Skill Builder ScienceAuthor: Sonia MehtaGenre: Children’s book (Academic)Publishers: Puffin Books Phonics is the study for teaching the method of reading and writing of an alphabet language (Wikipedia). This study is essential because it helps the children in learning new and unfamiliar words by recognizing similar sounds and categorizing them based on the sounds. This way, they remember the words for a longer duration of time compared to the learning that happens through sight. This series of Skill Builder by Sonia Mehta targets four levels. Right from level 1 to level 4, the books comprise several activities that will help the children learn new words with ease.The books step-up the learning…

The PianoAuthor: Nandita BasuPublisher: Duckbill Books It is often observed that those who like solitude find solace in music or art. The story in The Piano also celebrates the importance of art and music in our life. Tracing the life of a young girl who yearns for a friend who understands her and doesn’t question her, this story is sure to make way into your heart. The Piano is spread across various countries, various historical events and also various circumstances. Amidst the joy and sorrow, a piano travels from person to person until it finds its true owner. Once in the right place, the combination of the young girl and…

Peppa Pig Loves YogaAuthor: LadybirdPublisher: Ladybird For those of you who do not know who Peppa Pig is, she is an energetic and outgoing preschooler who believes in learning something new every day. She values her family and friends. And that’s why kids love her. Ladybird (publisher) is out with another interesting Peppa Pig’s adventure in the form of a board book. This time Peppa Pig learns to do Yoga! I received a kindle version of this book; hence, I missed the board book and the colours! Nevertheless, I know kids are going to enjoy this, for Peppa Pig is to them what Popeye was to us. In this colourful…

How the Onion Got Its LayersAuthor: Sudha MurthyPublisher: Puffin Publishers Sudha Murthy is adored by children because of her simple yet evocative writing. Her stories are quite realistic and are set in a completely palatable background. Well, this new book by her is a little different. It talks about how she let her imagination run wild when she was a child and eventually discovered the truths that no one ever told her. How the Onion Got Its Layers does justice to its name because the story is about how an onion got its layer! It’s enjoyable and funny. The children are sure to fall in love with colourful illustrations. The…

The TestamentsAuthor: Margaret AtwoodPublisher: Penguin Random HouseRating: 4/5 (PS: This review contains a few spoilers) Having read The Handmaid’s Tale last month, I was sure to pick up The Testaments, which is a sequel to the first part. Leaving the door ajar with Offred’s sudden disappearance, Atwood transitions the narrative to a sombre yet equally bleak and disgusting tone. The setting of this book, too, remains the same- Gilead- where vox populi doesn’t matter. For those who haven’t read the first part, here is the link to the review (a brief summary included) of the first part. The Testaments follows the life of three characters- Daisy, Agnes and Aunt Lydia.…

Karma Meets a ZombieAuthor: Evan PurcellPublisher: Duckbill Books It is often considered a pleasure when one is given a chance to escape into a fictitious world where fairies get things done, elves play around with you, witches and wizards fight all the bad and the best things of the world come for free. However, a concocted world might not always be a good world; a world of the dead might as well be used as a setting. Well mixing and merging the good and the bad, Evan Purcell’s Karma Meets a Zombie is a thrilling ride into the world of the Zombies. It is a little scary (for the children)…

Journey to the Forbidden CityAuthor: Deepa AgarwalPublisher: Puffin Publishers How many of us are aware of the expedition stories of Nain Singh Rawat, the first of the late 19th century Indian explorers? Surveying a trade route through Nepal to Tibet, he calculated the altitude and location of Lhasa. Journey to the Forbidden City is the story of grit and determination of Nain Singh Rawat in overcoming all odds and exploring the mighty Himalayas for the British. This story explores how a young man, who had committed to himself, explored the harsh terrain and made his way to Tibet by taking a road less travelled. His wit, patience and street smartness…

Who’s There?Author: Hansda Sowvendra ShekharPublisher: Penguin Publishers Often we think that children’s fiction cannot impart valuable life lessons. They are merely for fun and entertainment. To some extent, this is right, for not every book comes along with subtext. Well, I got lucky when I received the Hook Book Series because these four stories are set in non-urban India. These stories are simple yet have a strong appeal. Who’s There? is a comical take on a horror story. It will come across as a delight for the kids. The story describes the life of a farmer and his family who are terrified of the unknown presence in their attic. When…

Hey Diddle DiddleAuthor: Anushka RavishankarPublisher: Penguin Publishers Often we think that children’s fiction cannot impart valuable life lessons. They are merely for fun and entertainment. To some extent, this is right, for not every book comes along with subtext. Well, I got lucky when I received the Hook Book Series because these four stories are set in non-urban India. These stories are simple yet have a strong appeal. Hey Diddle Diddle is a short story that beautifully shows the importance of believing your heart. When the two friends Susan and Minootty decide to part ways because of a petty issue, it is Minootty’s belief on Susie, the calf, that proves…

A Quiet GirlAuthor: Paro AnandPublisher: Penguin Publishers Often we think that children’s fiction cannot impart valuable life lessons. They are merely for fun and entertainment. To some extent, this is right, for not every book comes along with subtext. Well, I got lucky when I received the Hook Book Series because these four stories are set in non-urban India. These stories are simple yet have a strong appeal. A Quiet Girl is a short story that beautifully portrays the relationship between children and animals. There is an uncanny similarity between an infant and an animal- both cannot speak. Puja, an adorable child, is happy yet reluctant to speak. It doesn’t…