A Very Unusual Dog- Dorothy Joan Harris and Kim Lafave

Such a tender tale of a child with an imaginary dog,an elder sister pooh poohing his claims, an understanding mother, and a sensitive grandmother.Dorothy Joan Harris, its author is a fairly well know children's author. From the back cover I learnt that she is also a grandmother and that  really shines out in this story.

Published by North Winds Press, a division of Scholastic Cananda Ltd , it is sold by Scholastic India at Rs. 175/-

An adorable book and a very heart warming story line. Absolutely loved the warm illustrations and the colours Kim Lafave has created for the book.
Look out for it!

Pirate Mom- By Deborah Underwood

This is a real fun book. Pete's mom who doesn't fancy the idea of playing along with Pete's obsession of pirates is in for a surprise. Amazing Marco the magician requests Pete's mom to volunteer for his magic hypnosis show. Pete suggests Marco turns her into a pirate and before you know it Pete's mom is all over saying ARRRR! and scaring neighbours and the postman! How will he get her back to being his polite, well mannered mom?

Refreshing story, great art work ( love it how the mom's expression changes pre and post pirate mode) and how it makes kids laugh. Great book for a story telling session.

If you have a pirate-loving little kid pick this one up for sure! 

THE LONELY KING AND QUEEN by Deepa Balsavar

I saw this lovely book today at my friend's Ulka's house and I knew this had to make it to my next post here.

It's a Tullika book; written and illustrated by Deepa Balsavar (who I later found out works for Avehi-Abacus, a curriculum enrichment project for municipal schools in Mumbai).


The note on the back of the book says that this is a bedtime story that Deepa had made up for her own kid. I opened the book cover (that doesn't reveal much) thinking it will be a 'once upon a time' kind of story. While it is; it's also a story with a twist. The illustrations are very nice and the story itself is brilliant and when you read it you will know how useful it is for the time when your kid will ask you the inevitable question "where am I from?"

I don't want to let out too much because I really want you to read this book!! 

Available online from the Tulika site or Flipkart and also at the usual haunts, it is priced at Rs. 95/- and available in 8 Indian languages besides English.

Madeline- By Ludwig Bemelmans

I was fascinated with Madeline's animated episodes  that  I caught on some kids channel little knowing about the history or the books by Ludwig Bemelmans.  It was only yesterday when I borrowed it from the local library that I realised its  popularity and appeal.

Ludwig Bemelmans wrote these classic lovely children's picture books with  endearing story lines and I am really happy to read it in the print version.
There's nothing more that I can add to what's summarized at the penguin group site  or the information on its official website . 

All I can say its worth trying to get your hands on this!

The Toy Horse -Deepa Agarwal

One of the most poignant books written for children, it won an award by the Children's Book Trust. It's an invaluable book to have because it teaches in such a tender way the difference between haves and have nots.

Deep respect for the way its author, Deepa Agarwal,  portrays a 'banjara' family , their profession and art, and the feelings of the little girl who knows she has limited means.
I read it out often to my daughter who is only 4 years old but really very moved by the story. It also gives us an opportunity to provide her with a perspective on things she will see and experience all around her in India.

The illustrations are brilliant- Ajanta Guhathakurta, you deserve an award in bringing alive the memories I have of banjaras making tools and selling utensils by the roadside, turbans, and  ghaghras and some lovely silver jewellery.

Priced at Rs. 20/- and available at stores that stock CBT /NBT publications, it is a must must buy.

Little Witch Goes to School

We have been having many HAHAHA moments ever since we laid our hands on this zany book. Sylvie Wickstrom has done a great job of illustrating it and Deborah Hautzig has done a fantastic job of creating a  super funny story.

A mom witch who wants her daughter to be bad; never say please; not make friends; and not learn anything!! And she gives her daughter a lunch box full of candies: "This will help your teeth rot".
My kid laughed and laughed at all the topsy turvy instructions coming from the mum. Really, it is its  quirky humour that makes this book irresistible.

Published by Random House, its classified as "Step3: Reading on your own book". This could have been a long read but for its humour and great artwork.

A must have in your collection would be my recommendation!

P.S.: I chanced upon the author's website and really liked what she wrote about her stories that I reproduce here:  Each and every one of them is about the search for a way to be true to oneself and still be accepted and loved by the people who matter to us the most. It seems to be the one story I never tire of telling. 

Clap Your Hands

An incredibly entertaining book which has an infectious story line and warmly illustrated  characters.  I love movement books and ever since I discovered this one at my friend Pooja's place,  I have been wanting to review it under the "must have" label on this blog.

Sample this:


"Hop Like a bunny,
Flap Like a Bird.
Quiet as a mouse now...
Don't say a word!" OR


"Find something big,
Find something small, 
Spin in a circle…
But try not to fall!”


Rhyming verses make this book such a pleasure to read aloud and makes its listeners shake, stomp, wiggle, tell a secret, whisper and roar with every page you turn. Of course the illustrations really make the book come alive.Lorinda Bryan Cauley, its author and illustrator has her own website that tells me that this is not the only fun book she has written and illustrated.
It's an awesome book and I am looking forward to owning it.