZmVSklOWL1DxE2poSDc7bRjkmVeN1bZLX_Cn05ApfxJZUG8oZVXIF82IVAL9v6baemiSrrOwtjl4aEFREg47bNVly2hPGX7KgpkrHZjpI8CIY/s1600/can-you-english.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0bN8XA9B4DkL3SlFzu3HNnZmVSklOWL1DxE2poSDc7bRjkmVeN1bZLX_Cn05ApfxJZUG8oZVXIF82IVAL9v6baemiSrrOwtjl4aEFREg47bNVly2hPGX7KgpkrHZjpI8CIY/s320/can-you-english.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Authors- Sheela Preuitt & Praba Ram<br />
Illustrators- Ashok Rajagopalan<br />
Publisher - Tulika<br />
Ages- 6 plus<br />
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The authors’ love for nature and animals is well known and reflected in many of their works. In their latest from Tulika, they bring facts about the creatures around us, in an engaging and fun manner.<br />
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Each double spread comes with a picture and a ''Can you....'' question, followed by what the animal in focus can achieve. You will discover animals who can taste with their toes, see with their ears, smell with their hair , bathe with their nose, walk on water, hang from the ceiling like Spiderman.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlzNEZi-pHNPpzU98F3DdW42s_REtAd4vtJ0-Zhdrs3srqhF5UXGuE2xji-bcQ6uGOUXof4vQ19zEPlkXPVNYhRgUVHIvFIO3v39QiS58uc6q_a1AzF0c5aVo7FNPtLylSWk/s1600/can-you-english3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlzNEZi-pHNPpzU98F3DdW42s_REtAd4vtJ0-Zhdrs3srqhF5UXGuE2xji-bcQ6uGOUXof4vQ19zEPlkXPVNYhRgUVHIvFIO3v39QiS58uc6q_a1AzF0c5aVo7FNPtLylSWk/s320/can-you-english3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The unmistakable charm and added zing comes from Ashok Rajagopalan's illustrations where the animals quirks/ traits and the resultant situations have been rendered in a comical, smile inducing style <br />
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Can you go get your copy, right now? You will learn something more about the world of animals and birds and perhaps challenge yourself to try a few, select activities that animals are capable of !<br />
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You can begin a journey of discovery to figure out more ‘Can you’ questions of your own too!<br />
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This book is available not just in English, but also in multiple Indian languages.</div>
Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-9763051079361110422019-03-28T19:29:00.000-07:002019-03-29T10:18:58.323-07:00Nurturing the Child the Montessori Way<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthJ-n40dEogBXledJwGCoTVPjCdb_3GeDmdtElZA3pXjL_X5SbbsRkbi-Al3L9xIojTXw5C9HXBKsbMccDB3WYCIxrLRsrb6LDy6m-nQ7Bfs5FVXE7oH7LUAjNqWBFCpw7z7Jww/s1600/cb32af2c-8404-4035-b3e2-14eca7199e47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthJ-n40dEogBXledJwGCoTVPjCdb_3GeDmdtElZA3pXjL_X5SbbsRkbi-Al3L9xIojTXw5C9HXBKsbMccDB3WYCIxrLRsrb6LDy6m-nQ7Bfs5FVXE7oH7LUAjNqWBFCpw7z7Jww/s320/cb32af2c-8404-4035-b3e2-14eca7199e47.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1008" data-original-height="756" /></a></div><br />
Montessori education is a child-guided method of learning, which involves the use of specific materials and small objects developed by Italian educator, Maria Montessori over one hundred years ago. In montessori classrooms, children are intrinsically motivated to help in activities termed “work” - self-building tasks that lend themselves to an independent learning experience that’s limitless, yet structured. <br />
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Today, this time-tested pedagogy with its unique set of learning outcomes has traveled to cities and towns all around the world. And the historical connection that the city of Madras, as Chennai was known earlier, shares with this education method and Maria Montessori herself is indeed quite remarkable. <br />
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During World War 2, when Maria was exiled by Mussolini in the year 1939, she and her son fled to Madras. That November, following an invitation from G.S. Arundale, Maria established the city’s first Montessori school at the quaint, old Olcott Garden bungalow on the grounds of Theosophical Society. Since then, several montessori schools have sprung up in the city, quietly changing Chennai’s early childhood education landscape. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7y3ALFdQZMrnxKIR6EpogtYD7_FOwTmYO5BcTwGf8VeSZ0_ojX5IDzLqdMsdYbUcNIhFxQ8y9wJVzDR8FYqWJ0KknEo17NSLKjwFAZMvH0esng-T-WdCrJUPNNchpqsSIwh7dw/s1600/10280624-76c8-4400-bdb2-0ed2dcccacbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7y3ALFdQZMrnxKIR6EpogtYD7_FOwTmYO5BcTwGf8VeSZ0_ojX5IDzLqdMsdYbUcNIhFxQ8y9wJVzDR8FYqWJ0KknEo17NSLKjwFAZMvH0esng-T-WdCrJUPNNchpqsSIwh7dw/s320/10280624-76c8-4400-bdb2-0ed2dcccacbe.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.sharanalayaschool.com/founder-of-sharanalaya/">Manju Venkat</a>, <a href="http://www.sharanalayaschool.com">the founder of Sharanalaya Montessori</a>, says “Montessori revolves around recognizing sensitive periods and stages of childhood. Individualised lessons, multi-age classrooms, free choice, positive disciplining and peer interaction are some of the key defining elements of a montessori environment - one that’s deeply ingrained in the joy of “work” without any extrinsic rewards to the child.” <br />
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Manju started Sharanalaya fifteen years ago in Mahalingapuram, and the school now has a new branch on East Coast Road in the beachside neighborhood of Akkarai, skirting Sholinganallur and Injambakkam. Sharanalaya’s classrooms are bright, airy and spacious, exuding a warm and friendly environment where children thrive in freedom. Aesthetically created Warli paintings adorn the walls in the corridors, while neatly laid red-oxide athangudi tiles render the clutter-free floors a joy to walk on, for feet big and little. In these open and orderly classrooms, elementary and primary aged children seamlessly explore their physical and intellectual independence. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGe-5aj9BSGe5E9U2fgdFsOUExpjVOwP4LEB6u8eMZht0YV9iCjCcPGXfHKgNd7DFPV2GtQHJNKZEta-LE9P-P-9BbFS-hR2DWPhN7xL_Y4_BN-gO_W3hnln7thvJS_OdDZ4fMQ/s1600/42c5d7cc-85ca-4fc9-b59c-195f1d900bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGe-5aj9BSGe5E9U2fgdFsOUExpjVOwP4LEB6u8eMZht0YV9iCjCcPGXfHKgNd7DFPV2GtQHJNKZEta-LE9P-P-9BbFS-hR2DWPhN7xL_Y4_BN-gO_W3hnln7thvJS_OdDZ4fMQ/s320/42c5d7cc-85ca-4fc9-b59c-195f1d900bad.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="960" /></a></div>Children by age six start to realize that the world is an enormous, interesting place. Continents, cultures, scientific concepts and great literature become part of the classroom catering to age-group 6-12. Elementary curriculum in Sharanalaya guides the child through multi-disciplinary areas of learning - math, geometry, language, zoology, paleontology, geography and history are all represented in a montessori classroom, which is filled with materials that lead to an understanding of fundamental concepts across disciplines, using both concrete and abstract methods. <br />
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With a meticulously planned play area, <a href="http://neevmontessori.school">Neev Montessori</a> in Injambakkam believes in letting children explore and experience their physical strengths in a myriad different ways. Hanging bridge, rope ladders, climbing nets, rope walking, and monkey bars are some of the many fun and challenging equipment the play area offers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiva71GPBPLLufLQPNjC_LkqGrwbcoLHZFW58zgGD5XpTDIqQL8P9T4JKD1es6bD0rAbHrAvdJKL5Z-HmEsbGR6PVazAxc5lB6ZndSlTsLBlAYwWn95NrCm_mP5wKtysIBAjKHA/s1600/51085261_2205889499672482_7854534924185894912_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiva71GPBPLLufLQPNjC_LkqGrwbcoLHZFW58zgGD5XpTDIqQL8P9T4JKD1es6bD0rAbHrAvdJKL5Z-HmEsbGR6PVazAxc5lB6ZndSlTsLBlAYwWn95NrCm_mP5wKtysIBAjKHA/s320/51085261_2205889499672482_7854534924185894912_o.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1080" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://neevmontessori.school/?fbclid=IwAR1WxFlwzh0Nhg92rL4KFfdV5sj8N1am_RPbzfTbLSocuOaEbW2cPnhECTA">Neelu Dhungana</a>, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/neevmontessori/">co-founder of Neev</a>, says “At Neev, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8l7Swu-4WA">primary environment</a> for the age-group 3-6 is all about letting a child explore his or her physical independence and language development while ages 6-12, called the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y818baXbgIg">older primary</a> or elementary environment, recognizes a child’s insatiable curiosity and excitement for learning.”<br />
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Free play works in a multitude of ways, and research points to its myriad benefits: it stimulates senses, develops fine and gross motor skills, enhances imagination, enables understanding of self, others and the world around. Neelu further elaborates, “Free uninterrupted play is a necessary component for cognitive development, which includes skills such as planning, organising, regulating, sequencing. These skills are necessary for carrying out executive functions in daily life and work.”<br />
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Housed in a red brick building with well-lit classrooms, arches, open spaces and hallways, architecturally unique <a href="http://www.abacusnow.com">Abacus Montessori</a> in Perungudi on OMR was designed by well-known architect, Benny Kuriakose. Abacus’ recent farm program initiative has been a unique way of engaging children with the community and the environment during montessori’s older elementary years. Children work on organic farming through sustainable practices: they sow seeds, grow paddy and vegetables and grains, take care of cattle, and in the process learn to grow their own food, respecting Nature.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Temple-Tree-School-505245369489037/">Temple Tree</a>, <a href="http://www.redwoodmontessori.in">Redwood</a> and <a href="http://www.kalakshetra.in/site/bass-overview/">Besant Arundale</a> school in Kalakshetra, Besant Nagar, <a href="http://www.navadisha.org">Navadisha</a> in Velachery, <a href="https://learningtreechennai.com">Learning Tree</a> in Adyar, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sprouts.montessori/">Sprouts</a> and <a href="http://vrukshamontessori.net">Vruksha</a> in Alwarpet, <a href="http://www.patasalamontessori.org">Patashala</a> in Nungambakkam are some of Chennai’s other montessori schools doing significant work in bringing this system of education to families across the city. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpMNeRMEqhQQgmBxj8mU7kX8UB-gnZnwhDqgLEy6N1HaQHct741LCZ1He-svEQ1K7HJsUaosmKPeXI8xsdE__cpWoZun0Ofi1Z8qqktqANWF41dQUza09yVWauvyfyOUCGQg_Ww/s1600/2a196698-6bc1-45f6-913b-222d43e6cfca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpMNeRMEqhQQgmBxj8mU7kX8UB-gnZnwhDqgLEy6N1HaQHct741LCZ1He-svEQ1K7HJsUaosmKPeXI8xsdE__cpWoZun0Ofi1Z8qqktqANWF41dQUza09yVWauvyfyOUCGQg_Ww/s320/2a196698-6bc1-45f6-913b-222d43e6cfca.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
All pedagogies in early childhood education agree that every child needs time, space and freedom to explore learning on his/her own terms. Conventional schools abound in the city where exams and marks define education in every frame of mainstream thought. But thanks to Maria Montessori, families were introduced to an alternative system of schooling 80 years ago. To this end, these schools have gone out of their way to help parents understand the philosophy of Montessori. <br />
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Meena Nirmal, who has been a montessori parent for more than ten years says, “During the primary years, all five senses are equally stimulated, enabling learning through all of them. The child gets to progress at his or her own pace in a non-competitive environment, some areas fast while some slow, not at all affected by other kids in the environment.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOed4vLgUeyodGpVP8PpG84MwG8npGV2NTvh0HfLqvxxgMQyFcUD3EV3nSJ6m6i6itBO_FseLjQU53T9Fhhxd3y0uLSZALu0_AjhoOWfqh8eQo5fqm-RDxz0jWpXTYJbB13u9qg/s1600/805f7782-5f3b-46a9-a7f6-7b291575d0c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOed4vLgUeyodGpVP8PpG84MwG8npGV2NTvh0HfLqvxxgMQyFcUD3EV3nSJ6m6i6itBO_FseLjQU53T9Fhhxd3y0uLSZALu0_AjhoOWfqh8eQo5fqm-RDxz0jWpXTYJbB13u9qg/s320/805f7782-5f3b-46a9-a7f6-7b291575d0c2.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
Meena further adds, “One more equally interesting fact is that the learning material in the classroom is very simple and non-distracting, absolutely no fancy stuff in the classroom with a lot of orderliness.” Meena also believes that the concrete presentation of the number system helps the kids develop a mental picture of the numeric system. This, she thinks, can be especially helpful in problem-solving, giving children a mental picture of the problem, combined with a realistic, hands-on way of coming up with a solution. <br />
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Sheela Preuitt, another Montessori parent says: "Fostering independence and encouraging self-care, Montessori’s Primary environment was the perfect place for my kids to become self-motivated learners, driven by curiosity and individual interests. The multi-age classroom in Elementary allowed them not only to improve their own learning process by observing the older children, but also gave them an opportunity to be a role model for the younger ones. The freedom to choose a subject or topic and delve as deeply as they want via self-initiated projects, until they are satiated and ready to move on to something else, has set them up for a lifelong journey of discovery, cultivating an unbridled joy of learning.”<br />
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Convenience can be a crucial factor when it comes to choosing schools, especially for a child’s early years of education. With more than fifteen Montessori schools spread across neighbourhoods, for parents who want their children to thrive as individuals joyfully learning without any comparisons and pressures of ranks and marks, and other unnecessary system-induced stress and anxiety, options to choose from schools following montessori education are plenty today, at least till the end of elementary years.<br />
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Praba Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12124515962155387444noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-76779315264863372132018-04-25T22:20:00.003-07:002018-04-25T22:22:19.148-07:00Thukpa for All<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRaa4ZKbUXVApaNwlZ7OheDsGTONSpyHbxAPul2AylH26SePFmkAe-AeWWUE94p4HyWNJAgNn_nKUg1uzvLmSRzuz8hZcF3AIIY_nzAIcZiYTStchI7cFBSWE3Qf8dtgIm1Q/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="506" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRaa4ZKbUXVApaNwlZ7OheDsGTONSpyHbxAPul2AylH26SePFmkAe-AeWWUE94p4HyWNJAgNn_nKUg1uzvLmSRzuz8hZcF3AIIY_nzAIcZiYTStchI7cFBSWE3Qf8dtgIm1Q/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a>Karadi Tales <br />
Reading age- 4 and above<br />
Authors- Praba Ram and Sheela Preuitt<br />
Illustrator- Shilpa Ranade<br />
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Big pleasures in our lives are derived from small uneventful days. <br />
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Many of our memories tend to be food-centric. In fact, every child will have one or more special foods to relate to. And more often than not, that special food would have been made in his/her home. They look forward to it, savor it, brag about it and like to share it with their friends. <br />
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Prabha and Sheela take us on a journey to savour Tsering's thukpa as he announces to his friends and invites them home for a share of his grandma's special thukpa.<br />
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Prabha and Sheela (and the wonderful illustrator Shilpa Ranade) have recreated the locales with such degree of detail, that it transports you to Ladakh. <br />
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It is a beautiful story of give and take in a community. At the end of the story I was left with a longing for a Thukpa bowl and what is fantastic is that the book holds a recipe too to satiate that longing.<br />
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That Tsering is blind is woven subtly into the story. Everyone around him accepts it and you do too, because that becomes beside the point. You see him walking alone, meeting and greeting people enroute and helping around the house as any child would. <br />
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Where was Tsering coming from? What else happens in Tsering's life?<br />
Wishing there will be more books ...<br />
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<i>This is a review by Sreelatha - parent of 6 year old Kalyani.</i> <br />
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You can look up the publishers' link <a href="https://www.karaditales.com/catalogue/picture-books/thukpa-for-all/">here.</a></div>
Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-65784494241425964882017-09-04T09:59:00.002-07:002017-09-04T19:16:44.672-07:00Pickle Mania by Srividhya Venkat<br />
Author: Srividhya Venkat<br />
Illustrations: Shailja Jain Chougule<br />
Publisher: Tota Books<br />
(Review Copy)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakrF5br1C_7jtk6amVArUPhelgBLn9eIQUPjjgO1KSk-ecJSFrBUCDOqtS11bSqXGX9JP71vHM6RsgSfa4Rv0eL-hZZrr3BrNZR3WjHOP9wy5-IhX5NrHZ5UhK6czhoPZizqB8w/s1600/Pickle+Mania_Cover_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakrF5br1C_7jtk6amVArUPhelgBLn9eIQUPjjgO1KSk-ecJSFrBUCDOqtS11bSqXGX9JP71vHM6RsgSfa4Rv0eL-hZZrr3BrNZR3WjHOP9wy5-IhX5NrHZ5UhK6czhoPZizqB8w/s320/Pickle+Mania_Cover_0.jpg" width="317" height="320" data-original-width="664" data-original-height="671" /></a></div><br />
Grandma and grandpa aren’t too excited to let Nithya try their pickles. Nevertheless, Nithya can’t wait to sneak in, and have a taste of the pickles while her grandparents are away. What follows after much pleading and begging is that Nithya learns to make her own little pickle with grandma’s help. What happens during the process of pickle-making makes for the rest of the plot - one that is a riot of fun, color, filled with sensory explosion to tantalise your taste buds. <br />
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The attention to detail comes through the illustrations by Shailaja Jain Chougule. The cheerful and kid-friendly drawings capture the little girl’s fascination for pickles and evoke beautiful grandparent-granddaughter connections. Written by Srividhya Venkat, Pickle Mania is one “licky lick, dippy dip”, tangy-as- tamarind and sweet-as-jaggery kind of a delicious picture book that encourages problem-solving.<br />
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Zippy, light and fun descriptive words make it a great read-aloud book for the 4 to 8 age group. All in all, I found this to be a warm and likeable book, perfectly suited for the pickle-loving daughter in the family who promptly devoured it. A picture book that celebrates family traditions around pickles and the passing down of joys of these tastebud stimulating foods, while subtly encouraging kids to try new foods. Praba Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12124515962155387444noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-75543358568962311592017-08-22T22:20:00.000-07:002017-08-22T22:21:21.903-07:00Amma Take Me to The Golden Temple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2kwRLHc_Trfo91U_8k_uJlR-tf-j_cveT1-KuZRwm9xF1ht5dx-KnzU91Q495xQyzxxLPH1y5OW6K0ACgLk33fluRuPUQ36GAcOuRgfPo9VbUDf3ciCEACxHh6uIRic23bw/s1600/61jN2Qbb4XL._SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2kwRLHc_Trfo91U_8k_uJlR-tf-j_cveT1-KuZRwm9xF1ht5dx-KnzU91Q495xQyzxxLPH1y5OW6K0ACgLk33fluRuPUQ36GAcOuRgfPo9VbUDf3ciCEACxHh6uIRic23bw/s1600/61jN2Qbb4XL._SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div>
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Amma Take Me to The Golden Temple</div>
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Ages- 4-10 years</div>
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Text- Bhakti Mathur, Illustrations- Priyankar Gupta</div>
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Penguin</div>
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A mother of two curious boys, embarks on a journey of discovery and bonding through stories. The destination- the awe inspiring Golden Temple , Amritsar.</div>
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The religious references are well balanced and backed by facts and stories that enrich a visit to any place. The language is easy for children to follow and the banter between the brothers impart a warmth to the narrative.</div>
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The significance and historical development of the monument ( ranging from the structure itself, to the religious tome, the water body and the trees of significance, the architecture and so on) and along with it, Sikhism and its precepts, are well highlighted. The social thread of the significance of Langar and the community volunteering will inspire young minds. The summary page on the Sikh Gurus and the glossary are very useful.The author has steered clear of Operation Blue Star as her target reader belongs to the younger age group.</div>
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The <a href="http://gallery.wacom.com/gallery/53976051/Amma-Take-Me-To-The-Golden-Temple">illustrations </a>are detailed and retro, a bit ACK like, a style you do not get to see often in picture books nowadays. It met with mixed reactions from my children, one loved it and the other found them unexciting.</div>
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This is a good book to read before you set off on a visit and a great book to read if you wanted to visit and have not been able to. For those who have visited, like us, it still offers some refreshing perspective and takes us back to compare notes! </div>
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There will be more books in this series. Any guesses what places they will take us to?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This was a review book copy from the publisher, but the review is unbiased.</i></span></div>
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Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-75626595211601810382017-06-12T19:07:00.002-07:002017-06-13T06:13:14.806-07:00Two Bedtime Stories -Unhappy Moon and Not YetUnhappy Moon<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j2acsaaDf0EwDAriJYubVgPrXz3Gb_NhZgFyZFfLzmuztQbJZCKtca33dJ2P-q-qOv1iYQcfDNY_nc2XvlicOOl8hEmGH2aV_Y1Rw6sMz_f-At0D_vIWRrSa4JqQg-dr7Kl_IA/s1600/unhappy-moon-english.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j2acsaaDf0EwDAriJYubVgPrXz3Gb_NhZgFyZFfLzmuztQbJZCKtca33dJ2P-q-qOv1iYQcfDNY_nc2XvlicOOl8hEmGH2aV_Y1Rw6sMz_f-At0D_vIWRrSa4JqQg-dr7Kl_IA/s320/unhappy-moon-english.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800" /></a></div>Written by Saras<br />
Pictures by Proiti Roy<br />
Published by <a href="http://www.tulikabooks.com/general-picture-books/unhappy-moon-english.html">Tulika Books</a><br />
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Simple storylines based on space themes come as a rare and delightful treat in the world of children’s literature. Here’s one recent book from Tulika Books titled <b>Unhappy Moon<i></i></b> that captured my attention. <br />
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Moon is not happy since nobody notices her. And that's because people sleep when she's out. Just like the Sun, she wants to be seen and appreciated too. So in a relentless pursuit, she decides to position herself in places where she can be seen - right from where the three seas meet at the tip of India all the way to the mountains, eager to seek attention. But things don't work out the way she imagines them to be, but the ending is a happy one, after all! <br />
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A tightly woven travel story that will get your family to embark on an adventure with the moon as she moves to various locations around India. The narrative, without a glitch, comes back to where it all starts from. In that sense, you can call it a circular tale too. The author, Saras, in writing for children has hit a home-run through Unhappy Moon. <br />
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This new fiction-nonfiction crossover story has opened yet another aspect of amazing India to children. This story is simple enough for a three year old to comprehend, and a great add on to text books for both educators, as well as parents. In that, the book can be paired as a teacher resource serving as a good introduction to moon cycle and geography for young readers.<br />
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As always, I thoroughly enjoyed poring over the rich, vibrant colours of the illustrations in this book. The lively play of colors makes each page a pleasure to pore over. According to the 10 year old picture book aficionado in the household, the star attraction of the book are the illustrations and the various playful expressions on Moon’s face. Enjoy a little late-summer moon and star-gazing with your children, picking this picture book!<br />
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<a href="http://www.tulikabooks.com/general-bilingual-picture-books/not-yet-english-hindi.html#sthash.jNUruTwO.dpuf">Not Yet</a>/Abhi Nahin! (English-Hindi)<br />
Author : Nandana Dev Sen <br />
Illustrator : Niloufer Wadia <br />
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A little girl is lost in her own world where she must learn to kiss a kangaroo, snuggle a whale, fly with the birds in the sky, and it's no surprise that sleep is the last thing on her mind given that she has so much to do! <br />
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Not Yet is a playful trek at bedtime, along with a little girl who wants to interact and have fun with her imaginary animal, bird and insect friends. The text is simple enough for young readers because it can help the reader visualize each action she is eager to participate in. And it gently tells you, you can learn something new from everyone. A great book to be used within a preschool classroom for younger students to help learn about different animals, while also learning new words. <br />
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As for the illustrations, the luminous and bright landscape reveals a special beauty and the prevailing mood is one of celebration. Overall, a perfectly sweet, thoughtful and whimsical book that will ignite the imagination of wee little ones, while giving them a sense of warmth, wonder and delight, derived from life's simple and bountiful moments. Combining bright, cheerful illustrations and wonderful lines, Not Yet is bound to become a household favorite.<br />
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I was sent these two books for an honest review.<br />
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Praba Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12124515962155387444noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-15532987226543962872017-05-09T19:53:00.001-07:002017-05-09T19:53:17.342-07:00Dream WriterTitle: Dream Writer<br />
Author: Sandhya Rao<br />
Illustrator: Tanvi Bhatt<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.tulikabooks.com/general-picture-books/dream-writer-english.html">Tulika Books</a> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScMva2HbDyESCvXhq0zGu2yImB-HR9p5BO64ZHq6i_wjJ4hItsR0YFD0j1CebY2jREdzGRMODWbgAzFF48jsArx0j9KIF3mPU6LoN5i-bmgVwlyuuv1AY4X7EgyaNG96eRqW-NA/s1600/IMG_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScMva2HbDyESCvXhq0zGu2yImB-HR9p5BO64ZHq6i_wjJ4hItsR0YFD0j1CebY2jREdzGRMODWbgAzFF48jsArx0j9KIF3mPU6LoN5i-bmgVwlyuuv1AY4X7EgyaNG96eRqW-NA/s320/IMG_3118.JPG" width="320" height="320" /></a></div>Last winter, while scouting for writing supplies and reading materials at my local bookstore, the picture book cover, Dream Writer snagged my attention.<br />
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The dreamy-looking picture of a child with closed eyes and the intriguingly simple title piqued my writerly curiosity, and obviously, it was hard not to resist the temptation to pick up this brand new picture book from Tulika Books, written by my favorite editor and children's writer, Sandhya Rao. <br />
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The narrative revolves around the varied colourful dreams that a child named Shobha dreams, and she's only eager to know how all of her dreams end. With a gentle nudge from her English teacher, she quickly figures out a way to find a solution to her predicament. <br />
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A picture book plot in the hands of a great children's writer can sometimes pen itself - and this one probably did exactly that with its awe-inspiringly simple and clever pen-oriented theme.<br />
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The slightly poignant touch added to the pictures reveals a parallel thread that the reader sees unfolding - a hidden story element that does not needlessly parade pity, but one that speaks the state as is and deserves five stars for the not-at-all-heavy handling of it. <br />
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Dream Writer is one of the books that made my “Picture Book Picnic” children at the local art gallery, drool over the delightfully funny images, especially the page with Shobha’s nose growing like an elephant trunk.<br />
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Vibrant artwork by Tanvi Bhat speaks more than a thousand words, while the crisp and clear writing leaves you smiling and craving for more of Shobha’s bite-sized stories and their dreamy endings.<br />
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Coconuts flapping and buzzing like flies evoked many laughs. I started off asking my group of raucous children what they thought dreams were made of. I wanted them to get a little descriptive in describing what a dream was, and these were some interesting responses I got from the children. <br />
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“Dreams are like a cloud. They float in your head when you sleep.”<br />
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“Dreams are like fantastic things that form in your mind when you sleep”<br />
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“Dreams tend to have a fuzzy quality. Some are blurry whereas some are very clear.”<br />
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Clearly, Sandhya Rao’s Dream Writer spoke to little minds in more ways than one. More power to stories that inspire children in a myriad different ways! Praba Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12124515962155387444noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-26714403083466331652017-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:002017-05-02T12:44:42.580-07:00Jesper Jinx Series by Marko Kitti<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Jesper Jinx (series)<br />
by Marko Kitti<br />
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Quite by the sweetest coincidence, I e-met the author, Marko Kitti, and got to read his delightful set of books. Well, not all of seven of them yet -- but, enough of them to know that this is a light and fun chapter book series for kids to get hooked on.<br />
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<i>"Jesper Jinx is eleven, and probably the unluckiest person in all of Puffington Hill. Everything he touches seems to end up in sweet disaster. Hence his nickname 'Jinx'"</i><br />
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In the first few pages of the first book, in the Intro Sequence, the author sets the tone and the mood that made me realize that kids would love this style of writing: the author has promised Jesper that he won't share Jesper's embarrassing moments in print; Yet, the author breaks "at least a zillion promises and moral obligations" and asks us readers to not breathe a word to Jesper about this breach. Conspiratorial, or what?!<br />
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Things always seem to happen to Jesper. His heart is in the right place. His intentions are usually nice (not always!). But he manages to come out fine in the end.<br />
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Finnish author Marko Kitti took up writing in English as a challenge and has come up with an entertaining set of books that are a pleasure to read.<br />
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I e-interviewed the author to know more about his writing journey and the various aspects of bringing Jesper to the readers.<br />
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<b>1. Tell us about your writing journey - when did you start, what was your motivation for writing?</b><br />
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</b>I've been writing fictional stories for as long as I can remember. As a child, I enjoyed writing all kinds of short stories, most of them which were actually my own versions of the stories I'd read. So my love of writing comes from my love of reading. But it wasn't until I was in my late twenties that I sent my scribblings to a publisher, and I've been a professional writer ever since.<br />
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<b>2. Do you focus on writing only for children? What are some of your other works?</b><br />
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</b>I have published several novels and short stories for adult and YA readers in the Finnish language, but for the past four years I've been focussing on writing only for children, mainly in the English language. I find writing for children wonderfully enjoyable, although it's one of the most difficult types of storytelling. I've always loved challenges and, funny enough, it didn't take long before I found my comfort zone in writing children's literature.<br />
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<b>3. What was the inspiration for Jesper Jinx? Were you drawing from your own life perchance?</b><br />
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</b>Jesper Jinx was born purely by accident. What started as a simple "experiment" soon turned into something completely different. Finnish is my mother tongue, and about five years ago someone challenged me to write something in English. More precisely, what that person actually said was: "I don't believe your English is good enough for writing a book.” That was a huge trigger for me. Being told "you can't” was all the motivation I needed, and a few months later Jesper Jinx was born. I wanted to create a character who was someone the young readers could identify with. I also wanted to involve the reader in the Jesper Jinx books by directly addressing them, making them feel like they are part of something important. I wanted to take a humorous approach to the stories, and that proved to be a good decision. After all, these days more than ever, children need laughter as well as a sense of security and acceptance in their lives.<br />
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<b>4. Tell us about your favorite children's author(s) and book(s)?</b><br />
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</b>As a child, my favourite children's author was Enid Blyton. I can honestly say I've read most of her books at least twice; The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Adventure series, you name it. I also gobbled through Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan series, which I found absolutely fantastic. Nowadays, I enjoy reading all kinds of children's books. Some of my favourite authors include Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Jeff Kinney and Anthony Horowitz, and I'm also a great fan of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.<br />
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<b>5. How was the self-publishing experience? Do you handle the business-end and technical-end of self-publishing as well?</b><br />
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</b>Yes, I'm involved in every step of the self-publishing process from writing and graphic design to the actual publishing and marketing, and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute of it all. But I haven't been doing the project alone. I'm lucky to have a fantastic team of editors, proofreaders and marketing professionals around me, so I can easily say that the Jesper Jinx series couldn't have become as successful as it has without a brilliant team effort from everyone involved.<br />
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<b>6. What do you do when you are not writing? What are your other interests/passions?</b><br />
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</b>I love travelling and exploring new places and cultures. I was born in Finland but I'm living in England now – and who knows, someday I might be living somewhere else. I also love baking and cooking and you will always see me in the kitchen.<br />
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</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.jesperjinx.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jesper Jinx website</a></b><br />
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[image source: <a href="http://www.jesperjinx.co.uk/books/jesper-jinx-book-1/">http://www.jesperjinx.co.uk/books/jesper-jinx-book-1/</a>]</div>
Sheelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01892316117026334238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-45823680438440437132017-04-25T17:12:00.005-07:002017-04-25T17:19:07.591-07:00The Gory Story of Genghis Khan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: inherit; word-spacing: 1px;">Nayanika Mahtani</span></div>
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<span style="color: #313131; font-family: inherit; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">When I heard the name of the book I expected something like the Horrible History series or the Duckbill historical fiction set. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Instead here is a book that is rendered in a style and format, all its own.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #313131; font-family: inherit; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It takes a close look at what drove the outcast child Temujin to become Genghis Khan, the conqueror of one sixth of the world! </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">While not condoning his ways, it throws light on his foresight and adaptability. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It humanizes one of history's leading villains and tells you that despite his failings, he had surprisingly commendable qualities- his respect for women, the religious tolerance he extended, the horse-powered postal system he started, the spy network that flourished under his rule and more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;">There are many information nuggets dropped casually -from clothing to cultural norms to army tactics that existed then. Some scenes come with a "do not try it at home" clause but parents of younger readers could emphasize the message!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;">My only worry was that children may celebrate him like an unlikely hero - sort of like a Robinhood- but the atrocities are laid out openly for all to read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The protagonist makes the read quite a ride. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The puns are wonderfully witty and the tone is light for a subject who is distasteful in his ruthlessness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;">The breaking news format with Yuherdit Hearfirst and the narrator Yakkety Yak, the rap- like songs and rhymes, use of 'yakoo' to explain difficult words, are charming, clever, contemporary touches that would appeal to today's readers. The puns are there all over, some may get missed by the younger reader but they add irreverent fun to what could have been a drab narrative ( a traditional history text). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;">The illustrations by Tapas Guha are apt and the book cover by Devangana Dash looks gory enough to get children curious. The closing notes, alongside the map and the family tree, will entice you to look up on more such books.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;">I am sure we can expect more in this series from the author. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;">Would be a good read aloud in schools too!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">This is based on a review copy but it is my candid opinion of the book</span></i></div>
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Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-15506946367707372222017-04-08T15:23:00.001-07:002017-04-10T21:10:31.594-07:00Maharani the Cow<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBoUxi9A9QADLrXG8HTRi5Kas4BmTpW0bVEXFsDrhieOagiO5dnKxq7Nd-SJeWalmEf9FjFOtoxVOb_Z1425lRqvOBUmoeTsua2CHZ9zjOg7cKQTy6eh8rG1vLmumIVY7PLB4YA/s1600/maharani-the-cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBoUxi9A9QADLrXG8HTRi5Kas4BmTpW0bVEXFsDrhieOagiO5dnKxq7Nd-SJeWalmEf9FjFOtoxVOb_Z1425lRqvOBUmoeTsua2CHZ9zjOg7cKQTy6eh8rG1vLmumIVY7PLB4YA/s320/maharani-the-cow.jpg" width="320" height="320" /></a></div><br />
Author : Christy Shoba Sudhir <br />
Illustrator : Nancy Raj <br />
Published by: <a href="http://www.tulikabooks.com/general-picture-books/maharani-the-cow.html">Tulika Books</a><br />
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As someone who is constantly in awe of picture book writers and illustrators, it is hard not to take notice, when a few simple and clever and witty books come along your way. <br />
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Picture books can get kids to ponder and wonder, inspire and imagine; and best of all, get them to guffaw uncontrollably, providing an endless source of giggles and laughs.<br />
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I will be reviewing a few recently published Tulika books, in no particular order, that managed to impress my “Picture Book Picnic” children (that I work with at a local art gallery), just as much as they managed to inspire me.<br />
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Maharani, an irresistibly “cool-as-a-cucumber” metro cow has decided to plonk herself on the road, and that too, right in the middle of a typically traffic-heavy city road. Well, what follows is a series of side-splittingly funny scenes as pedestrians, a policeman, school children, and auto drivers try tonudge Maharani to move. <br />
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The best part for me about Tulika’s style, and any such simple and clever books, is always the adoption of a no-fuss attitude toward the problem and solution elements. How the “ bovine-stops-traffic”, a frustratingly familiar problem, casually solves itself, much to everyone's relief, forms the crux of this funny tale. <br />
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Chirpy words describing the street as dusty, noisy, crowded thoroughly resonated with the children, while Nancy Raj’s illustrations were a delight to pore over down to the last detail. The charming streetscape artworks made the kids sit up and soak them all in. The zooming parakeets flying over the city scene in particular elevated our view to a whole new level. <br />
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There’s no way you can't notice the sophisticated presentation of the varied perspectives and views and angles of the cow, and the delightful expressions, sights and sounds, and frustrations of a stream of humans stuck in traffic. The pictures pop out of the page, transporting you straight to a zen-like zone with the gleeful charmer that is Maharani, and yes, you can't help yourself partaking in unseating-her-highness adventure. <br />
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Praba Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12124515962155387444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-84885025683590659432017-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:002017-03-17T00:00:09.262-07:00Aboard a Paper Plane... and other poems<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aboard-Paper-Plane-Joseph-Allison-ebook/dp/B01HLOGAFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488246732&sr=8-1&keywords=aboard+a+paper+plane" target="_blank">Aboard a Paper Plane... and other poems</a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs3r-xOZylr8e7X_0fhpl_NO-ICeRPSCqosQ_5rp0GinQZyMs2JkXFWRdHl4kTZmZ1dmoiJ-tBYGjLM2qcBHeNGTAxtOX7epcKyNkEfssCZe33hOtjZHlz2pZ0_TY-jsz3jGPsg/s1600/Aboard-a-paper-airplane.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs3r-xOZylr8e7X_0fhpl_NO-ICeRPSCqosQ_5rp0GinQZyMs2JkXFWRdHl4kTZmZ1dmoiJ-tBYGjLM2qcBHeNGTAxtOX7epcKyNkEfssCZe33hOtjZHlz2pZ0_TY-jsz3jGPsg/s200/Aboard-a-paper-airplane.png" width="166" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aboard-Paper-Plane-Joseph-Allison-ebook/dp/B01HLOGAFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488246732&sr=8-1&keywords=aboard+a+paper+plane" target="_blank">by Joe & Allison Kelly</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aboard-Paper-Plane-Joseph-Allison-ebook/dp/B01HLOGAFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488246732&sr=8-1&keywords=aboard+a+paper+plane" target="_blank">illustrations by Supakit Chiangthong</a><br />
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When this poetry collection, <b><i>Aboard a Paper Plane</i></b>, by Allison & Joe Kelly came my way, I was absolutely delighted to read it! Not just to myself. I read it aloud to my kids, and, randomly tossed out some of the lovely lines to the other adult in residence as well.<br />
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Shel Silverstein meets Kenn Nesbitt meets Kurt Cyrus.<br />
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That's what popped into my head immediately. The random everyday quirks with a deeper thought-provoking perspective à la Shel Silverstein, the laugh-out-loud aspect of Kenn Nesbitt's works, as well as the amazing wordplay that Kurt Cyrus brings to his creations, these are what struck me when I read the forty eight poems in this collection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZLx8w585kLR4aIEVsq3e10LfFupLmBNmF52qxAPHL_u35oUcYU5hLmthLoqZS5YusYX5VlgH7XeMU1794v5w-sI_DjV3fPGOc_JYP7cJFdzBrEjCUnTSz9pOz_HYevO8ykVBdA/s1600/Jail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZLx8w585kLR4aIEVsq3e10LfFupLmBNmF52qxAPHL_u35oUcYU5hLmthLoqZS5YusYX5VlgH7XeMU1794v5w-sI_DjV3fPGOc_JYP7cJFdzBrEjCUnTSz9pOz_HYevO8ykVBdA/s400/Jail.png" width="250" /></a></div>
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Some are long and showcase their wordsmithing perfectly while others are crisp and short and make you double up with laughter.<br />
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The younger child's favorite was, of course, <b>Bath </b>for the "Ewww..." factor, and Painter, as he had tried that once and found that it was not appreciated.<br />
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The older child loved the Secret Club and Pop Quiz, while chuckling at Clover and nodding along with If Only I had a Dollar.<br />
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Vegetables - a cautionary tale is at once brilliant and funny, one of my favorites. The wordplay in Broke is superb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvvx62wJIegLa0srB7gkhMlnuqeuXdWngIsubYAr0BzyB2Jk5M9egDiw2813OBaF45QahiC5kja6umLHPjCsAGSypNQyKNqprixCNjk9kKZKktezvLPYFUGs6xcy-dERHByPs6w/s1600/Bath.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvvx62wJIegLa0srB7gkhMlnuqeuXdWngIsubYAr0BzyB2Jk5M9egDiw2813OBaF45QahiC5kja6umLHPjCsAGSypNQyKNqprixCNjk9kKZKktezvLPYFUGs6xcy-dERHByPs6w/s400/Bath.png" width="257" /></a></div>
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Before I start listing the joys of each poem here, let me stop and share an informal interview with this talented couple.<br />
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<b>1. Tell us about your writing journey - when did you start, what was your motivation for writing? </b><br />
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J: I started writing children's poetry when I was fifteen - right around the time I met Allison, actually. I love the variation inherent in a poetry collection, and I love it as both a reader and a writer. The imagination's zigzag from character to character, situation to situation; not knowing to which world the next page is going to take you, only that it will be a place you're sure to enjoy. I guess that's why we were drawn to the paper plane.<br />
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A: Like most writers, I'm sure, I'm thrilled by the idea of creating something new that wasn't there before: a character, a plot line, a turn of phrase. I've been enthralled with the writing experience since the age of six or so; it's truly been one of the constant joys in my life.<br />
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J: And me, right?<br />
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A: Yes, Joe. And you.<br />
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<b>2. Do you focus on writing only for children? What are some of your other works?</b><br />
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A: I will write for anyone! I recently started a small business in which I write and publish personal memoirs for people -- usually older folks whose children want to gather their stories and memories in one place before it's too late. I also write material for standardized tests for students ranging in age from kindergarten to high school, and for both native English speakers and English language learners.<br />
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J: I'm not quite as versatile as my wife. It's been largely children's material to date - poetry, rhyming books, middle grade; even tried my hand at YA. I'm drawn to the imagination bursting from the genre seemingly everywhere you look. My "day job" is in finance, so I find balance in using the creative side of my brain after a long day or week of analytical thinking. <br />
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Aboard a Paper Plane is our first title. While writing, however, we stumbled upon a few ideas that were too long to be part of the collection. The game plan now is to turn those into stand-alone rhyming stories. We've also started planning a second poetry collection. We don't have any timelines or anything as of yet, but we're certainly having fun putting it all together.<br />
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<b>3. What was the inspiration for this particular book? Why a poetry book? How did you settle on the 48 poems included, it's a tall order? Which of these are your top 3 favorites? </b><br />
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A: A poetry book allowed us to experiment with a lot of tones, themes, characters, and settings. We were writing the book in our free time (evenings, weekends), so we wanted to make sure the experience was always fresh and exciting. And as for the inspiration, Joe's the idea generator, so I'll let him take it from here.<br />
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J: Thanks, Al! The inspiration for the book was an odd collection of dozens of little things I've noticed throughout my day-to-day. Normal things - things you see every day ,but maybe don't put much thought into. Like a graveyard or a boomerang or a lobster - stuff like that. If an object or situation catches my eye, I jot it down in the Notes app on my iPhone. It's also energizing to take lofty "life lessons" -- try not to compare with others, be grateful for what you're given, and so on -- and repurpose them in a fun and accessible way through poetry. In terms of the forty-eight, we were trying to assemble a nice variety of lengths and subjects and styles. There were a handful that didn't fit with Aboard a Paper Plane. We hope to find a home for them in the next collection!<br />
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A: My favorites are probably The Runner, Guardian Angel, and The Tiniest Ant & the Giantest Bear. They're all very different, and I think they give a good idea of our versatility. I think they best showcase our humor, wordsmithing, and wit.<br />
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J: I wouldn't say I necessarily have a favorite poem, but I do have a few favorite lines. Like in the "Octopus Barber", the line about the monkfish. Or in "Fortune Teller" when the narrator daydreams about body surfing. Or in "Aboard a Paper Plane" - the part that goes, "You'll cartwheel to the moon and then you'll swim from here to Spain / Or close your eyes and scrunch your face to sprout a lion's mane." That makes me smile every time.<br />
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<b>4. Tell us about your favorite children's author(s)? Favorite children's book(s)?</b><br />
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J: When I was very young, my favorite book was Richard Scarry's "Best Ride Ever". In retrospect, it was a pretty odd story. Essentially, the plot line revolved around this dog named Dingo. Dingo Dog had a really, really cool red car. What Dingo Dog did not have was much respect for traffic laws. Dingo would drive his car down the sidewalk, through the supermarket - I think at one point he even drove through someone's living room? At end of the day, the whole book was a pretty airtight case study on why we don't let animals operate machinery. According to my dad, I would laugh nonstop through the whole story. Guess I was kind of a weird kid... <br />
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A: You were a weird kid? According to my mom, my favorite book as a little kid was "The Book of Virtues". It was 1,000 pages and had no pictures. I would ask my dad to read it to me every night...<br />
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J: Okay - you got me there. But since my Dingo Dog-days of childhood, I've accumulated a whole host of both authors and stories I admire. Just to name a few: Norton Juster's "The Phantom Tollbooth" & Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" for their wordplay and structure. Shel Silverstein for his characters and situations. R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps" for their zany twists. But my absolute favorite? I love "Oh, the Places You'll Go". My grandparents gave me a copy when I graduated high school. It's been on my desk ever since.<br />
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A: I loved the Berenstain Bears series -- the cute stories, the colorful full-page pictures! But most of the formative works I read as a child were when I was a little older, eight or nine or so. I loved "Little Women" most of all, followed closely by "A Wrinkle in Time" and the Babysitter's Club series.<br />
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<b>5. How does the collaboration work? Each writes, and also edits the other's?</b><br />
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A: Writing children's poems has always been Joe's passion. He comes up with the idea, any clever turns of phrase or characters, and writes a first draft. Then, we both sit down in front of it to comb through line by line and word by word. I'll suggest changes, shore up the scheme, and do my best to make sure every word counts. We find that this process makes the best use of both of our skills.<br />
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J: That said, there were a few poems in the collection that we wrote pretty much top-to-bottom together. These were, most notably: The Tiniest Ant & the Giantest Bear, If I Only Had a Dollar, Patient Pat, and The Gadget. My favorite part about writing is being able to work with Allison. I love having this as a shared experience.<br />
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<b>6. Why eBook? And how was the self-publishing experience? Were you interested in submitting to the traditional publishers?</b><br />
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A: At this point, self-publishing Aboard a Paper Plane as an eBook was our most practical and expedient option. We've also submitted to some literary agents and traditional publishers. We're hopeful that our run as an eBook isn't the destination, but rather a step on the journey.<br />
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<b>7. How did you "meet and collaborate" with the illustrator? On behalf of the illustrator, will you be able to share how they created the art, and whether they are open for working with other authors interested in self-publishing?</b><br />
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J: We met Supakit on Fiverr (which - by the way - is a great platform for children's book authors to partner with illustrators). Our experience with him was fantastic - he was professional, easy to work with, and very talented. For each poem, we'd put together a detailed description of what we were looking for in the picture, shoot it over to Supakit, and then let him work his magic. Unfortunately, we don't know too much about his process. As of today, Supakit has taken his profile down on Fiverr. He was a student during most of our collaboration, and we got the sense that he was taking on other time-intensive responsibilities as he got closer to graduating.<br />
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<b>8. What do you do when you are not writing? What are your other interests/passions?</b><br />
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J: When I'm not writing or working, I enjoy running on the treadmill while watching a movie or show (currently, season 1 of True Detective), practicing the piano, drinking Guinness, all things personal finance, and spending time with my friends, family, and beautiful wife.<br />
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A: I love trying new recipes, learning languages (I'm currently taking a Spanish class!), reading, entertaining, and slowwwly decorating our house. And of course, spending time with my family, friends, and Joe!<br />
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Our sincerest gratitude to the Saffron Tree team for featuring us and our debut poetry collection, Aboard a Paper Plane! We truly appreciate all you do to promote children's literature. We hope you enjoy Aboard a Paper Plane; please reach out at <a href="mailto:jkelly821@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jkelly821@gmail.com</a> if you have any questions or comments! Happy reading!<br />
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<i>[Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book but the opinions shared here are entirely my own. <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/10/saffron-tree-blog-review-policy.html" target="_blank">Review policy for this blog is available</a>.]</i><br />
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Sheelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01892316117026334238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-71728012339770186942017-03-01T18:09:00.000-08:002017-03-01T18:09:27.238-08:00Saffron-Picking, Khadi-Weaving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcONPcKhJXlcOK46-2tDva6quFUuqy6LZ3GaII8boz5PDDpKmru2mQ778AMp89daVOvrYAwx4a0HmzUvkpOQammk6g8Acqs_jQaWxP39HXTAYyyQOJ_3qrWunMrRXHE2NB9pB8/s1600/saffron_picking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcONPcKhJXlcOK46-2tDva6quFUuqy6LZ3GaII8boz5PDDpKmru2mQ778AMp89daVOvrYAwx4a0HmzUvkpOQammk6g8Acqs_jQaWxP39HXTAYyyQOJ_3qrWunMrRXHE2NB9pB8/s320/saffron_picking.jpg" width="252" /></a>Book Title: Saffron-Picking, Khadi-Weaving<br />
Authors: Sheela Preuitt, Praba Ram<br />
Illustrator: Lavanya Karthik<br />
Publisher: Mango Books<br />
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
A couple of months
back, we were reading about various pastoral tribes of India as part of social
sciences curriculum of ninth standard. While locating them on the map, somehow
the heterogeneity, diversity and vibrancy of our homeland had me enraptured yet
again. The text in the book could not appease my curiosity so we read and
researched some more, in fact a lot more and checked their unique nomadic
lifestyles, their labour intensive art forms and much more. The common thread
that became very apparent after having read about different tribes is how
closely blended they are with nature, how respectful they are to the invaluable
gift that is being laundered mindlessly by the 'developed societies', how so
caringly they co-exist with their ecosystem and how they manage their annual
routines in rhythm with changing guards in nature. </div>
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It is interesting to
read about Meghwals of Mewar, Rajasthan who migrated to Sindh in Pakistan in
the 17th century, and then on to Kutch in 1971 after the Indo -Pak war. They
forged a partnership with nomadic pastoralists Maldharis of Kachch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a Maldhari cattle dies, adept hands of
Meghwals convert the raw hide into a piece of utility or of art in leather.
Meghwals also brought with them their exquisite embroidery styles and stitches,
which still bear some resemblance to the embroidery done in Afghanistan. So
what we see as a Meghwali (a form of Kachchi) embroidery is actually a
beautiful amalgamation of northern and eastern styles of magic with needle. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Monpas, the only
nomadic tribe in Northeast of India are known for their wood carving, carpet
making and weaving. They are completely dependent on animals like sheep, cow,
yak, goats and horses and usually do not have any permanent settlement or
attachment to a particular place. The 6th Dalai Lama was a Monpa by ethnicity. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Banjaras, Kurubas,
Kurumas, Gaddis and Gollas are some other pastoral tribes with riveting past
and present.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Even divinity helps
a seeker in many strange ways, and I actually experienced it once again when I
was sent the book 'Saffron Picking, Khadi-Weaving' to review on ST. Oh, what a
treat it was for me, especially at the time when my mind was almost invariably
wandering with the nomads of different regions. This little book is a befitting
tribute to eight communities across India. The journey begins from a household
of saffron-growers in Pampore region of Kashmir. All members of the family
pitch in at every stage of the lifecycle of these bright-hued strands to roll
out the world famous condiment. The next stop is Rann of Kutch where Agariyas,
the migrant salt makers work untiringly for two quarters of a year under
extremely trying circumstances. From the white expanse of salt desert, the
readers are led again to colourful world of Moosahar tribe, engaged in Sikki
basket making. From cutting of the sikki grass, drying it, dyeing it into
myriad colours to weaving and coiling the grass - every step demands loving
hands, committed heart and patient mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leaving a grandma passing on her sikki handling skills to her grandson,
the narrative takes us towards the Eastern Ghats, somewhere in Odisha, where we
meet a group of women setting off to collect Sal leaves for plate making. They
dedicate the following day to drying them, stitching them and pressing them to
make them ready for the market. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
By this time, I had
my laptop open along with the book and as I read about each community, I sifted
the net for more images and more details. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Furthr, the
following pages open a small window into the worlds of Kumars and Hiras
(traditional potters) of Assam, Changpa (pashmina wool traders) of Ladakh,
indigo growers of Bagru-Rajasthan and khadi-weavers of Ponduru, Andhra Pradesh.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Lavanya's
illustrations perfectly accentuate the earthiness of the narrative. Her strokes
and choice of colours add depths to the stories picked up from different
regions of the country. Lavanya, wrinkles on the face of that pot-making grandma just had me captivated for quite some time. Her lines of age speak volumes about her experience, her commitment and her contentment. </div>
<div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Praba and Sheela, reading and reviewing your book was a
delight and I must compliment you on your beautiful tribute to these
everyday-heroes who work silently in tandem with nature, fighting all odds to
keep their skills and crafts alive. I so wish that books like these become a
part of school curriculum so that children learn to appreciate eco-friendly
coexistence and if possible visits to these places should also be organised by
the schools. Will look forward to more coming from your pen!!!</div>
</div>
Vibhahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251018763698523629noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-55585932014601563862017-01-23T05:52:00.000-08:002017-01-23T05:56:56.740-08:00The Case of the Candy Bandit <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<i>The resident nine-year-old won Archit Taneja's </i>The Case of the Candy Bandit<i> in a giveaway on the Duckbill Gangstas page a few years ago. I had first reading rights (of course!) and for a couple of nights, had dreams as bizarre as Rachita's. I could see the kid would love the nerdy-meets-madcap fun-ness of the book. This is his review.</i><br />
<br />
The Case of the Candy Bandit (Superlative Supersleuths)<br />
By Archit Taneja<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsr8zJSb_-ZmcU_Vn0x-4nEfLRFa_8WF1VjeeSUfJ6CYzUBg9lr50qYJAq1sMTHcMpjnNmMpVcLRTfbyrW9kfaKLkrJLaykO4FG8-hkMYvqXitafGgiGOuJjzNLQp-iFfT_HNig/s1600/CandyBandits.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsr8zJSb_-ZmcU_Vn0x-4nEfLRFa_8WF1VjeeSUfJ6CYzUBg9lr50qYJAq1sMTHcMpjnNmMpVcLRTfbyrW9kfaKLkrJLaykO4FG8-hkMYvqXitafGgiGOuJjzNLQp-iFfT_HNig/s200/CandyBandits.jpeg" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy duckbill.in</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Duckbill Books<br />
Ages 9-12<br />
<br />
<i>The Case of the Candy Bandit</i> is the perfect title for a detective-mystery. The cover, with pictures of sweets, grabs your attention. The drawings within the book are even more interesting and funny. If the idea of a gulab jamun pancake is simply outrageous, so is the drawing of a gulab jamun pancake <i>maker</i>.<br />
<br />
This book is about Aarti and Rachita, two budding detectives in sixth grade. They are the Superlative Supersleuths. The PTA has decided that treat packets be given to the students on the condition they eat their lunch. The treat packets start going missing. It’s upto the Superlative Sleuths to sniff out the thief. Do they succeed or get completely spooked out?<br />
<br />
Aarti, a rather creative and cheerful person, suggests a Pirate Case Book. Rachita on the other hand, is a serious and straightforward person. She is enthusiastic about detective work. The Detective Decree they make is brilliant and way too funny. I’d use the 3 Ws to describe it - Wow, Wacky and Wonderful. Rachita’s birthday presents are rare and totally unbelievable. Wonder where they were bought really!!! Vipul’s theory on the Observer Effect is perfect. If an experiment is conducted on someone, they should be unaware of it, otherwise they will behave differently. I like Vipul because he is a smartypants just like me.<br />
<br />
This story is like Aarti - hyperactive without the hyper. There’s a lot of action, things keep happening like a relay of events. One thing’s a bit disappointing. In every detective story, this happens - There’s one suspect. Then the suspect changes and the thief is caught. That could have changed.<br />
<br />
As a nine-year-old, I can certify that 8-11 year-olds love their candy. The level of maths used in the book is quite high, there’s even some calculus. Rachita is so scientific in her approach to the case that there’s science even in her dreams. Rachita’s dreams about Archimedes teaching the pirates to balance and finding the centre of gravity are witty and certainly well thought out. If Rachita’s dreams are burgers or fries, then there’s science as the sauce to go with them. Yumm, I love burgers. Talking of food, that purple-tongued seventh-grader is rather lucky to have a packet of jamuns. Oops, my appetite is gone because of those tongues. You’ll have to read the book to understand what I mean!<br />
<br />
This is a wonderfully spicy book. Super entertaining for little spies like me and just a FANTASTIC BOOK!!!<br />
<br />
<i>Psst ... The next in the Superlative Supersleuths series, </i>The Case of the Careless Aliens<i> is just out.</i></div>
Arundhatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18175971860205359849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-75319389452653249662016-12-17T17:08:00.000-08:002017-01-09T17:14:07.482-08:00An Alphabet in Bloom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An Alphabet in Bloom <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDi9UKxJUBY-phrfV2ylKJStQlTu0G6Q6An5KVl330OnscJX4l8kJirZarHO8KZbcoBzEu8xxLaFzgqWkA92E1WWokgzBoO16Jc9qMO1SeZb17LNssl1LHqmhYLmUXOVrLehI/s1600/alphabet-in-bloom-nathalie-trovato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDi9UKxJUBY-phrfV2ylKJStQlTu0G6Q6An5KVl330OnscJX4l8kJirZarHO8KZbcoBzEu8xxLaFzgqWkA92E1WWokgzBoO16Jc9qMO1SeZb17LNssl1LHqmhYLmUXOVrLehI/s320/alphabet-in-bloom-nathalie-trovato.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
by <a href="https://vimeo.com/78299268" target="_blank">Nathalie Trovato</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Today, the typical ABC book is universally accepted as an introductory book for preschoolers to learn the letters of the alphabet. However, they can be much more than just a tool for letter recognition and sequencing.<br />
<br />
Centered around refreshing themes, offering visual enrichment, even rhyming or alliterative text (Dr.Seuss!) of ABC books offer a range of stimulating experience for the preschoolers.<br />
<br />
Illustrations play a big role in ABC books, they cannot overwhelm or confuse the young reader, and must be easily recognizable and clearly laid out.<br />
<br />
Ms. Trovato's Alphabet in Bloom is rather unique in that, it is a Wordless ABC book of sorts, that has no text showcasing the letters. Absolutely no letter on any page to indicate the abecedary. Instead, there are large cut-paper collages on every page with easily recognizable things around the garden, that start with the letter of the alphabet in question.<br />
<br />
Back of the book has a list of things to find/identify in the wordless pages of the book: <i>"What can you see from a to z?"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>[Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book, but the opinions shared here are my own.]</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
[image source: <a href="http://homegrownbooksnyc.com/products/alphabet-in-bloom" target="_blank">Home Grown Books</a>]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sheelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01892316117026334238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-83591263246722919422016-12-08T17:53:00.001-08:002016-12-08T17:53:56.428-08:00El DeafoThis review is a guest post from Anupama Chandrasekaran. Anupama Chandrasekaran loves teaching, learning and working fewer hours. She has previously written for Indian and international news organisations from Mumbai, New York, Hong Kong and Chennai. This is her first review for Saffron Tree. A pleasure to add <b>El Deafo</b> to the disability-themed books of CROCUS 2016.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGoJ6LEFfgPM_HowL0EiCvL6CcPtvJSx0UKmv5AA6AcK1FSxG2R0pfBPvnj2JaAYzTqxzr7Mm7vcUe5CNd2DHrk1xtZ4JvNacugqBXOr55EBIviIaplyynuHTrnwyWukTC-jtAw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGoJ6LEFfgPM_HowL0EiCvL6CcPtvJSx0UKmv5AA6AcK1FSxG2R0pfBPvnj2JaAYzTqxzr7Mm7vcUe5CNd2DHrk1xtZ4JvNacugqBXOr55EBIviIaplyynuHTrnwyWukTC-jtAw/s320/images.jpeg" width="214" height="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Book Title: El Deafo <br />
Author: Cece Bell<br />
Published: 2014<br />
Publisher: Abrams Books<br />
Genres: Children's literature, Graphic novel, Autobiography<br />
Awards: John Newbery Medal</b><br />
I<b>mage Source: Google Books</b><br />
<br />
“You won’t feel like putting it down, amma” said my precocious 9-year-old as I picked up El Deafo – a self-deprecating and poignant, autobiographical, children’s graphic-novel by hearing-impaired American author and illustrator Cece Bell (short for Cecelia Carolina Bell.) <br />
<br />
As predicted by my in-house reviewer, I was riveted to 233-pager, guffawing, gasping and sighing as Bell’s tribulations unraveled. The 36-year-old Bell’s Newbery award winning story takes readers through the rough and tumble of middle-school friendships and the unforeseen superpowers of Bell’s hearing aid, making her conjure the name El Deafo – a phonic-eared superhuman -- for herself. <br />
<br />
El Deafo’s azure book jacket with a rabbit-eared, humanoid caricature snagged my attention this autumn as I zig-zagged through the narrow aisles of Singapore’s Kinokuniya book store -- stocked floor-to-ceiling with fantasy, nature, anime, and you-name-it literature. I was looking for a funny yet soul-searching, non potty-humoured, children’s graphic novel that could zap the sight of my second-born being curled under yet another Captain Underpants comic book. <br />
<br />
Bell, who long maintained a blog on her hearing-impaired experiences, was hugely inspired by fellow-American Raina Telgemeier’s autobiographical comic book about a sixth grader titled, Smile. <br />
<br />
The Virginia-based children’s book author and illustrator, who works out of a studio she calls ‘The Hermitage’, found speech balloons a precise fit to explain the aches and pains of her disability. In the 2014-published El Deafo she goes on to using it to its hilt. <br />
<br />
There’s the instance where words from the speech balloons start fading as the battery of hearing aid goes low and then another point when her dialogue box is empty as she decides to switch off her hearing aid during a sleepover with an overly-chatty friend. <br />
<br />
My 10-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son thoroughly appreciated this clever usage of word-balloons to illustrate the author’s hearing problem – an issue that had never crossed their mind. The plot of lost friendships, forging of new ones and the restringing of broken relationships, also struck a chord with them. <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I bumped into a parent of a child who suffered from hearing loss. The mother agonised about a certain cacophonous classroom situation and how unsettling it was for her child. While I couldn’t completely comprehend what she meant then, I think I understand it slightly better now, after reading El Deafo. It’s a book that could be an eye opener for teachers and other caregivers.<br />
<br />
Of course, as Bell herself admits, her book may merely be scratching the surface. <br />
<br />
El Deafo may be about deafness, but it is “in no way a representation of what all deaf people might experience....I am an expert on no one’s deafness but my own.”<br />
<br />
This book could certainly be your first step to understanding these real-life superhumans.<br />
Praba Ramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12124515962155387444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-27245339740706135292016-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:002016-12-05T00:00:17.157-08:00Farewell CROCUS 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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And we reach the end of our most thought-provoking CROCUS (Celebrating Reading Culturally Unique Stories) by far. </div>
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Earlier this year, the ST team began with ‘disability’ as
the theme but expanded it into various dimensions to be more inclusive. We decided to celebrate books on <b>difference</b>
- physical/cognitive challenges, sexual orientation, adoption, divorce, abuse,
suicide and more. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the last four days, we brought you many books and an author interview. We tried to capture books across the age spectrum
as always. Some of the book choices may seem controversial, disturbing,
dark, too ‘adult’ even… but we need to encourage dialogue and discussion with
our children. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Lavanya did a splendid job with the flyer and Sheela, our
most consistent contributor, was instrumental in ensuring CROCUS goes live.
Sandhya and Arundhati ably backed the endeavor and got us some gems. You may have missed some of our reviewers at CROCUS this year, but they have been ardent
champions of the theme in the past and their reviews are captured in the round
up post. We have stepped up our presence on Facebook and thank you
fellow book lovers, for the shares.</div>
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Each one of us deserves a good life. Acceptance. Happiness. Opportunity. Hope. Health.</div>
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Let us read all kinds of books, with all sorts of
characters, to and with our children. We will keep sharing our finds so that we grow as a community. Keep visiting,
keep reading, and keep sharing.</div>
</div>
Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-71602519935273303012016-12-04T20:00:00.000-08:002016-12-04T20:00:19.477-08:00A Round Up of Past Reviews with Inclusive Narratives<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While we deep dive into the chosen theme each CROCUS, Saffron Tree reviewers have covered a number of books on the subject, over the years. We would like to summarise some of them, for you, here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNc8mtRG9KZdJ9U9-3vO4OTn_bidmf-fDJ02JnbUv_r_jK-ujXblqBpSlduRUYPKqQOaQz8UrA0jsVbhoUB7fnfk1FT-gRfT1pZ1doltZ4EYvpvffS7e4XQWNqXc2qbsG5Ug/s1600/emmanuels-dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNc8mtRG9KZdJ9U9-3vO4OTn_bidmf-fDJ02JnbUv_r_jK-ujXblqBpSlduRUYPKqQOaQz8UrA0jsVbhoUB7fnfk1FT-gRfT1pZ1doltZ4EYvpvffS7e4XQWNqXc2qbsG5Ug/s200/emmanuels-dream.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-ukbENGs5wddVOoEWM6EHNIQhjMtLMY7xzHI5w_SD1r6mcy30U_c3M7xTa7N0GZ0K94zPuZZMdencE7KuXB4DUYRFXZpU2MnDPdVXdrRhC5uMmZGRV5nUHyOCeB5lOSB0fg/s1600/giraffesCantDance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-ukbENGs5wddVOoEWM6EHNIQhjMtLMY7xzHI5w_SD1r6mcy30U_c3M7xTa7N0GZ0K94zPuZZMdencE7KuXB4DUYRFXZpU2MnDPdVXdrRhC5uMmZGRV5nUHyOCeB5lOSB0fg/s200/giraffesCantDance.jpg" width="161" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZOA9yTIsWmDPLf_zgJcTj4uHWL8l95MI2T5NVoxSg4-dzMdaZrTgZYwNmtbbgWkDD-kKJI-PjrP9RZxUPVTi_dvwLF9HJmT_NTi17aZiGrkdxr6glu1a6oDRk-u0jaeA6CU/s1600/timmi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZOA9yTIsWmDPLf_zgJcTj4uHWL8l95MI2T5NVoxSg4-dzMdaZrTgZYwNmtbbgWkDD-kKJI-PjrP9RZxUPVTi_dvwLF9HJmT_NTi17aZiGrkdxr6glu1a6oDRk-u0jaeA6CU/s200/timmi.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEh7wf4-_ixS9moxbU7EYKhAoMOqiNd0_rSO8fP8tuyPELsYyqgpX5z-WCpF6Hp3yx_Ty5wO1ajR2zgicxqYcdTYL3tA8BPffON7YGfBlf2BtYeVTCO0WTx6pmKX0C2olpr0/s1600/rules-cynthia-lord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEh7wf4-_ixS9moxbU7EYKhAoMOqiNd0_rSO8fP8tuyPELsYyqgpX5z-WCpF6Hp3yx_Ty5wO1ajR2zgicxqYcdTYL3tA8BPffON7YGfBlf2BtYeVTCO0WTx6pmKX0C2olpr0/s200/rules-cynthia-lord.jpg" width="136" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmre0WQp_Rf664pvWC5qMbRH7WPgou54Ao_-EYl2I0UCDTZTeWP-GDJMrzgwzSSSJyrasRjSaiwbxecHOhy3qX-_CkZQ5nOwvZVmIPWPpRmBeaUNMNOXNZPByI5ci0QHNuusk/s1600/peternimble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmre0WQp_Rf664pvWC5qMbRH7WPgou54Ao_-EYl2I0UCDTZTeWP-GDJMrzgwzSSSJyrasRjSaiwbxecHOhy3qX-_CkZQ5nOwvZVmIPWPpRmBeaUNMNOXNZPByI5ci0QHNuusk/s200/peternimble.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9SGSpu6LruSqS6_Dg8d309r4fHaJIeHs-4LjfEb5he1sNTHlruA1-Vp2padcsO_z7rUwOilWFBotZncjROUY92kjo6QKlV_zkYFsOzWjcWZDZzmqVFMCof_BQXcDP_tvU0M/s1600/i-funny-i-totally-funniest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9SGSpu6LruSqS6_Dg8d309r4fHaJIeHs-4LjfEb5he1sNTHlruA1-Vp2padcsO_z7rUwOilWFBotZncjROUY92kjo6QKlV_zkYFsOzWjcWZDZzmqVFMCof_BQXcDP_tvU0M/s320/i-funny-i-totally-funniest.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic717-1sjZ0L8nh2_IPVJQLgfaUPnDcS7imhYnV7TPPB2cQZQoTrcLssnf0QIyhmT01c9ac00ABPhKumW-cI5MlhWX-076tjACM94fRwWmRpO-hzJbpHffBZTsV5XJCIGSpeQ/s1600/whyareyouafraid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic717-1sjZ0L8nh2_IPVJQLgfaUPnDcS7imhYnV7TPPB2cQZQoTrcLssnf0QIyhmT01c9ac00ABPhKumW-cI5MlhWX-076tjACM94fRwWmRpO-hzJbpHffBZTsV5XJCIGSpeQ/s1600/whyareyouafraid.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2008/01/giraffes-cant-dance.html">Giraffes can't dance</a>, <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2009/12/chuskit-goes-to-school.html">Chuskit goes to school</a> and <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/03/little-vinayak.html">Little Vinayak </a>are gentle ways to help young minds celebrate differences.<br />
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Margrit learns to cope with stares and questions in her own way in <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/09/my-feet-are-wheel-chair.html">My feet are my wheel chair.</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/05/helping-hand.html">Helping Hand Why are you afraid to hold my hand</a> sensitively bring out how we can be compassionate and get over the discomfort / awkwardness that we may feel around those who are differently able. <br />
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In James Patterson's <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2015/05/i-funny.html">I funny serie</a>s Jamie is just a regular kid with a great sense of humor. And he happens to be in a wheelchair and is an orphan. <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2013/05/peter-nimble-and-his-fantastic-eyes.html">Peter Nimble</a> is refreshing YA fiction about the adventures of Pete the blind thief.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2013/10/duckbill-hole-books.html">Duckbill's Hole Books</a>
have 'different' heros- a Vampire boy who dislikes blood and Timmi, who
does not fit into the 'good girl' mold and comes from an atypical
family.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2015/12/rules-by-cynthia-lord.html">Rules</a> is about growing up, acceptance and having a sibling with autism. <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2012/10/the-reinvention-of-edison-thomas.html">The Reinvention of Edison Thomas <span id="goog_28597140"></span><span id="goog_28597141"></span> </a>is about a bright autistic boy who has to deal with a best friend turned bully and a rather low social life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2015/12/7-inspiring-picture-books-for-children.html">Emmanuel's Dream</a> is an inspiring biographical tale of a boy who cycles cross country, a great achievement in itself and more so since he is lame. <br />
<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/09/blessing-from-above.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2016/07/save-me-seat.html">Save me a seat</a> speaks of APD in the context of a regular school story.<br />
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<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/09/blessing-from-above.html">A blessing from above </a>and <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/08/bitten-by-anushka-ravishankar-bug.html">Elephants never forget</a> subtly make a case for adoption for both the adopter and the adopted.<br />
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<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2013/05/jobless-clueless-reckless-by-revathi.html">Jobless, Clueless, Reckless</a> and <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2014/05/daddy-come-lately.html">Daddy come lately</a> , in the YA genre, are more than a nod to the changing family structures we see now in India.<br />
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<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/10/one-green-apple.html">One Green Apple</a> is among many other books on immigrants gingerly trying to fit in while holding on to some of their roots and <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2014/06/wanting-mor.html">Wanting Mor </a>is about the conflicted world of an orphan who lives in post war Afghanistan.<br />
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Aging is intriguing to children <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/07/chapter-books-for-early-readers.html">Mr. Putter </a>and <a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2011/03/how-does-it-feel-to-be-old.html">his ilk</a> help the young ones understand seniors- grandparents and other grand ones.<br />
<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/08/we-are-all-born-free-universal.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.saffrontree.org/2010/08/we-are-all-born-free-universal.html">We are all born free </a>is a non fictional book which with the help of pictures helps children understand the need for acceptance and co-existence. </div>
Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-48032948458868764002016-12-04T16:00:00.000-08:002016-12-04T16:00:15.504-08:00None of the Above<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
None of the Above <br />
by <a href="http://www.iwgregorio.com/about/" target="_blank">I.W. Gregorio</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoWMQeGhmHlK-GDzjU42kLjJAE0XNuytfO0v5eDyDPkDIsgn87PhsIvc_l43S5CmIYwwTk61AC1RIp-nrxgwhahDeu9TvoIlFiF9dLe_C3RV7oGaxDrmEIuRoY6y59wim8RIIEg/s1600/none-of-the-above.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoWMQeGhmHlK-GDzjU42kLjJAE0XNuytfO0v5eDyDPkDIsgn87PhsIvc_l43S5CmIYwwTk61AC1RIp-nrxgwhahDeu9TvoIlFiF9dLe_C3RV7oGaxDrmEIuRoY6y59wim8RIIEg/s320/none-of-the-above.jpg" width="207" /></a><br />
[Note: Recommended for 18+ due to physically intimate situations; also included are biological and physiological information regarding reproductive anatomy and disorders of sexual development.]<br />
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A practicing surgeon by day and a YA writer by night, Ms. Gregorio is also a founding member of <a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/" target="_blank">We Need Diverse Books ™</a> dedicated to advocating changes to the publishing industry in order to help create and promote inclusive literature that honors the lives of all young people.<br />
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The book is about Kristin Lattimer, a high school senior voted homecoming queen, who finds out that she is Intersex in a rather painful and unexpected way: Krissy is a female, grows up to be a female, thinks and feels like a female, identifies as a female, is heterosexual, has external female characteristics, and yet, she has internal male reproductive organs, not the female uterus.<br />
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And, without her permission, this information is leaked to the school, which spins out of control. Her struggles in school, in life, to come to terms with this and to do what is surgically possible for "normalizing" makes up a good chunk of the book, with the associated drama and complications in relationships and friendships and heartbreaks.<br />
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Author Gregorio has done a brilliant job of explaining the medical and biological facts, while very gently yet firmly showing the emotional turmoil that people with AIS (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome) go through, and the adjustments they have to make in their lives to accommodate this constraint. At times, the kids sounds pedagogical with the medial information conveyed to the reader, but, their interactions and relationships are very much in tune with what is expected from teenagers overall.<br />
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It is impossible not to root for Kristin and jump in to defend her against the insensitive bullies. What was heartbreaking for me was when she is removed from the track team because there was an issue of her gender - she cannot compete in the girls' track events as she is not 100% a girl - after training hard and being the best, it was all I could do from crying out loud. And when she was teased about which bathroom she could use, I was just about ready to burst.<br />
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Through it all, she has a steadfast friend, and there is a sweet budding romance that comes from shared experience and a deeper understanding of herself.<br />
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Why are humans obsessed with highlighting the differences and excluding fellow humans on that count? Is there any hope for a gender-neutral society in our future? Why do humans feel the need to identify one gender as "superior" and thereby put down the others as inferior? Can embracing our differences be independent of establishing any sort of hierarchy based on it?<br />
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[image source: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">www.amazon.com</a>]</div>
Sheelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01892316117026334238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-76678898368199178962016-12-04T12:00:00.000-08:002016-12-04T12:00:11.337-08:00George<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
George <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS6Cq-pJVKmZvMyS3dCkycJ_FOhZ51oHX1g2wo2ukTFPACuac79GEsWqnGkuKRNlWvj3QQBFwVmoiAJ_sLIHS82dsglYxJUumWjVF1XOYucI99FTadbdpg_XVfmoV_Z1SHF1v-g/s1600/george-alex-gino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS6Cq-pJVKmZvMyS3dCkycJ_FOhZ51oHX1g2wo2ukTFPACuac79GEsWqnGkuKRNlWvj3QQBFwVmoiAJ_sLIHS82dsglYxJUumWjVF1XOYucI99FTadbdpg_XVfmoV_Z1SHF1v-g/s320/george-alex-gino.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
by Alex Gino<br />
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Some people are born into a body they don't identify with. George is a girl who is born in a boy's body. Throughout the book she refers to herself as "she", identifies as a girl, but is looked upon as a boy since she was born with the boy body parts.<br />
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<i>When people look at George, they see a boy. But George knows she’s a girl.</i><br />
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<i>George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. </i><br />
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Cliched single mom and macho older brother fade into the background, but, George's best friend Kelly stays tight through and through. Kelly is fine with George identifying as a girl. When auditions for class presentation of Charlott'e Web is announced, George immediately wants to play Charlotte, the female spider, and not Wilbur, the male pig.<br />
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The books is a quick read, but the message will linger long after the last page is read and the book is put away.<br />
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Theater as a backdrop for this story is fitting as where else can George pretend to be who she really is.<br />
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When George's brother and mother finally realize and accept it, there is not much brouhaha over George's gender identity. George is who she is. Except, she wants to go by Melissa, that is her name, that is what she wants to be called.<br />
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The ending is perfect, where Kelly lets George/Melissa try on her girly clothes and they both go out into the world (to the Zoo with Kelly's uncle, to be precise) and for the first time George is comfortable with being true to herself.<br />
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[image source: http://www.alexgino.com/george/]</div>
Sheelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01892316117026334238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-68491670492165334022016-12-04T08:00:00.001-08:002016-12-04T08:00:02.551-08:00What's Up With Jody Barton?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>What's Up With Jody Barton?</b></div>
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Written by: <b>Hayley Long</b></div>
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Publisher: <b>Macmillan Children's Books</b></div>
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Ages: YA</div>
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It is difficult to review this book without giving away the
surprising plot twist waiting about midway through the book. So let me begin by
saying that this book is about sexual identity and friendship. It also
addresses the issue of high school bullying.</div>
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Jody and Jolene are sixteen year old twins, but unlike each
other in every way. Jody is the quiet one, unashamed of liking math , hanging
out with geeks and adoring The Doors and River Phoenix. Jolene is loud and
self-centred, and has raised flirting
with boys to a fine art. They live above their parents’ diner and help out with
cooking and service after school. When both of them fall for dashing Liam, Jody
steps back – after all, who stands a chance against Jolene’s charms, right? But then Liam starts hanging out with Jody,
and Jody instinctively responds .. with disastrous consequences. Liam, in the
time honored tradition of golden-haired boys in
teen lit, turns out to be a mean and small-minded bully , and soon Jody
is victimized by pretty much everyone at school.</div>
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As narrator, and occasional illustrator, of this story, Jody
had my attention at once. Jody is smart,
funny and knowing , as well as genially tolerant of what could well be the world’s
‘uncoolest’ parentsand a truly obnoxious sister. Hayley Long’s writing is fresh and funny, and her
characters realistic. I enjoyed the way she slyly plays with reader perception, drawing us along what we immediately assume is a story about two sisters warring over a boy, before dropping that plot twist on us. I found myself immediately drawn into Jody’s world and
angst, and the dilemma of ‘coming out’ in a world unwilling to accept any
behavior outside of set social norms. Like
much British fiction these days, this book has its share of mean, self centred
girls, roving the town in loud, under-dressed packs, and obsessing over little
besides boys and make up. In fact, that pretty much sums up every significant
female character in the book, though Jolene does redeem herself a tad towards
the end, when she finally stands up for Jody against Liam. But it also gives us lovely characters like
quiet math-head Chatty Chong, who sticks by Jody when no one else will, and
Jody’s football-crazy Dad. I also liked
the believable, and decidedly unromantic path the plot took at the end – it
emphasized the importance of friendship , acceptance and a child’s right to
freely be him/herself without fear of social prejudice.<br />
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<i>Image Courtesy: Macmillan</i></div>
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wordjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06767884710407108103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-61078418555330426632016-12-04T04:00:00.000-08:002016-12-04T21:13:25.055-08:00Talking of Muskaan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Talking of Muskaan<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O5UZTXcUh4822OD9JUSPBw_2Br8SLAgrzl9oquOn1hDtxUj-hR5R_mBnEu2lIeupOlnT9_bYxdz33mqP8tVSRUzs7z43Clh0otlBQU5fxDkWWfbOmYq3-v4ZiPnRAqgh2DPTXg/s1600/Talking_of_Muskaan-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O5UZTXcUh4822OD9JUSPBw_2Br8SLAgrzl9oquOn1hDtxUj-hR5R_mBnEu2lIeupOlnT9_bYxdz33mqP8tVSRUzs7z43Clh0otlBQU5fxDkWWfbOmYq3-v4ZiPnRAqgh2DPTXg/s200/Talking_of_Muskaan-cover.jpg" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image courtesy Duckbill </i></span></td></tr>
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<b>By Himanjali Sankar</b></div>
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<b>Duckbill Books</b></div>
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<b>YA</b></div>
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The blurb tells you that Muskaan tried to kill herself - a topic that many parents felt was not appropriate for teenagers a couple of years ago. Since then, we’ve all heard of precious young lives being lost. Here’s hoping suicide isn’t a taboo subject anymore. These are difficult conversations, but we do need to have them.</div>
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The book cuts to the chase, opening with the chilling sentence - “Muskaan hadn’t come to school.” Very effective.</div>
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The first chapter introduces the reader to the cast (Muskaan’s friends - Aaliya, Subhojoy, Rashika, Srinjini, Divya and Prateek) and raises perturbing questions - Why did Aaliya think she was responsible for Muskaan attempting suicide? What did Subhojoy know? - compelling you to read on.</div>
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Before it gets any bleaker, the author deftly manoeuvres a flashback - the next chapter, written in Aaliya’s voice is a hilarious waxing episode from five months ago. Aaliya’s wry sense of humour makes it impossible to remain morose. Again, there are the questions and clues that keep you reading - why is Muskaan so mutinous about doing anything typically girly?</div>
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The narrative progresses in Prateek’s voice who is rich, hot and seems like a spoilt brat. We get to know that he asked Muskaan out but got rejected outright.</div>
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The baton is then handed over to Subhojoy, who, in stark contrast to Prateek, lives in a one-room chawl and is extremely conscientious. He has to be; for him, the scholarship is everything. </div>
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An excellent decision to tell the story through these three alternating voices - the narrative does not get monotonous, and it gets us into the heads of very different characters in terms of gender, backgrounds, motivations. It’s difficult to flit in and out of these distinct voices, but Himanjali Sankar does it admirably. Subhojoy in particular, with his earnestness and underdog status, will have readers rooting for him. Muskaan becomes close to Subhojoy, and through him we get to know what she is brooding over. Aaliya has an uncanny knack of reading people, and from her we get to know about all the others too. Not knowing Muskaan or Aaliya entirely gets the reader thinking; it's good to have questions one doesn't know the answers to, problems one can ponder over and in the process unravel some knotty issues of one's own.</div>
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The narrative proceeds at a comfortable pace. Once the homosexuality part comes out in the open, one sort of knows where the story is going, but being so invested in the characters, you can’t help but keep turning the pages. There are funny bits at just the right places, yet not once does the humour appear forced or self-conscious. Neither does the talk of sexuality sound out of place. Prateek’s relationship with Rashika and his troubles with the mysterious hacker, Subhojoy’s focus on academics and his interest in Rashika, Aaliya’s obsession with her dance performance and her insecurities about her own sexuality - the subplots keep the reader engaged.</div>
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Apart from heavy-duty stuff like class differences, homosexuality, suicide, the book reflects the everyday situations and anxieties today’s teens face. As a parent who has been dreading the adolescent years, and who has observed the current lot of teenagers from afar wondering which planet they’re from, it was reassuring to see that deep down they’re not very different from what we ourselves were as teens. </div>
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The thoughtfully designed cover, chapter heads and the quotes at the beginning of each — all lovely touches. </div>
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Valuable because it opens up conversations on poverty, sexuality and suicide in an imaginative way; exposes sheltered teens to different ways of living and gets readers to examine their own prejudices. The conversations with the parents are telling and will get adults to introspect too; Prateek gets his attitude from his parents, and Aaliya is influenced by hers. Don’t our children absorb our best and our worst?</div>
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<i>Talking of Muskaan is on the Crossword Book Award shortlist.</i></div>
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<i style="color: #595959; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book but the opinions shared here are entirely mine.]</span></i></div>
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Arundhatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18175971860205359849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-46470724791809986272016-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:002016-12-04T00:00:07.159-08:00Hello Darkness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Hello Darkness</b></div>
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Written by: <b>Anthony McGowan</b></div>
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Publisher: <b>Walker Books</b></div>
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Ages: <b>Young Adult</b></div>
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Anthony McGowan is the master of the unexpected in YA fiction – his books are dark and
disturbing, his protagonists often unreliable, his plot
arcs always surprising. <i>Hello Darkness</i> ticks every one of those boxes. It is also one
of the few YA books in recent times to talk about mental health, as it looks
at one troubled week in the life of a child struggling with a deteriorating
grasp on reality. </div>
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In the Universe according to McGowan, high school is a
nightmarish gulag, teeming with gangs and pubescent overlords fighting for
control, autocratic teachers – there is even a Chinatown. Out on the fringes of this underworld is
Johnny Middleton, our protagonist and narrator who, in his own words, ‘has problems’. We are fleetingly told that
he has had some sort of nervous breakdown in school a while ago, may have been institutionalised and needs to take medication of some kind on
a regular basis. Johnny is a social outcast, steering clear of the
politics, cliques and daily intrigue of school. But then someone starts
slaughtering the school pets and Johnny finds himself being blamed. It doesn’t help that his parents have chosen
that week to leave him on his own, expecting him to take his medication and
stay out of trouble. But Johnny is fourteen – it is a given that he will do
neither.</div>
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Fighting to prove his innocence before he is expelled,
Johnny finds himself caught in the war
between the Deputy Head of the school and his henchmen ‘prefects’, and rival gangs, the Drama
Queens and the Lardies. As reality and
fantasy converge in his tortured mind, Johnny struggles to join the dots
between clues, find allies, prove his innocence and, most of all, stay sane.</div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;">Hello Darkness</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> reads like a Noir novel from the ‘50s – you
are never quite sure how much of it is real, and how much of it the product of our increasingly unreliable narrator's feverish imagination. Yet, even as we worry for his
crumbling hold on sanity, Johnny
makes for a believable, and likeable, Marlowe. His wry humour and incisive
eye reveal an intelligence far beyond his years; his deft negotiation of the shifting
alliances of the shadow world that is
his school suggest a maturity that no one else seems to have noticed. And most of all, you notice his compassion - for animals, for the talking cat that may or may not be real, for his baby sister.</span><br />
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Don't expect a satisfying ending - McGowan leaves you with just a hint of a happy ending, but no real clue as to what will happen to Johnny. What he does give you, however, is a powerful examination of living with mental illness. </div>
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wordjunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06767884710407108103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-69314270669705689762016-12-03T20:00:00.002-08:002016-12-03T20:00:01.882-08:00Books About Adoption And Foster care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1kiyUDFkahZQO2RXK2UvOGchdptJ0F99Tcao8qtOUvTqmnmtkke-Xs0sqmU-vL3fUKxMvzuNpH-98KnhXyxwIOWSpUSfy-DsTiaHMc3nX0tdaWK5VbiDH5CPxmVdnLyaNiyV/s1600/The+book+thief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1kiyUDFkahZQO2RXK2UvOGchdptJ0F99Tcao8qtOUvTqmnmtkke-Xs0sqmU-vL3fUKxMvzuNpH-98KnhXyxwIOWSpUSfy-DsTiaHMc3nX0tdaWK5VbiDH5CPxmVdnLyaNiyV/s320/The+book+thief.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source: goodreads</td></tr>
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<b>The Book Thief</b><br />
Written by Markus Zusak<br />
Published by Black Swan books<br />
Ages 12+<br />
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Liesel Meminger is a young non-Jew girl in Nazi Germany, but her parents are communists, and have been taken to a concentration camp. She comes to live with foster parents on Himmel Street - Hans and Rosa Hubermann, a wonderful couple, even if Rosa has a mouth like a pig-sty: her heart is in the right place, though.<br />
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Liesel steals books. Even nicking one from the bonfire of books made by the Nazis. She wishes she could read them, though.<br />
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Every night, she would have a nightmare about her mother, and the death of her brother on the train. Each night, Hans Hubermann, her foster father, would come to her bedroom, wake her from the nightmare and comfort her. He would play the accordion for her, and no one could play the accordion like Hans Hubermann could. Then one night, when he came to her room, he found the first stolen book under the sheets. Liesel is illiterate, and so he teaches her to read.<br />
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One evening, a young man turns up at their door. Max Vandenburg is a Jew, the son of one of Hans' old friends. He begins living in the basement of the Hubermann house to hide from the Nazis, and Max and Liesel soon become friends.<br />
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Liesel also befriends the next-door boy, Rudy Steiner, a care-free boy with hair the colour of lemons. His main interest in life is to play football, run races, and steal fruits from farmers. He also accompanies Liesel in her many book thefts, and is always annoyed that she doesn't steal some food too.<br />
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And then the bombs are dropped on Himmel Street...<br />
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A book worth reading.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG1WZvc3zMfD_iJ7w7hrbE3TTGv090Q_-h3vmI9VcoUirfrXksY2uhXjk9ukWN1lsa_RozkNqEdI3Py1yY0Jgl44zhkljnEvR3hkakhE5yVRdJaFa2xdvsrXnYGwtapEKhckj/s1600/Finding+Miracles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG1WZvc3zMfD_iJ7w7hrbE3TTGv090Q_-h3vmI9VcoUirfrXksY2uhXjk9ukWN1lsa_RozkNqEdI3Py1yY0Jgl44zhkljnEvR3hkakhE5yVRdJaFa2xdvsrXnYGwtapEKhckj/s320/Finding+Miracles.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source: goodreads</td></tr>
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<b>Finding Miracles</b><br />
Written by Julia Alvarez<br />
Published by Laurel leaf, an imprint of Random House Children's books<br />
Ages: YA<br />
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Milly is a teenager growing up in Vermont. She knows she is an adopted child. Born in a Latin American country in the throes of a civil war, her parents get killed, causing her to be in an orphanage, when an American family finds her and adopts her. They have always told her about her past, and keep her in touch with her roots, making sure she knows her language of origin.<br />
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Where we find her in the story, she is just a typical American teenager, with all the trappings that come with that. There's a new boy at school, who is also from the country of her birth. Belonging to a family that has fled their country and living in the US as refugees, he recognizes her as being from the same community that he is from. And asks her about it.<br />
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The revelations that he brings to her opens a whole new can of worms, making her want to know more about it. She had until now hidden away the details of her origins, no one knowing the truth about her. But this encounter forces her to face it. For the first time in her life, she actually tries to find out more about what exactly what happened to her parents, and who she really is.<br />
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A heartwarming story of a teenager's quest for herself, and finding a miraculous whole.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODlFNyCGY9bpssT4KEyBD8dRVLqePl9g99zYytB1xbFVE8JU0tA7PvHrA_RE6j3STHdJyC4WAocMbe9gNr-JGS6Fq1kFwWm5XlcpjhJ0f9S5ZMCHSb0cAxxmi3_aKLRoXRTfP/s1600/Anne+of+Green+Gables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODlFNyCGY9bpssT4KEyBD8dRVLqePl9g99zYytB1xbFVE8JU0tA7PvHrA_RE6j3STHdJyC4WAocMbe9gNr-JGS6Fq1kFwWm5XlcpjhJ0f9S5ZMCHSb0cAxxmi3_aKLRoXRTfP/s320/Anne+of+Green+Gables.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source: <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/9780141384245/Anne-Green-Gables-L.M-Montgomery-0141384247/plp" target="_blank">abebooks</a></td></tr>
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<b>Anne Of Green Gables</b><br />
Written by L. M. Montgomery<br />
Published by Puffin Books<br />
Ages 12+<br />
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Anne comes to live with her adoptive parents, Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew. They wanted a boy who could help with the farm and other chores, but were sent Anne instead. Initially disappointed, they soon grow to deeply love the chirpy redhead, who also loves them deeply in return, making it difficult to believe that they were ever not together.<br />
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The first in a series of Anne books, this one introduces us to a wonderful heroine in children's literature. a feisty, funny, and honest individual, who can be very fierce if she thinks any of her loved ones might be in trouble.<br />
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A classic, that had this beautiful, hardcover edition (you may follow the link to the edition by clicking on the image source) published in honour of completing 100 years of its publication in 2008. As refreshingly evergreen even today.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27389926.post-13881791166174153642016-12-03T20:00:00.001-08:002016-12-04T19:40:03.653-08:00The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0hzdrJWnGS7aYzmIjawts_AhHUNv_fIJM7wB6dt-oe9nBEpvrbAQO91RdTKex53wJMDOERYkTXNbumwBw7gk8eqi6KLTGgJamjnwK1mOHOZl40bB9QhCnwOBiL5ZbiTvfso/s1600/The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part-Time_Indian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0hzdrJWnGS7aYzmIjawts_AhHUNv_fIJM7wB6dt-oe9nBEpvrbAQO91RdTKex53wJMDOERYkTXNbumwBw7gk8eqi6KLTGgJamjnwK1mOHOZl40bB9QhCnwOBiL5ZbiTvfso/s320/The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part-Time_Indian.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Here is a book that shakes you up and makes you think. A growing up tale about Arnold aka Junior from the Indian reservation, who decides to move to an all white non reservation school. He is viewed a traitor among his native group for stepping out and is an outsider to the whites in his new school. It only adds to the pathos that he was born with hydrocephalus and is small for his age with a big head & feet, suffers from poor vision and stutters, making him a bullies' delight. </div>
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As if this was not enough, there is the death of loved ones, alcoholic and impoverished parents, the loss of a dear and possibly only friendship, attraction, finding new friends, validating one's choice, chasing dreams. Junior the budding cartoonist laughs at himself, cries too but takes on what life throws at him, making the reader empathize with him, rooting for him to win.</div>
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The story and the writing are raw and powerful. Being the diary of a cartoonist, there are Junior's drawings ( superbly rendered by Ellen Forney) which offer comic relief without always being funny, but they consistently help the plot, giving us insights into Junior's thoughts.</div>
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There are a lot of uncomfortable issues- masturbation, poverty, alcoholism, abuse, discrimination- with use of discomfiting language. So schools and parents need to self assess the book before encouraging their younger teens to read this. As a parent, I have book
marked it for my children to certainly read once they turn 14.</div>
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Artnavyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11589715849098328840noreply@blogger.com0