4 Book Reviews + Book Series Making Indian History Fun to Learn + Podcasts
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Hello, dear Mother of Readers subscribers!
I read a lot this past week. Books, of course, but also the news. There is so much happening worldwide that the adage of truth being stranger than fiction rang true multiple times as I read the news. Among happier reading, I read quite a few children’s books and recommended a few to friends who were readying their arsenal as they stood on the cusp of summer break.
So this week’s Substack has four book reviews! I know that it is a bit ambitious, but I decided these books need to be bought by everybody! I guarantee you will find a book in here for your child, no matter where they are on their reading stage.
Let’s dive right into it, shall we?
Review: Zooni’s Alarm Clock
Author: Vibha Batra
Illustrator: Pankaj Saikia
Publisher: Duckbill
Reading age: 5+
We have just wrapped up the holy month of Ramadan, and there couldn’t have been a better book to read. Zooni’s Alarm Clock is the latest Hook Book to hit the shelves, and if you are a fan of Hook Books as I am, then you will be happy to know this is once again a lovely story with an introduction to an age-old custom.
Zooni lives in a tiny village in Kashmir with her parents, her brother (who is fond of beatboxing), and her grandfather, Bud Bab. Her grandfather has a very interesting job. Bud Bab has been waking up his fellow villagers for the Sehri, or the meal eaten before dawn by Muslims during the month of Ramadan, for forty years. He has been walking the streets of the village waking people up to the sounds of a drum he carries slung around his neck. His granddaughter Zooni loved this about Bud Bab, and she secretly hoped she could continue this legacy. But not everyone is a fan of the Ramzan drummer. Bud Bab’s son and Zooni’s father, Mol, wants him to stop. “Everyone has mobile phones. Who needs a Ramzan drummer these days?”
As Bud Bab readies for another Ramzan season, he notices his drum is torn. Can there be a Ramzan drummer without a drum? Will this catastrophe signal the end of this tradition? Zooni has a plan, but is it enough to save Ramzan?
Vibha Batra tells a heartwarming story of a family torn between tradition and rapid modernisation. She weaves a tale rich in local customs and how a community needs to come together to face adversity. She doesn’t dismiss modernity, instead, she shows Zooni thinking out of the box to help keep traditions alive. Pankaj Saikia’s beautifully detailed illustrations capture Zooni’s household and the landscape of Kashmir. The illustrations of traditional attire, architecture, and village life before dawn are breathtaking.
Get this book for your young reader by clicking below. ON SALE, TOO!
Review: 5 Fantastic Facts about the Indian Constitution
Illustrator: Ashok Rajagopalan
Publisher: Tulika Books
Age: 6+
Click to watch complete review
Review: Demon in Dandi
Author: Lavanya Karthik
Publisher: Duckbill
Age: 10+
Series: Songs of Freedom
Do you recall learning about the Dandi March in school? What are the facts you remember? Gandhiji’s long walk, salt tax, and maybe a few dates? Do you remember learning about why the village of Dandi was chosen by Gandhiji or what its topographic conditions were? Going beyond the facts and weaving a story around a historical event is why I love the Songs of Freedom series.
Demon in Dandi, the ninth book in the Song of Freedom series takes us to Gujarat in the 1930s. India is convinced they want to throw the British out and Gandhiji has managed to unite the nation to fight against the common enemy. He has planned a long march to protest against the latest atrocity by the British — the Salt Law.
Dinu, a young student, has been forced by his father to be a part of the Arun Tukdi — a group of student volunteers from the Gujarat Vidyapith. This group is preparing Dandi for Bapu’s arrival — educating the villagers about Bapu’s march, encouraging people to spin using spindles, and setting up accommodations for the marchers. Dinu isn’t good at digging trenches, or cooking, or spinning and would much rather be back home in Surat reading his Sherlock Holmes mysteries. But forced to be in Dandi, Dinu befriends a local family and learns about the demon that lurks in Dandi. Even as he grapples with conflicting stories, a staff member of the family he befriends is murdered, and the demon leaves his mark right next to the body. Now, his new friends are distraught and believe that Dinu can solve the mystery.
Lavanya Karthik writes a story that brings alive every tiny detail of Dandi down to its marshy, swampy saltwater catchments. Even though there are so many characters in the story, we are instantly drawn to every one of them because of her exhaustive character sketches. Her humorous characters have us laughing along and keep us hooked and on the edge of our seats with the whodunit. Her research of the caste system, communities, architecture, and society of Dandi makes us feel like we are walking through Dandi, peering over Dinu’s shoulder.
What I love about this book is it will hook your middle-grade reader because it is a fast-paced thriller, all while painting a complete picture of life in pre-Independent India, especially around the Dandi March. What does being a child at that age look like? This book (and the rest of the Songs of Freedom series) answers just that. Children shouldn’t balk at the thought of learning Indian history! Here is a set of books that transports the reader to the times of the freedom struggle by weaving stories that feature children just like them. How’s that for making Indian history fun to learn for kids? Buy the book by clicking below. On SALE, TOO!
Want to see the rest of the books in the series? Here is a complete reel I did on the Songs of Freedom series!
Review: Song of the Asunam Ages 10+
Author: CG Salamander
Illustrator: Rajiv Eipe
Publisher HarperCollins Childrens Books
Age: 10+
Series: A Lost Creatures Picture Book
A graphic novel is that magical blend of story and illustration that instantly hooks readers and leaves them with a sense of accomplishment as they turn the final page with ease and delight. This is super exciting for me for multiple reasons — firstly, I love it when CG Salamander and Rajiv Eipe produce work together because you can feel how much fun they have had while creating the book. Secondly, I adore graphic novels because they make raising readers easy. And third, this is the start of a brand new graphic novel series! How exciting!
Also read: From Scroll. in - How are children’s graphic novels making reading more enjoyable for young readers?
Song of the Asunam is set in a sleepy South-Indian village where man, strange animals, and monsters coexist. Vetri, a boy from this village, spends his days learning about these fantastic animals and how to hunt them. He dreams of being the greatest hunter that ever lived! One day, he spots a fantastical creature - an Asunam. This large dragon-esque creature, whose body is covered in colourful, shimmering scales, swoops down on the village, causing havoc and scaring the villagers. Vetri knows this is his moment to shine and runs to capture the Asunam but soon realises that the Asunam was not there to hunt; he was only confused and scared. The rest of the book follows Vetri’s journey deep into the forests to reunite the Asunam with his family. A heartwarming tale of friendship and courage.
This new series is every bit as stunning as the Maithili and the Minotaur books—another fantastical collaboration by the same talented duo. I love that they’ve teamed up again to craft an entirely fresh series centered around mythical creatures, this time aimed at readers aged 10 and up. CG Salamander’s deep fascination with mythical beings and his meticulous research—evident in Makaras and Manticores—shine through once more. I can’t wait to discover which creatures will come to life in the upcoming books!
I’ve always been a huge fan of Rajiv Eipe’s illustrations of nature, and in this book, he brings breathtaking spreads of the forest. The rainbow-coloured Asunam is larger than life in every sense, and he brings that wow factor to the page. I think (and I could be wrong) his illustrations of fantastical creatures are believable because he adds that one element that conjures up an actual animal, making us believe that these mythical creatures could exist.
If you are trying to raise a reader, or if your child is into art and illustrations, or even if they enjoy a good storyline — get this book. It is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon read.
I hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter, I know I had fun putting it together for you! If you like what you read, please consider sharing it with a friend who will benefit. Help a parent raise a reader and tell them about Mother of Readers. You will be blessed with good book karma for life! Love listening to authors talk about their latest book and the inspiration behind it? Listen to Tell Me A Story, a podcast that showcases some of the most well-known names from the Indian children’s literature world! Want to get a glimpse into bits and bobs of my life? Follow along on Instagram.
See you soon!
Rati Girish