The Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond - Book Review

The Room on the Roof landed in my hands while browsing though the children bookshelf for my kids at a library. I had to get it issued and of-course was not disappointed at all.

About the book:

The Room on the Roof like most of Ruskin Bond books is majorly set in Indian mountains. It is considered as a semi autobiographical novel by Ruskin Bond when he was just 17 years old. This is the story of 16 years old Anglo-Indian Rusty who is an orphan and lives with his adopted English guardian. His guardian does not like Indians and is very racist which eventually make Rusty run away from the toxic environment. He thus made friends for life who helped him land a job and rediscover himself. It was his first job at the Kapoors where he finds the precious "The Room on the Roof" for being the English teacher to their son Kishan. The rest is of-course for the reader to delve into and enjoy the beautiful journey.

How I felt for the book:

This was a beautiful and cute little book which got all 5 stars from me as a  reader! The book serves as a detailed self exploration of a mere 17 year old boy who is determined to make his life meaningful. See the excerpt below:

I truly enjoyed reading each and every line and got emotionally attached to Rusty. All the characters had their own share of importance and that is probably one of the main reasons which makes this book a timeless piece. It's a surreal treat of nature lover. My 8 year old son loves rains and I am sure if he understands the descriptions written by Ruskin Bond, he will be all nodding and jumping in agreement lust like It had me smiling and going back to our pictures soaked in rain water.

This book has a lot to offer and is a complete platter. There is pure friendship, first love, cute lust and harsh realities of growing up - almost anything a young mind can think of.

Written by and with the perspective of a 17 year old boy, The Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond is undoubtedly enjoyed by all age groups. A child, a teenage, a young adult, middle aged and aged - The Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond offers a lot for everyone!

The book and other books from Ruskin Bond can be brought from amazon using below link:

NOTE:

I may get a small commission if you purchase using them - WITHOUT YOU BEING CHARGED AN EXTRA PENNY.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen - Book Review

 Book Blurb: Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, haunted by his secret knowledge of his mother’s infidelity, is traveling by single-engine plane to visit his father for the first time since the divorce. When the plane crashes, killing the pilot, the sole survivor is Brian. He is alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him as a present.

At first consumed by despair and self-pity, Brian slowly learns survival skills—how to make a shelter for himself, how to hunt and fish and forage for food, how to make a fire—and even finds the courage to start over from scratch when a tornado ravages his campsite. When Brian is finally rescued after fifty-four days in the wild, he emerges from his ordeal with new patience and maturity, and a greater understanding of himself and his parents.

How did I like the book?

First, I stumbled upon this book as the summer vacations assignment for my 6th grade son. Obviously, the book sat on my bed side and landed in my hands! Also, somehow my son just love reading together. He is always inviting me to read along where one of reads aloud and other one listens actively. I am often short of time for this and many times I ask him to read while I do my stuff with the promise that I will read in my own time and catch up with him for next read along.

Coming to the book, I enjoyed reading this young adult fiction. I finished the 180 pages in 2 small sittings at bedtime. The story is about the traumatic yet somewhat inspiring journey of a 13 year old buy who is stranded in the wild as a result of tragic plane crash. The little boy then applies his lifetime of learning from school, TV shows, friends and everything to survive. Just before the plane takeoff, his mother gave him a hatchet which eventually turned out to be his ultimate survivor. The way he lights his first fire to his first food brought a small smile over my face. The poor kid was stranded for 54 days!

What I liked:

1. Super quick and easy read: The language is very easy  for the target audience to comprehend and it's not too many pages to get bored of as well.

2. Entertaining: Right from the beginning to the last page, I found it difficult to put it down.

3. Age appropriate: The book is written for the children aged 10 to 13 years old and it does full justice to them. My 11 year old son is thoroughly enjoying it.

4. Motivational: There are many moments where Brian felt absolutely helpless and did not know what or how to do. But the point that he did not give up emerged as very encouraging and I am sure the kids reading will gather some motivation from the same.

What I did not like:

1. Repetitive: A few phrases keep on repeating throughout the book which annoyed me as an adult. But then, the target audience is different and 1o to 13 years old's might actually need those repetitions for their shorter timespan.

The author Gary Paulsen has managed to keep the reader hooked with a very basic and predictive survival story. As i mentioned earlier, I smiled on each of Brian's success and similarly, on 

every failure and misfortune, I had a sympathetic expression. There is also a small room for the readers to be motivated from the little boy's adventure and adapt a never give up attitude - the luck can actually leave one with no choice other than keep on trying but then one must be able to live up to that. All in all, I really liked my time spent on the pages of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.

Would I re-read it? Possibly no but that does not mean I did not like it.

Would I recommend it to my friends? Yes! This will be in my recommended list for all young adults and anyone who likes children books and wants a light quick read.

Found the review interesting? Grab a copy for yourself from amazon:

 

Koki’s Song by Ruskin Bond

The Blurb:

Ruskin Bond had his first short story published when he had just left school. Two years later, his first novel, The Room on the Roof, was accepted by a London publisher. On the ship that brought him home to India he met a twelve-year-old girl called Koki, who shared her chocolates with him, having heard that he did not have money for chocolates. He did not see Koki again, but she turns up in his stories from time to time. She doesn't grow old. She is twelve-year-old Koki forever. And if you live close to nature, to flowers, trees, birds and mountain streams, you will remain young, like Koki and Somi. "Over the years, I have written hundreds of stories. And whenever I write a story about children and the creatures of the forest, the years slip away and I am a boy again," says Ruskin Bond.

How The Kids Liked The Book:

This book was read by my elder son and listened to by my younger one. Obviously both had their own reactions to the same.

The elder one loved almost everything about the book. I was surprised that he noticed all the tiny bits of details about nature in the story. He also realized that the book had a lot of new words for him - I was such a proud parent when he took it positively instead of cribbing about not being able to grasp such difficult words. For the first time, he mentioned about the texture of pages and the illustrations too - he loved all of it.

The younger one obviously decided to ignore all the words his elder brother could not understand and was just enjoyed the story. He did mention that he felt that the boy must be so lucky to live in that beautiful p

lace and just had to sit and play music!!! He also noticed that the kiddos shared their things and was quick to mention the same.

Here is the review in kiddo's own words!!! Please show him some love and keep his confidence levels up...

How Did I Like The Book:

I loved the book too! I had no reason to not like it as my children loved it. I also had a smile all through the little story and was day dreaming about all the beautiful vacations we have had. Ruskin Bond's books have this effect of amazement on me. Every time I read him I am left speechless about how such simple language and concepts can do all the wonders in the world.

If someone has a book lover child in the family, I would surely recommend to give it a try for it's raw and breezy story.

The book and other books from Ruskin Bond can be brought from amazon using below links:

      

NOTE:

I may get a small commission if you purchase using them - WITHOUT YOU BEING CHARGED AN EXTRA PENNY.

How to Be a Writer by Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond I am sure does not need an introduction to either children or adults. Even if someone has not read his books, they definitely know a lot about him and the recognition he has got for his work.

Now, this book - "How To Be A Writer" is again a children book which is really short and sweet written in a very casual tone. When we say a children book, it has a lot of cute little illustrations on each page and obviously easy to read language.

Ruskin Bond begins the book by talking about his own thoughts or feeling being a writer himself. He tells why or how 'HE - Ruskin Bond' became a writer. He then continues to give basic guidance about what it takes to become an author, how to write, what to write and what's in store when one decides to be a writer. 

Since the book is targeted for children, it obviously does not give any detailed steps or problems one gets into while his or her journey to hold that dream book in own hands. But, what the author does tell about is where and how to find inspirations from. For example, my own kids have narrated countless stories after we turn off the lights and decide to tell one last story before sleep. Their stories are mostly derived from what they have read recently or have been talking/hearing about recently - but they do end up with some interesting stuff. Many times they tell their own version of the story they just read. Similarly, the author tells that one can find a story or a character anywhere - even in their dreams. 

Best line from the book I found:

"There is no retirement age for writers!"

I would not talk about the tips the author has offered as it's a short book along with pictures and talking a lot about it would end up in spoilers. One tip I loved the most is that we should be setting up or writing in a place we are familiar with. That can obviously be modified as per the story.

The books end with some light on the publishing too. Be warned that it's not a guide to get published. It's just a moral booster about why it takes time to get published and be ready for the rejections. I think as a child, this information is sufficient. Children need not know more than that and other technical/logical steps should be left for parents to carry forward. 

The book ends with an amazing postcard which I am still figuring out what to do with. I obviously don't want to loose it and keep with me forever. I might post it to our own home addressed to my elder son. I think he would like it as he has not received a letter ever (thanks to the current digital kids!). Oh! as I type this and look at the postcard, I noticed that it says "Dear Mr. Bond,"! So I would try to give the book to kiddo and see if he agrees to send a note to the author. That means I would have to part with this. No worries! The kiddo would send his first real letter in this way. Thanks to the team for this!

Adults might find the book quite monotonous and repetitive explanation of all the quotes and advice scattered all over internet. But then the team is targeting an innocent mind and they did a good job in that. I think this is a must read for any child who aspire to write a book someday. It would definitely boost the child's confidence and guide him/her to the right path. Simple language makes it a self read book for children. 

Ideally a children book but it is a very basic stepping stone for budding writers. It's a ageless book which can be placed right there on the workstation with any page opened.

If you decide to buy this book, you may go ahead and do the same via below link on amazon:

Note: I may get a small commission if you purchase using them - WITHOUT YOU BEING CHARGED AN EXTRA PENNY.

Mr. Majeika and the School caretaker by Humphrey Carpenter

The Blurb:
When old Mr Jenks retires, St Barty's School advertises for a new caretaker. Unfortunately there's only one applicant - Hamish Bigmore's Uncle Wilf who is just as rude and bad-tempered as Hamish. When Mr Majeika is hurt in an accident it becomes clear that Uncle Wilf is working for the wickedest of witches, Wilhelmina Warlock! It's up to Mr Majeika to work his magic and put things right again.

How the kiddo liked the book:
My son got this book from school library and thus he had no escape finishing it. He completed the book in 4 days.

The kiddo loved the book - which he generally does with all. I could see he was enjoying reading it and only things which made him to put it down was that he is still not comfortable with novels. Thus I had to push him a little.

He found the book really funny and kept calling me once in a while to re-read a few sections. His favorite character was the bad guy - 'Hamish Bigmore' because he was really naughty and ofcourse 'Mr. Majeika' because he did magic.

Below is the review in his own words! Do show some love to boost him up...



How I liked the book:
As a parent, if my child likes the book, I like it too. I read it too and actually had a nice laugh ad smiles all through it. It is divide din seven chapters with each chapter making sure to not let the child get bored and put it don without finishing it.

The language is also very simple for children to understand. Also, there were a few pictures here and there which the kiddo was always looking forward to.

The book and other books from Humphery Carpenter can be brought from amazon using below links:


        Link to Mr. Majeika Series


I may get a small commission if you purchase using them - WITHOUT YOU BEING CHARGED AN EXTRA PENNY.

The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett

Have you ever read a book that is predictable with every chapter and eventually you can predict it page by page, but still – you want to go on an on with it? You never ever want it to finish?

Well, the very famous children classic - “THE SECRET GARDEN BY FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT” is one such book, or at least I found it like that.

It is the story of two 10-year-old children Mary Lennox and Colin Craven living in two opposite parts of world. Both are spoiled to the highest level a child could be raised to. The story begins with Mary and how she finds her way to another part of world, makes friends and eventually, her journey to find Colin. The plot then revolves around these children discovering themselves with life and experiences and the mother nature.

I could go on and on writing more about the novel and it’s blurb, but then I honestly feel that one should really go and read it. I think, anything more written here might serve as a spoiler.

Coming to my reaction to the novel. I have already admitted that it’s one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The book has so much simple lessons of life in store. The lessons, we all know all through but somehow tend to not acknowledge them. Also, it’s a perfect example of what a child can do to other child and why they must have a company to grow with.

Magic of mother nature, positive attitude, determination and optimism flows all through the book.

Imagine a ten-year-old making another child of same age and same level of tantrum, sleep by singing and talking softly!!!

After reading it, whenever I am asked about a book I found lovable and flawless, my answer would be “The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodgson Burnett until I find another one like it.

Then, there is a chapter which talks about how a bird called robin feels about humans around him. He talks to his wife and it was just hilarious and true at the same time!

I cannot believe myself when I am talking with such positive attitude about a book. I think, I should just stop and leave you with that It’s a gorgeous piece of simple writing where the message, the emotions, the surroundings, everything is described just perfectly.

There were of course many lines and phrases I read and re-read. A few of them, I have put up in the post also. There are total 27 chapters and my personal favorites are "I SHALL LIVE FOREVER—AND EVER—AND EVER!" and “The Curtain”.

Would I recommend it to anyone else? Did you read the whole post? Because if you did, I need not answer it now! Go get it reader! In case you have a kindle unlimited subscription or own a kindle or use the kindle app on any device, guess what? It’s free on Amazon Classics.

If you like my review and plan to give it a shot, you may try that by above link. They point to my Amazon Affiliate and when purchased from, I get a tiny commission with no extra charge to you.

Golden Goose & Other Stories

The school my elder son goes to allows birthday gifts to be distributed in schools but only story books or small useful educational materials. This hardcover is among the gifts he received from his friends on their birthday.

“Fairy Tales for Early Readers – ‘Golden Goose & Other Stories’” is a collection of three fairytales. I would not lie and say that the kiddos love it. Actually, they have only read the first story yet (the book stays with us for almost an year I think!), but yes he did like it. The stories in the same order are:

The Golden Goose

Peter and the Wolf

The Red Shoes

As mentioned on the back page, the book has one big picture on each page along with short sentences written in required big enough font. There are also few phonic/sight words on the picture to help kids learn and understand – pictures speak better than words. Also, each story is followed by a small activity wherein the child needs to match the words with their pictures – surprisingly, children learn them very fast.

Similar sets of books are always available with almost all publishers dealing in children books. The best idea I think is to go over a counter, have a look around, turn a few pages and get one or two.

Fireman Sam: The Famous Fireman

There would be hardly any child – boy or girl who is not fascinated by firemen and fire-engines. All children have a fireman and a fire engine in their toy collection at least once in their childhood. Thus, I knew this is going to be a gem in my kiddo’s collection the moment I saw it.

Here is the blurb I made:

Fireman Sam: The Famous Fireman is the story of a fireman Sam who aspires to be a popular celebrity. But there is one hurdle in his way. What’s the hurdle and what would he do?

What I like the most about this book is the ability to read in two ways as mentioned on the cover as “read aloud, read along, read alone”. Yes, one page has a little detailed story while the adjacent page has its summary in maximum two to three lines. This amazing feature is missing from the kindle edition – from what I saw in the preview.

This book was among the 4-5 books kiddo remembered by heart. He would tell the story with lights turned off when I did not read  owing to the fact we got late for sleep and had to get up on time next morning. 

Now, the fun part: Lifelines have learned that the back cover of the books have list of other books in same series. Every time they like a book, they look at the back cover, find out which one’s they have and have thus made a huge wish list from the rest.

While it’s a great book, there is another story the kids love to read, listen and watch – “Mater the Fireman”. It’s one of Mater’s tall tales based on the episode where Mater the firefighter rescues Lightening from fire. I am going to share more on this in another post. Stay tuned.

                    

Early Discovery Series by Britannica

Britannica Early Discovery is a collection of six little hardcovered books I picked up from a book stall once set up in my office premises. Below are the books which are there in our box:

Early Discovery Words

Early Discovery Colours

Early Discovery Just For fun

Early Discovery Shapes

Early Discovery Sounds

Early Discovery Numbers

The kiddo was in playgroup when we got it and I think we started with Colours – which he was already comfortable with at that time. We gradually moved to Sounds – fun to play with kids and Shapes. Numbers, Just For Fun and Words then followed the suite.

The books are full of colorful pictures to make the child understand the concepts along with a small question or a to do task on almost each page.

The second last page includes a ‘Glossary’ of key words introduced in the book along with their description.

Hold on, there is more. The last page has a few fun ways to learn the concept. The fun ways give an idea to the parents on how can they incorporate the learning in day to day life without actually making the child realize.

     

I would not say that’s this is among the favorite book of kiddos, but yes, they do enjoy reading them occasionally. Thus, although it costed a bit, but was all the worth.

Get it from amazon - here

Storybook Collection (Disney Junior) by Walt Disney Company

There is a famous proverb which states – “"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". I am sure I need not get into explaining the meaning of this one. The same goes for reading books for pleasure too. As parents, we tend to buy books which embark some learning into them all through attractive pictures, simple relatable stories etc.

This is one book I brought for my kids where in they can just have fun. Plus I have a bonus! Keep then away from the idiot box. Wait, there is more. Parents would be parents. Or I should rather say books would be books. “Storybook Collection (Disney Junior) by Walt Disney Company” is a collection of four episodes aired on Disney Junior channel which the children can remain glued all through the day. So when the kiddo saw it in a bookstore and asked if we could buy it, I could not say no.

 Coming to the book and its contents. The four stories as displayed on the cover page – Kids would be able to recognize them easily if they watch the channel, are from Mickey Mouse Club House, Jungle Junction and Special Agent Oso. The adaption of cartoon characters in pictures as well as text is bright and easy to understand.  

It’s an all-time favorite of my both 4 and the 7-year-old son. They just want to read all of them whenever the book is picked up and I have a hard time convincing them to read one per night.

Follow the link below at amazon to get the book:

The Adventures of CAVEBOY by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

The Adventures of CAVEBOY came along with a book subscription box called enchantico I enrolled in for my sons. This was probably the first novel kind of book we read together. Here goes the blurb;

Meet Caveboy! Ooga booga!

Caveboy is just like any other boy . . . he loves playing base-skull, running really fast, and especially whacking things with his club. But when his club breaks, he will need to find a new one . . . which just might lead him to a new friend. In this first book, Caveboy will find the perfect club, meet his best friend, and learn to be brave!

Now, coming to the book, the kids enjoyed reading it and we had the house full of OOGA BOOGA sounds for a few days. Books like this are a good and fun way to introduce big books to children. We read one chapter a day. I am not trying to force him to read for long duration as I want him to develop his own interest. Also, we usually read at bedtime, so the sooner the book closes, sooner we bid goodnight!

The font is big enough to keep children attracted along with colorful pictures. I read a few reviews where people had issues with gender biasing – the club of cave-girl being decorated with flowers and all. Honestly, I did not even think about it until read those reviews. My kiddo even liked the one which was covered with flowers and was worried that the flowers would be spoiled while using it.

Here is how the kiddo felt about the book:

Links to buy the book on amazon:

                                     

Bubbles Series

Bubbles Series is a collection of tiny little picture books. Each book has a short story teaching good habits to the child. The book also has a set of questions in the end. My sons love those questions and makes it a point that I never skip them.

There are many different versions of series based on same pattern, but I personally liked this one the best. Here is a video of lifeline reading one from one of my previous posts.

                  

Here goes the amazon link to the series:

                                                           

Aesop's Fables

Aesop was a Greek story teller. It is believed that Aesop lived for many years as a slave and earned his freedom by narrating the famous fables. It is also said that he even went on to serve as advisor to a king.

A Fable is a short story which generally has animals as characters and convey a moral.

The stories about animals and foolish humans told by Aesop are how referred as Aesop’s Fables. We all have grown up listening to little stories about animals and fairies many of which belong to the collection of Aesop’s Fables.

I think this was one of the earliest books I got for my son. He could not even understand what I read, but he thoroughly enjoyed the pictures of animals displayed along. Gradually, as he started catching up, this book became one of his favorites and I have lost the count of re-reading each story.

This series is a fine collection of 13 stories titled in the picture below.

The book also clearly mentions the moral each story intends to embark upon along with the meaning of few difficult words the child might be new with.

Now that the kiddo is grown up enough to read on his own, I am planning to take it out again and make him read by himself. I am sure he is going to enjoy it all over again.

Click on the image below to browse a few of the collections at amazon:

Aesop's fables

Here is a popular fable I have recited multiple times to my kids:

The Monkey and Crocodile

Once upon a time, there lived a monkey on a Jamun tree by a river. There was a crocodile in the river who became monkey’s friend.

The monkey used to share fruits from the tree with crocodile. Both played together and enjoyed the Janumns. One day the crocodile asked the if he could take a few fruits for his wife and children. The monkey said “Of course! Why not!”. And thus, he packed a lot of juicy jamuns for him.

The crocodile’s wife loved the jamuns. She had never tasted anything so sweet before. But she was not as kind and gentle as her husband and said, ‘If the jamuns are so tasty, imagine the taste of monkey who eats them every day!’

But the kind crocodile tried to explain to his wife that he could not possibly eat the monkey. ‘He is my best friend’, he said. But his greedy wife would not listen and to get her husband to do what she wanted she pretended to be ill. ‘I am dying and only a sweet monkey’s heart can cure me’, she cried to her husband. ‘If you love me you will get your friend the monkey and let me eat his heart.’

The poor crocodile did not to eat his friend. He tried to convince his wife, but she was adamant. At last he agreed to her and the next day when he went to meet the monkey, he told him that his wife loved his jamun’s and waned to invite him over dinner as a thank you gesture.

The monkey was very pleased but was sad too. Crocodile asked him why he was looking glum. The monkey said, “Dear friend, I cannot come as I don’t know swimming”. The crocodile said, ‘I’ll carry you on my back.’ The monkey happily agreed and jumped onto the crocodile’s back.

As the two friends were going in deep river, crocodile felt guilty and wanted to confess his bad doing to his friend. He told him has he has been tricked to come over as his wife wanted to eat him.

The monkey was frightened. Suddenly he had an idea! He said, “Crocodile dear, I would love to serve your wife, but the tastiest part of my body is my heart. But I have left that on the jamun tree. Shall we go back and get too for your wife?”.

The crocodile thought that when his wife would get to know that they did not get the tastiest part, she would get angrier. So, they turned and swam quickly to the jamun tree. The monkey jumped off his back and hopped high on the tree. He shouted, ‘I thought you were my friend. But you wanted to hurt me! Stupid crocodile, don’t you know that all our body parts always remain with us only? I will never trust you again or give you fruit from my tree. Go away and don’t come back again.’

The crocodile lost a friend also and the tasty fruits also. The monkey had saved himself because he had used his mind to think quickly.

Moral Of The Story

There are multiple morals which can be derived from this story. The one high-lighted in bold is my lifeline’s favorite:

·         Staying calm, and thinking can help you get out any difficult situation.

·         A quick wit can solve all problems.

·         Presence of mind often saves us.

·         Don’t underestimate yourself. There are bigger fools in this world.

·         Quick thinking and intelligence can beat physical strength.

·         A wise enemy is better than a foolish friend.

The Ring o’ Bells Mystery by Enid Blyton

I found this little book with rusty pages in one of my cupboards. I picked it up out of curiosity and thought of being traveling back to childhood. And then, there was no stopping till it was finished.

It’s a mystery thriller meant for kids. The story goes as below:

When Roger, Diana and Snubby go to stay at Ring O’Bells village, their old friend Barney hitchhikes over with his monkey, Miranda, to join them. Barney has nowhere to stay so he decides to sleep in deserted Ring O’Bells Hall. Bit eerie things happen - bells start to ring, strange noises are heard in a secret passage, and there are some unfriendly strangers about. 

Something very mysterious is going on and the friends mean to find out what...

Now, I totally read it with a kid’s mind. There is a secret passage, a village and people resembling children’s favorite bed time story - “Little Red Riding Hood”. Last but not the least, there are dogs! The description of dogs doing everything they could possibly do to show off and to gain attention of is just hilarious. I was smiling really-really wide as I could so relate that to the Labrador – Skipper at one of my cousin’s house. He is always picking up shoes or anything he can possibly get his mouth on while we are at their place to make sure that we do not indulge too much in our conversations and forget pampering him. To sum up this paragraph, there is something for everyone who reads it. 

The plot is just perfect for the age group “Ring O’Bells Mystery” is targeted for. Although it is obviously a little predictable for an adult, I totally put that aside as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it all.

All the characters and the language also very good which kept me engaged and not wanting to put it down till the end. If I had the luxury of sleeping through the day, I would have sat all night up to finish and reach to the end of truly adventurous journey.

I am all praises for this and recalled the "Famous Five" series! There are more books for sure, coming up in my book shelf soon to accompany it! I am waiting for my kids to grow up to the right age to introduce it to them.

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Ever since my childhood, Jungle Book to me had been all about the very famous “Jungle Jungle pata chala hai, chaddi pehen ke phool khila hai, phool khila hai”. I downloaded the “The Jungle Book” to read the actual version of same and it took me to a total surprise – a pleasant one indeed.

The book is a good mix of five (most popular of all - the 'Mowgli' is actually divided in three stories.) stories. All the stories are followed by a related poems/songs/rhymes. All the poems summarize the nature of animals and their lives in the preceding story.

I think I might be repeating myself from my earlier posts that there is a reason some books are termed "Classics".

I could not write a single, whole some review for the "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling, so I decided to go one by one. The short stories along with their title and following verses are as below:

1. Mowgli's Brothers - Childhood hero Mowgli being rescued and raised by wolves and the realization of animals that he is a man after all! This chapter is the one we all know much about.

Wolfs always hunt in pack and they ought to have few lines to get them going. "Hunting Song of the Seeonee Pack” helps them to remain focused and follow their leader.

2. Kaa's Hunting - Big hypnotizing python - Kaa is helps Baloo and Bagheera to rescue Mowgli from the "Bandar-log".

I found this song very close to monkeys or at-least how we perceive them. The monkeys found pride in the song while Mowgli realized that this was not an environment he could enjoy for long. It's called the "Road Song of the Bandar-Log".

3. Tiger! Tiger! - The final of Mowgli's series where he goes to a village where humans live. But then, Jungle is where his heart belongs to. He along with his wolf brother finally brings an end to the cruel Shere Khan.

Finally, Mowgli sings "Mowgli's Song" with much pride and tells everyone about his victory over Share Khan. It's popularly known as the victory song, but I could not help but notice the tiny elements of sadness in verses. Life sure is unpredictable!

4. The White Seal - It's a brave story of Kotick - a rare white seal who decides to find a safe place for his fellow seals. Honestly speaking, this one is my favorite of all. There are so many takeaways from this little story with respect to 'modern society' we are living in. This story might make way to another post from my end.

The "Lukannon" song - which I found a bit sad does a good justice to the story. Reading the verses shows why Kotick decided to follow a path which was discouraged by all but was much needed at the same time.

5. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi - A mongoose named 'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi' finds himself rescued by a family of humans and returns the favor best by rescuing them back by a family of Cobra.

The tailor-bird "Darzee" sings in celebration as Rikki-Tikki-Tavi hunts cobra and made the garden a safe place to live for other creatures. The song is titled - "Darzee's Chaunt".

6. Toomai of the Elephants - World of Elephants has always been of much interest ever. It's a nice story about little boy Toomai and his adventurous encounter by elephants - of all types!

Wait before you think that the story has come to an end. a beautiful song Little Toomai‘s mother sang to him when he was a baby awaits next. It's a gorgeous song depicting the law of nature called "Shiv and the Grasshopper". Toomai‘s mother explains that the creator - Shiva is the one who "made all" and also ensured that all are fed leaving no one hungry.

7. Her Majesty's Servants - What happens when animals from different regions or work culture meet? What do they discuss? This short story is a compilation of one such event when mule, camel, horse, elephant and bullock spend the night together and discover new things about each other’s work - obviously each thinks theirs is better than others.

The story is followed by "Parade-Song of the Camp Animals" - a enthusiastic song where each group gets to echo their own verse and then a common one.

All the stories depict the world through the eyes of animals. They also focus on the basic nature of animal in picture turning it in the form of a tale children might enjoy. I would however like to give a disclaimer warning that it's nowhere near to Disney's magical world and might crush those sugar-coated images of animals we have built. As a child, I might not enjoy it originally and thus think that it's justified to tweak them a bit when it comes to presenting the same to children.

Very rarely I write this - Go for it with open heart! You would not regret the time invested. I Loved it thoroughly. Need more reasons to add it to your library - It's free on Kindle!

                                                                        

note - all quotes have been created for free at http://quozio.com/