Book Themed Activities – Gratitude Rocks

I’m sure you will agree when we say that one of the many lessons taught to us as children was to not just be kind, good, well-behaved kids but also be grateful for what we have. If you have a warm, happy home filled with people you love, you’re bound to be grateful. If you’ve got nice friends who are always around to help you, you’ve got another reason to be grateful. Gratitude then lies in simple things like these.

Read Ismat’s Eid on Getlitt.co

With World Gratitude Day around the corner, let’s all look for things that we are grateful for in our lives and say thank you. I’d like to use the book Ismat’s Eid as an example of expressing gratitude. In the story, Ismat’s wife is extremely happy when he buys her a beautiful blue burqa. Ismat’s mother too simply adored the dupatta her son had bought her as an Eid present. Ismat was expressing gratitude towards his family on the special occasion of Eid. This heartwarming and funny story talks of how Ismat’s family showed him their gratitude in turn.

And so, the gratitude cycle comes full circle.

Children’s Books That WIll Get Your Child Hooked On Reading

It’s ‘World Read A Book’ day today and what better way to celebrate than with a book. There are so many choices out there especially when it comes to fantastic Indian children’s literature, that it’s sometimes difficult to decide. However, there are some books that we feel are great starter books. If your child hasn’t yet gotten into the habit of reading or if you just want to try something new – the books featured below will be a huge help.

There is something for every age group and interest – we’ve also kept in mind that even mummies and daddies love reading children’s books, so we hope you’ll enjoy this list as much as we have. Ready to get tucked into the sounds of animals and dreams of protagonists?

Let’s begin!

 

1. Gajapati Kulapati Kalabaloosh! By Ashok Rajagopalan

This charming story is about Gajapati an elephant who has a nasty cold and boy does everyone in the village know it! That’s what being stuck in the pouring rain can do. Time to break out your big sounds and actions because this book calls for animated reading that gets everyone involved. Once you pick up this first book, you’ll be itching to read book two and three in the series.

Ages 2+

Five Minutes With Illustrator Deepti Sunder

We love that the Indian publishing industry is filled with such fantastic writers and illustrators of children’s books. Five Minutes With … is a feature where we get to know some of our favourite children’s book people in some not-so-usual ways.

You know that look of wow your child gets when they open up a book and immediately get drawn in? That reaction comes from the handy work of stunning illustrations created by artists like Deepti Sunder. If you’ve read the Crystal Kite award-winning book Bonkers, then you’re already well-versed with Deepti’s drawings.

Image Courtesy Deepti Sunder

Apart from pursuing her career in illustration, she is currently based in Brooklyn, New York, where she works as a Teaching Artist at the Children’s Museum of the Arts in Manhattan. She believes everyone should experience the joy of making something with their hands and hopes to be able to spread some of that cheer in her own small way in this world.

The task for any illustrator, especially a children’s book one is to walk a tightrope between enhancing the author’s vision, without hampering a child’s imagination. This is what Deepti does best and it’s reflective in many of her works. Taking us behind the pretty pictures and her fantastical worlds, Deepti sits down with us to discuss some of her inspirations and favourite types of illustrations.

Five Minutes With Ruchi Mhasane

We love that the Indian publishing industry is filled with such fantastic writers and illustrators of children’s books. Five Minutes With … is a feature where we get to know some of our favourite children’s book people in some not-so-usual ways.

Ruchi Mhasane studied Children’s Book Illustration in Cambridge, UK, and wants to make beautiful picturebooks for children everywhere. When she isn’t drawing, she reads books, listens to music, and goes into forests to talk to the wildlife.

Elephants in Indian Children’s Books

We love literary elephants and luckily for us, Indian children’s books are full of them! Here’s our round-up of all kinds of elephants – gentle ones, funny ones, strong ones, and friendly ones; sleepy ones, colourful ones, lost ones, and imaginary ones; elephants who like to pretend to be other things as well as elephants you have to bring to life yourself.

PICTURE BOOKS

Aana and Chena 

Aana the elephant doesn’t like his looks, but Chena the yam says he’s beautiful. How? asks Aana. Endearing conversation and pictures that say, be yourself!

 

 

 

A Jungle Safari

Are you a lover of the wild and myriad mysteries of the jungle? Are you thrilled by its smells and sounds? Do you long to trek through the meandering jungle paths and lush greens? Join us for an elephant safari, and let Bharma take us through the deep, silent forests of Mudumalai in the Nilgiris for an unforgettable experience!