This review covers the following 3 books:
Bhajju’s Flock and the Tick Tock clock
How Ganesha got his laddoos
Hira paints the town
The best thing about all the 3 books is the illustrations. Not only are they based on traditional Indian art forms, but the sheer quality of the work takes your breath away even before you have read a single word. Nothing can be better for a children’s book, because children are visual readers. While other publishers have tried to use Indian art forms like Worli in their illustrations, I have not encountered this quality ever.
The second reason that we are very, very pleased to see this format of illustrations is that Indian art forms, by and large, do not form part of a child’s visual repertoire. Simply put, a child in India does not see enough Indian art around them as a matter of course. This means that they are not able to build the intimacy that comes from seeing something often. For instance, the shape of the tree near our house. We don’t even notice it on a day-to-day basis. But if, years later, we are sitting in a house far, far away, we can picture the canopy of that childhood tree rather easily. That is the importance of mundane familiarity. Children read their books often. Even if they don’t, they keep the books at a place where they are visible every day. These illustrations fill that rather important gap – daily familiarity with our art heritage. I do wish the author releases more books in this format.
The third lovely feature is that each book ends with a space for the child to express themselves – either through drawing or colouring. The assignment is linked to the story.
Hira paints the town
In this book, technology is used to solve a personal and social problem – a girl who wants to paint, and a city that could look more beautiful. I love how the two worlds are effortlessly brought together to create a win-win situation.
This book uses Madhubani painting and is based on a story from the Mithila region.
The font size is just right, though a slightly larger font would have been better. The language is easy to read for a 7 year + child.
How Ganesha got his laddoos
I have to admit, as a Ganpati devotee, I do wish that Ganpati did not have to deal with a stopped supply of laddoos. But that is the problem that this book addresses, with a technology-led solution.
This book is illustrated using Odisha Pattachitra.
Bhajju’s Flock and the tick tock clock
Of the three, this is my favourite book. For two reasons – one, the Gond painting. The second – the story itself. It is a story that illustrates the close connection all humans inherently feel with nature, and the relative concept of time.
Even as an adult, one could read this book over and over again.
********
At just 150 rs each, the books are affordably priced. The production quality is good.
We’d definitely recommend this set for all home libraries of kids this age.