Today Was a Terrible Day-Patricia Reilly Giff

Absolutely delighted reading this book!

On first glance it does seem it is in line with Judith V's book, 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' but it differs with a twist in the tale and its classroom setting.
Susanna Natti has done a wonderful job of illustrating those frustrating emotions and feelings as well as school life. I loved the hand written note-it looked so real with the blue ball point ink!
In my internet search about Patricia I came across her blog and understood the book better. Patricia was a teacher for 20 years. As part of a write up on her here, she says,
"All of my books are based in some way on my personal experiences, or the experiences of members of my family, or the stories kids would tell me in school."
I liked this book even better when I read this as well in the write up: "I want the children to bubble up with laughter, or to cry over my books. I want to picture them under a cherry tree or at the library with my book in their hands. But more, I want to see them reading in the classroom. I want to see children in solitude at their desks, reading, absorbing, lost in a book."

Worth recommending for talking to your kid about having a sense of humour. My kid laughs loudly every time we go over the , "Hello Michael? This is Snakey." bit in the end.
Worth recommending also for narrating how school life really is-being called names, being laughed at, feeling left out , and then happy times because I really do believe children live in the moment.
But most of all worth recommending for the delicate teacher-student bond that shines through in this book.

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.