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A charming, quick-paced story that plays with words and makes them fun, bringing alive the everyday in a magical way. The theme of a child always asking ‘Why?’ is explored in an imaginative way and there is fortunately no big moral in the story. The illustrations are full of quirky details, to be looked at again and again for new delights everytime! The craft of storytelling through both the words and the pictures makes this book a real keeper.
Everyone’s grandma is supposed to be all warm and fuzzy and a great cook. But Biji rides a motorbike, loves to wear make up, and invents food mishmashes like mangoes with parantha. And Biji is a terrible cook. She does try, but what she comes up with is hilariously inedible. Until finally she finds that one thing she can actually cook well. The bright and action-filled illustrations help to make this colourful grandma real.
The Girl Who Loved Words: Mahasweta Devi
TThe book introduces writer Mahesweta Devi in wonderful, spare text and striking artwork that can inspire young readers to find out more about the writer. The writer’s love for words is presented through the trope of a bedtime story told by an older sister to her siblings, with the older sister revealed as Mahasweta at the end. The illustrations draw from the specific context of Bengal, paying homage to the art of Chittoproshad Bhattacharya.
This poignant narrative navigates the complexities of young adult life, while philosophically exploring death. Conversations feel authentic, and using ‘Death’ as a character and companion is an interesting device to reflect on the past and present. Pen and ink drawings suit the graphic format effectively. Importantly ending with hope and resolution, the story is insightful and wise, without being preachy. It would resonate with many young readers today.
A pacy, romantic, coming-of-age novel that brings alive the challenges and joys of a girl growing up in contemporary middle-class Muslim family in Bangalore. The protagnist’s quest for agency is skillfully presented, breaking stereotypes in an organic and layered way. Weaving an engaging romace amidst class differences and family/community expectations, this book conveys the complexities of relationships and everyday life with both humour and seriousness.
Two 18-year-old Zainabs, nearly a century apart. Both rather unconventional, gutsy, and not yet fully grown up. This intriguing and exciting book portrays the awakening of love, of political awareness, and of the dilemmas faced by both Zainabs. Both live in times of turmoil: the freedom struggle, and the fight to preserve democracy in the current times. Their lives touch each other through a sari here, a diary there. A totally engrossing and delicate coming-of-age story.
