Book: Kolam Kanna
Author: Vibha Batra
Illustrator: Jemma Jose
Publisher: Puffin Books
Genre: Children's Book (8+)
Pages: 124
Price: ₹ 200 (paperback on Amazon)
About the author: Vibha Batra is an award winning author, poet, advertising consultant, graphic novelist, translator, playwright, travel writer, speaker, scriptwriter and creative writing mentor. She has published 25 books so far.
About the book: This story is about Bharathi. Bharathi belongs to a modest family and spends most of his time at Pravin's Paradiso Apartments (where his parents work) with his cheerleaders, ever supportive friends, Tabassum and Alagu. There's another set of children in the society who dislike Bharathi and his friends, and don't leave a chance to tease them.
The most striking thing about Bharathi is that he is an exceptionally talented Kolam designer; his Kolam designs are so life-like.
Pravin's Paradiso Apartments is conducting a Kolam Contest and Bharathi's friends encourage him to participate. But how can he participate because only the residents of the apartments are eligible to participate? So, the book is all about that.
It's my second book by the author. I absolutely loved her Pinkoo Shergill Pastry Chef. This story is sweet and entertaining, and just like her previous book, it breaks gender stereotypes.
'Never have I heard of a boy making Kolams,' someone says. But the thing is that Bharathi, a boy, does make Kolams and how!
Bharathi's character is endearing. It's sweet how he wants to win the second prize because he has a five-star dream for his parents. He wants to treat them to a grand dinner at Marina Hotel (that's the second prize for the contest).
The story is full of twists and turns, and the ending is particularly heartwarming.
Apart from the kids, I liked Bharathi's ever supportive Amma and Mrs. Subramaniam.
Vibha Batra has a distinct style of writing that's perfectly suitable for children. She uses interesting and catchy words that's capable of engaging the kids. I heard my 10 year old laughing out loud as he caught those words.
The illustration is very nice.
Overall, it was a sweet, entertaining and heartwarming read. Buddy reading with your child would be a joyful experience.
This post is part of Blogchatter's Book Review Program
This post is part of Blogchatter's Half Marathon
I read her book Pinku Chef. I think she's doing some good work by writing about these topics which are relevant for today's children.
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