Mystery of the Falling Mountains by Nilima Sinha

Title: Mystery of the Falling Mountains

Illustrations: Subir Roy

Author: Nilima Sinha

Publications: Children's Book Trust

Price: INR 30.00

Review by: Vidhi Sethi

 The story of 'THE MYSTERY OF THE FALLING MOUNTAINS' by Nilima Sinha makes an interasting read. It is about five  school friends - Dipak, Ajay,  Rustom, Ahmed and Richa. They all decided to spend their vacations at Dipak's house in the beautiful snow covered mountains. The grass thick and green was spread lavishly with pale yellow daisies. There they were introduced to many different people including Mr. Das, the owner of the neighbouring farm, Shivant, the contractor, Mr.Hari Lall and his wife Pamella Lall, Motilal, the shopkeeper and Gopi, the gardener. Many buyers were eager to acqire the property of the Pants. Dipak's mother, a widow and the owner of the beautiful house, got many threatening letters, in Hindi and from unknown source. She did not pay heed to those letters and subsequently her son was kidnapped. Someone was forcing Mrs. Pant to leave the house. There was also a series of intentional accidents such as breaking into the house, poisoning of the milk and so on. Rescue teams for Dipak were also kidnapped. It is interesting and at the same time spooky to read how the children were finally rescued and how the culprits were nabbed. 

In the story, Mrs. Pant comes across as a kind hearted and a loving lady and the children as a bunch of intelligent and lively lot. I could not leave the book once I started reading it. It is a wonderful book and a must read for all bool lovers and mystery lovers like me.                                                              

THE DEADLY ROYAL RECIPE by RANJIT LAL

Author: Ranjit Lal

Publisher: Duckbill

Price: INR 225

ISBN: 978 93 81626 94 8

Everyone is living a perfectly normal and happy life. Everything is going as it normally must for three friends, a little boy and a little girl. Only so long as the little girl, a princess of one of the still surviving royal families in India, decides to join a school, where she meets the three friends and the little boy. And from there on their lives go an a roller coaster ride. Only, not in an actual roller coaster, but on some of the most exquisite, expensive yet rashly driven cars.

These five kids decide to go on a tour along with the princess' uncle. There they are kidnapped and their attempt to run away from captivity only leads them into further danger. The only thing that can save them is the kids' quick wit and the princess' excellent culinary skills, which she has inherited.

The parts of the story are linked to one another so beautifully and the story literally keeps you at the edge of you seat. It is not so easy a task to put it down once you begin reading. There are times when all seems perfect and peace seems close, and... it is only the beginning of what would eventually turn out to be a real crazy sequence of events. 

From underage driving to dishes called 'sharabi suar ka bachcha' and 'angoothe ke beech ka murabba' to the most mouth watering aromas to the murky rivalry between the blue blooded families to the most dangerous car rides to sweet poisons to kind beasts and beast faced madmen to horse racing to a heartwarming homecoming, this book gives you an experience of everything. And this 'everything' revolves around a book. A single book. Well!

It isn't the regular kind of book you would like to read, review and put away. It is the kind you would want to read as fast as possible, finish up all your nails in the process, wonder, smile, close your eyes, imagine the scenes, smile again and go to a happy sleep.

Go ahead and read it if you are not afraid of scary adventures and scary captors. Not to mention that this book will be a very special delight for the foodies and those who generally believe in eating for a happy life.

CHARLEY by DONNA MARIE SEIM

Publication: Pete E. Randall Publisher

Author: Donna M. Seim

Illustrator: Susan Spellman

Rating: ****1/2

The best part of being a reviewer is that you get to read a lot of good books. The better than the best part is that sometimes you get to read a great book that takes you by a storm.

Well, to put in a nutshell, Charley is a simple story of a little boy, who, along with his siblings is abandoned by their father, their mother being long dead. Charley being second of the four siblings, is not yet fourteen so he is also sent to an orphanage where he is picked up by a farming family. The family is mostly kind to him, but there are some members that give him a bad time.

One fine day, more bad news reaches him. His father had died. He was now an orphan.

It is not so much with the story line that make it good, it is the narration that changes the entire look about it. The gentle way by which the emotions are expressed, the immaturity of a little kid, the angst, the troubled feelings finding their way out, the very character that does not waiver even in the face of adversity, the trust of human on fellow humans, the acceptance, the hurt of rejection, the kindness of some and the the heartlessness of others, the human want of something that you haven't tasted and then the longing to run back to the old setup, and so much more, have been described so beautifully and artfully that they appear to cast a kind of spell on the reader. The chapters are crisp and the story progresses fast.

Another character that caught attention was Charley's elder brother George, who was well aware of his own position, circumstances and sorrows and did his best to shied his younger siblings from the same plight. The altruistic nature he possessed, though still being a kid, made him act in ways that cast a shadow over his character.  But eventually, we find that he was ready to bear all that just to see his siblings happy. Not often can we find such maturity from kids.

It isn't everyday you get to read a book, a non-fiction especially, that has complete control on your emotions. Charley, the book, ends just when it must, else it would look like a Dickens' recast. The sad parts have not been over exaggerated and neither have the happy parts, though few, been overshadowed.

The culture of the early twentieth century America has been described well, the reader does not feel the absence of some information that might have been useful in the complete understanding of the story.

Yes, this book is going to find a place in my private library. It has just made a good memory that I will cherish for a long time to come.

Rainbow Panda and the Firecracker Fiasco

Author: Eileen Wacker

Illustrator: Alan M. Low

Part 6 of Fujimini Adventure Series

Rainbow Panda and the Firecracker Fiasco, set in the imaginary Fujimini island is a fun filled, colourful and meaningful little story for kids. 

New year is round the corner and the the celebrations are about to begin. Naughty little Rainbow Panda has a mischievous plan for the new year celebration. He asks his two friends to help him with the plan. Though one of them is reluctant, they still help him. Everything is fine, but suddenly, there is this firecracker fiasco. Oops! Do read the book to find out what exactly happens.

The book is a great big package of many things that a tiny tot might need. It comes along with a healthy moral. There is a reference of healthy diet. Also, of the culture of celebration. And, of course, a happy ending. At the end of the book, there is a "Glossary of "Chic" Asian Associations" that has a small list of new terms that are special and specific to the Asian culture, like the Taekwondo, the origin of Tea, Sushi, Noodles and much more. These do not have much relevance with the story, but are good for knowledge in general.

The beautiful illustrations on each page are the best thing this book could have. A cute story accompanied with wonderful pictures is going to make sure, the book (and the series) goes a long way and becomes a big hit in its genre. 

A real big thumps up for Rainbow Panda and the Firecracker Fiasco.

Don't forget to log on to http://fujiminiisland.com/ , once you read this book.

Randy the Raindrop – I’m a little raindrop

Written by: Patty Jean Wiese

Illustrator: Kim Sponaugle

Publisher: Stormy Day Books

The book “Randy the Raindrop – I’m a little raindrop” is a kind of long rhyme that little kids could listen to, learn and enjoy; and something that a little older children could use as their first reading books. The book illustrates the journey of a small raindrop from sky to the earth and back again, visiting different continents and countries, making new friends, playing with them and having fun.

It is so interesting to read an account of the raindrop’s experiences when in normal life, we usually have no time to look at life but from our own perspective. How beautiful a naughty little raindrop looks, sitting on the head of a little child or in the middle of the handle bars of someone’s cycle! The pretty illustrations that accompany the text are no less praiseworthy. The exuberant and lively children and the happy raindrop in the pictures set the mood for the text.

The $10.95 that it costs to get this book will not go waste when mamma will see the delight on her kid’s face when reading this rhyme aloud to her/ him. And, yes, the best part is that it comes along a small package of stickers, tattoos and a couple of balloons!

So, enjoy!! And yes, whenever you see a raindrop, don't forget to say "Hi!"!

The Stupendous Timetelling Superdog

Title : The Stupendous Timetelling Superdog

Author : Himanjali Sankar

Publisher : Duckbill

Rousseau is a superdog in Mrs. Ghosh's household with a unique ability to tell time through his barks, raising of his forelimbs  and thumping of tail. Mrs Ghosh and her two daughters - Aanya and Kaayva dote on their pet dog and have gotten used to the fact that their dog is capable of doing much more than what a regular canine does.

There are these Orange Marmaladies from the Black Hole of Time who were the original timekeepers of the universe and who used to enjoy the company of humans very much before humans became self sufficient in terms of tracking time.  Now Marmaladies feel ignored and uncared for and worst of all, humans do not seem to notice them at all, they have become invisible in human world. To get their visibility and friendship with humans back they think of a drastic plan. They stop all the time showing devices in the human world but unfortunately contrary to their beliefs,  nothing changed. The humans still can not see the Marmaladies. However, a few things happened in the human world - they realize how utterly dependent all of them have become on time and without time their whole world becomes chaotic.

Now there is only one creature who can actually bring some semblance in the timeless world even without the assistance of  any clocks or watches - its Rousseau and thanks to the dog, Ghosh's household is still running smoothly. The dog becomes the subject of study for many around the world and the superdog becomes a superhero. But are the humans able to see and acknowledge Marmaladies again? Will the Marmaladies get back their long lost togetherness with humans? Will the time telling devices start working again?

Besides being a fun packed story full of madness for children it has another introspective angle to it too. I feel Orange Marmaladies are much more than strange creatures from outer world. These are our own and other's feelings which we have stopped responding to because of our always running to meet the deadlines routine. A smile here, a little nod there, an acknowledgment of some feeling, listening to somebody, sharing somebody's sorrows - anything could be one of the Marmaladies and the same are becoming 'invisible' in the self-centered culture.

So 'The Stupendous Timetelling Superdog' is indeed a thought provoking tale and this aspect of Marmaladies should be discussed with the young readers after they are done reading the story once. I am sure it would enhance the pleasure of reading this tale much more as they start to appreciate the idea of layered characterization and the importance of human values which conveniently get sacrificed at the altar of paucity of time.

Little Dude

Author: Michelle Hennessy

Illustrator: Luke Harland

ISBN: 9780987354921

Your first day on the surfboard. You are enjoying. It is starting to get dark and you are far into the sea. You are scared. Suddenly you meet a stranger. He has a strange story to tell. A very strange story. Would you believe him? Would you like to be like him? What about your family back home?

Well, for all we can say, the choice is yours. But, to know what little Max did, you will have to pick up this cute little book and read it out to your tiny tot. 'Little Dude', first in the series, 'Adventures of Max', is a refreshing account of Max's escapades of the first day he went surfing. The book colorfully and picturesquely describes the sequence of events and the beautiful bonding between a little child and his special friend. The aspirations of a small kid of going surfing, his unhappiness upon not having his friend around, his fear of being away from mummy, his presence of mind in deciding what would be best for him, his family or the vast expanse of the sea, all fit so beautifully into this tiny story. It is indeed a wonderful book for preschool kids.

The wonderful illustrations set the mood right. They accompany the story so well that we can actually imagine that the reality must have been something like that. The expressions, the landscapes, the happiness, the fear, the sea creatures, Max and Little Dude themselves. They are just so pretty.

Having grown up in a very large family, having many siblings, many many nieces and nephews, even great nieces and nephews, the author, Hennessy decided that this was the best way to make children happy, inculcate in them, the pleasure of reading as well as love the outdoor activities. 

As the last line of the book reads, "Max was so happy and so was his new best friend Little Dude", well, we aren't any less happy either. Especially with the fact that there are many more books to come in this series.

Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French

pic courtesy flipkart

Hitler's Daughter
Written by Jackie French
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books
Ages 8-12

Mark, Anna, Tracey and Ben play a story game as they wait for their school bus every day. They have stories of fairies, of ball games and of horses. Until one day Anna decides to tell a story. It is an amazing story set on the fringes of a great war. It is the story of a child growing up tucked away from all the action, a privileged child who is kept safe despite not being the blue-eyed, blond, tall Aryan ideal, a child hungry for family and love, holding on to memories of the few-and-far between visits of her father. A father who obviously is somebody important. Important enough that people around her who have always taken care of her are in mortal fear of displeasing him. We are told early enough that the child, Heidi, is Hitler's daughter.

Anna's story focuses on the genocide from the outside in, raising many questions in Mark's mind. What if one's parent or child has done something really evil- how does one deal with such a parent/ child? Does one love them regardless? Do the sins of our parents taint us irrevocably, or is there redemption? Do the actions of someone dear reflect on us as individuals? How does society look upon those who stand in evil's shadow? Is a bad thing really a bad thing, or are we just victims of our convictions? Do we have a right to raise our hand against someone else's questionable behaviour if we, too, might be in the wrong in our own time?

These are very profound existential questions, and Jackie French, (interviewed here on Saffron Tree), in her inimitable chatty style, raises them through Mark's thoughts, without thrusting them at us. There are also references to Australia's own genocide-  the colonial actions against their Aborigine population.

It has been so realistically told that we are left wondering if Hitler indeed, did have a daughter that no-one knows about. Also, it is an unusual look at the Holocaust; a great book to introduce them to it, along with Number the Stars and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. There are no grisly portrayals of the deaths, as the point of view is of a privileged, though unfortunate girl.

This page-turner of a book was devoured by A in an afternoon. She has been, since, recommending it to many of her friends.

Cross-posted at Saffrontree.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

pic courtesy flipkart

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Written by Jacqueline Kelly
Published by Square Fish, an imprint of MacMillan
Ages 10+

It is the summer of 1899. The only girl in a family of seven siblings, Calpurnia Virginia Tate (Callie Vee, as she is called) is expected to apply herself to the task of crafting a lady out of herself. Her mother's sole dream for her only daughter is that she be tutored in the arts befitting a lady- music, drawing, dance, embroidery, cooking- so that she would make a stunning debut on their social circuit and land the most eligible bachelor before she becomes 'an old maid of twenty.'

There is a slight hitch in the plan, though. Callie Vee has not the slightest inclination towards these achievements, and is encouraged by her naturalist grandfather in her scientific forages. The only grandchild that matches his interests.

"The laws governing inheritance are quite unknown; no one can say why...the child often reverts in certain characters to its grandfather..." 

The Origin of Species plays a large part in the book. Each chapter begins with a fitting epigraph quoted from Darwin's book. Callie Vee knows of the book, but it is a banned book, and she has no chance absolutely of laying her hands on it. Until her formidable, cantankerous grandfather discovers her interest in, and keen observations of the strange case of large yellow and small green grasshoppers- that she dutifully notes down in her 'observations notebook.'

"He stared at me for a moment with an odd expression on his face- perhaps surprise, perhaps consternation- as if I were a species he'd never seen before...He extracted a book covered in rich green morocco leather handsomely tipped with gold. Ceremoniously, he bowed and offered it to me. I looked at it. The Origin of Species. Here, in my own house. I received it in both my hands. He smiled. Thus began my relationship with Granddaddy."

It was a beginning of a wondrous journey of scientific discovery. The beginning of a dream that showed her the path out of a possible life of drudgery like countless other girls like her. A life that she could not visualise herself enjoying, no matter what her parents and society at large expected of her. The beginning of an old man's dream of at least one among his heirs carrying the light of his discoveries into the future.

This refreshing debut book by the author, Jacqueline Kelly, was devoured and thoroughly enjoyed by the resident 11 year old, who has to often be-labour under expectations from her peers, and sometimes from elders, to conform to stereotyping by her gender. Be that in clothes, interests, behaviour, dreams or priviledge. She applauded with Granddaddy, when Callie Vee ensured that she is paid for her work during the harvest season, not just the boys, and when she stressed on her right to make a choice about her life.

My daughter A loved the book, and has been recommending it to all her friends. It makes a lot of sense to her since she has been doing evolution and taxonomy at school this year. She also identifies with Callie Vee on a more basic level - she has often been the butt of jokes among her peers for being different - more science and literature minded than the average 11 year old girl, not so interested in what is considered 'cool behaviour.'

Cross-posted here and here.

All Things Dahl

13th September was Roald Dahl's birthday, and we at Zealot Readers would like to pay him a tribute. Here are two books that are brimful with fun facts that are as wacky as his books.

pic courtesy flipkart.

Spotty Powder and other Splendiferous Secrets
Compiled and illustrated by Quentin Blake
Publisher: Puffin (Pocket Money Puffin series)
Ages 6+

The book begins with a quote from his book The Minpins: “Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most likely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” 

This should be the guiding light for all who associate themselves with children’s books. Or any books at all. Or anything that raises one above the mundane. As Dahl’s books certainly do. He was a keen observer of his surroundings, human or otherwise, and each of the twelve chapters begins with his essay on the month or season.

Do you know…

…that there were as many as ten naughty children to feature in his most famous book Charlie and the Chocolate factory? These were to have names like Bertie Upside and Herpes Trout. Or that the Oompa-Loompas were to be called Whipple-Scrumpets?

…that the Roald Dahl-Quentin Blake partnership began in 1976, quite late in Dahl’s career, and that initially Blake was nervous about illustrating for such a famous writer?

…that Dahl kept two notebooks in which he pinned down any stray idea that entered his head, and that almost all his books came from these years later?

…that strange though it may seem to his readers, his English teacher at boarding school had written him off? “This boy is an indolent and illiterate member of the class.” “Vocabulary negligible, sentences malconstructed. Ideas limited.”

…that in the churchyard at Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, big friendly giant footprints lead to Roald Dahl’s grave?

pic courtesy flipkart

D is for Dahl

A gloriumptious A-Z guide to the world of Roald Dahl

Compiled by Wendy Cooling

Illustrations Quentin Blake

Publisher: Puffin books
Ages 8+

It begins with a smudged copy of the Dahl family tree on page 1. The next 149 pages are cram-filled with alphabetically arranged snippets that will warm the heart of even the most reluctant of readers. All things Dahl : personal life, his books, quirks, his literary associates, his working style, his opinions about everything he came across- it is all there, in bite-sizes, and embellished with the zany illustrations of his friend and long-time illustrator, Quentin Blake.

Some our favourites are the Random Roald Facts in boxes:

He wrote his first ever story at the age of 10, titled “Kumbak II” about a machine that could tune in to conversations from the past.

From an essay written by him at school, describing his teacher: “He’s a short man with a face like a fried elderberry, and a moustache which closely resembles the African jungle.” On his teacher's cane: “It wasn’t simply an instrument for beating you. It was a weapon for wounding.” Do you see Miss Agatha Trunchbull from Matilda?

No wonder his teachers were vexed with him!

Here is a review of a proper biography, Fantastic Mr Dahl, written by Michael Rosen, on Guardian Children's Books.

Crossposted at Saffrontree.

The Golden Pathway

Title : The Golden Pathway

Author : Donna M. McDine

Illustrations By : K.C. Snider

Publication : Guardian Angel Publishing , INC.

The Golden Pathway is a historical fiction which transports you to the times of underground railroad and there you meet a boy called David, who is courageous enough to befriend his cruel father's, sixteen year old slave, Jenkins. David is a compassionate boy in spite of growing up in a hostile environment. He helps out at home by doing various chores. But he defies his father though not openly and helps Jenkins howsoever he can. He secretly tends to Jenkins wounds after his father's beatings and feels strongly about Jenkins circumstances.

Do read on to find out how does David plan to save his slave friend from his father's merciless abuse and how does he go about it? Is David successful in saving Jenkins or does he get caught?

At the end of the book the author has provided a bibliography for reference and there is an author's note which explains the terms used in story, which I found very helpful.

The illustrations done by K.C. Snider, an award winning artist, are really beautiful. I especially liked her illustrations of the farmstead.

Donna M. McDine, is an award winning children's author and it comes through in the book. The way she has handled such a delicate and emotional subject is really good. She has given a good twist to the tale in the end. The story imparts an important message to the children, of being courageous and yet compassionate towards fellow human beings. At the same time the story makes the children realise the plight people went through in those times.

The Golden Pathway definitely makes a good read for the children.

A Gift of Love - 17 Short Stories

Title: A Gift of Love - 17 Short Stories

Author: Various

Publication: Children's Book Trust

Price: Rs. 100

“Courage is not in being fearless but in being brave even when you are scared” and many other such excellent thoughts have been caged in this wonderful book. I literally felt gone were the days when good short stories, preferably with morals made up for a sizable portion of the day till I stumbled upon this beautiful collection of short stories. From the deep seated desire for the ancient rural bliss in this modernizing world captured in the story, ‘A Bullock Cart in Badaltapur’ to the advent of the social networking world with all their pros and cons beautifully explained in ‘Netpals Dot Com’, the book has it all. The book has a social rationale as well, as it gives an affirmative answer to the question of India versus the Western world, by giving an insightful view of both the worlds, the aftermaths of polluting of the dreams of a river and the slaughter of innocent animals. ‘The Gonzalves Gold’ exuberantly describes the life on a beach and a hope of finding lost treasure, a lost lifestyle. The stories ‘Dr. Thankur’ and ‘Design to Win’ touch the emotional chord by how the life can be mended after what appears to be the end of the world, low grades and a suicide attempt. If a family could not adopt a little baby who it so keenly desired to, can’t they adopt a grandparent? A little girl wonders if her parents actually wanted a son in her place. A teacher does not mind being called a bloodhound, just to ensure history does not repeat itself. A young AIDS patient hopes to make the others who suffer like him, happy. A sudden surprise in a time when almost all was over and a sound lecture from the mother was inevitable. A battle against the prevalent caste system, just to get a pot of water. A couple of boys taking a vow that they would behave themselves henceforth. These are some of the brilliant themes that are portrayed by the book.

A must read for everyone young or old. It can also make a perfect gift, a gift of love.

The hope remains. As the last line of the book goes: “One day, Chinnamma,” she thought as she walked into the cool moonrise, “you will hand over a pot to me. One woman to the other. Our hearts have met. Our hand too will meet.”

The Doll Violinist

Title :The Doll Violinist

Author : Mayra Calvani

Illustrator : Amy Cullings Moreno

Publication : Guardian Angel Publishing , INC

This is a story about an orphan child Emma ,who just a few days before Christmas is captivated by one of the dolls in the toy store display window . Everyday Emma stands outside the toy shop inspite of Madame Dubois, the shopowner , shooing her away time and again, to admire the doll with the violin and cringes with fear when one of the dolls is bought . There is also an emotional angle between Emma and her liking for the doll with the violin .

Read on to find out whether the Christmas season casts its usual magic and Emma gets her beloved doll or not .

It is a very sweet , a typically girlie girls book . Amy Cullings Moreno has done a good job with the illustrations . Mayra Calvani has told the story in a way that will hold the kids interest till the end and along with that teach them a very important lesson that life is not exactly easy for a lot of people and to be kind and considerate towards the lesser fortunate ones.

The book surely goes well with the spirit of the festival season .

The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis

Title : The Chronicles of Narnia (The Magician's Nephew)

Author: C. S. Lewis

Publication: Harper Collins Publishers

Price: US $ 6.99

A real world full of miseries, a kind of mid world of peace and perfect happiness, yet another one with just one sinister living creature left and one with talking beasts and the land of youth! ‘The Magician’s Nephew’ is an enchanting tale of an innocent friendship between Digory, the protagonist and his neighbor Polly and how they set out to explore the mystery behind an empty house, but instead end up discovering many new worlds – the world of woods, Charn – the land of dead and evil and Narnia- the young land of youth.

A little boy’s quest to explore new worlds, his little mistakes, extreme love for his mother, his quick wittedness and faith in values give shape to the whole adventure.

A beautiful message that comes out of the story is that evil (here portrayed by Jadis and her world of Charn) thrives in darkness, in stale environment and in desolate loneliness. Goodness, however thrives in open air, even though it might not be as mighty as the cruel. A similar thought can be seen in the ‘Land of Gup’ (where there is always light, genuine goodness and camaredrie are the order of the day) and the ‘Land of Chup’ (where there is always darkness, no one speaks and there is only evil) in the book ‘HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORIES’ by Salman Rushdie. Surely, goodness needs no hiding place, it needn’t fear anything.

“When things go wrong, you’ll find they usually go on getting worse for some time; but when things once start going right they often go on getting better and better.” or so declares C. S. Lewis in his book ‘The Magician’s Nephew’. For me after a stint with a few books, all of which, most unexpectedly, turning out to be some adult crap could not be read beyond a few pages was most definitely the unfortunate ‘wrong part’. This youthful and lively book of Narnia series came as a welcome change, the ‘right thing’, a whiff of fresh air, an easy one day journey into fantasy. Away from the mundane miseries, the book draws up a virtual picture of a world with peace, where happiness is natural and so is exuberance.

Truly a must read for all fantasy lovers!

The powerful and interesting storyline makes sure the readers will come again for its sequels for I am sure whoever has read this has loved it!

I Remember My Circus by Tom S. Figueiredo

Title : I Remember My Circus (Kindle Edition)

Author : Tom S. Figueiredo

Illustrator : Sidney Falcao

'I Remember My Circus' is a story of an ill-fated magical town carrying an open secret. Most families living in this town have one or the other member who turns into an animal. The story starts with a girl working in a circus whose special feat is that she transforms into a gorilla at specific time of the day but this particular day seems to be far from other regular days especially for the gorilla girl and for the people who have come to see this live transformation in the circus.

That particular night, the narrator who is the 10-year old boy experiences the magic of kindness and the wonders it can create. Soon after that the circus is wound up and every single trace of the circus is magically wiped out of the place. Incidentally the little boy gets to witness the secret of sudden appearance and vanishing of the circus which nobody else knew. And he decides to be a part of the circus by not sharing the secret.

The author Tom S. Figueired aptly brings out the imagination and inquisitiveness of a child's mind. The story is very sensitively and poignantly narrated. Great imagination, fresh idea and very creative execution. The illustrations done in water colours are simply gorgeous. However, I felt the appropriateness with the text is not maintained in the illustrations. The 10-year old boy is shown as a small toddler and pictures showing the mother carrying him in her arms look somewhat unrealistic.

Another important thing, the readers should not be misguided by the fact that since this is a picture book so is appropriate for very young children only. The little children will surely enjoy the colourful illustrations but the idea of the story is very mature and may get lost on them. So this book can be read and fully understood by anybody of 10+ years age.