The Slow Imprint Books by Neelesh Misra: A Fresh Path to the Art of Storytelling

Listening to Yaadon Ka Idiot Box stories had been a part of my life, but at that time, I never imagined I would one day be writing for the show—mainly because I didn’t write Hindi stories back then.

It’s been exactly two years since I became part of Mandali—the wonderful YKIB writers’ team that has allowed me to grow as a writer. We discuss stories and find every possible way to enhance them. It’s always a joy to attend those meetings.

I’m happy to share that Neelesh Sir finally stepped into the world of publishing, amplifying fresh and powerful voices (which I had always expected)—The Slow Imprint, in association with Eka by Westland Books. 

There was a wonderful book launch event yesterday (18th November). While I couldn’t attend the launch, I’m delighted about this new initiative. Happy to share the details.

The Books are on Pre-Orders.

And look at the lovely covers!

Gaon Se Bees Postcards by Shri Shiv Balak Misra,

the father of Neelesh Misra.

He is a geologist, and it’s a fascinating collection of his essays, experiences, and anecdotes.

Main Aksar Sochta Hoon by Neelesh Misra.

I’m sure you know that, apart from being a storyteller, Neelesh Sir is also a Bollywood lyricist with many popular songs to his credit. This book is a collection of poems written by him.

Junglee Phoolon Si Ladki by Anulata Raj Nair

The creative head and producer of YKIB, Anulata Ji writes lyrical and evocative stories across various genres. It’s a collection of her lovely, lovely stories.

Magic Box: A Collection of Children’s Stories

My son is particularly looking forward to this book. It features stories by Anulata Raj Nair, Deepak Rangnathan, Anita Sethi, and Deeksha Chaudhary.

Kaaljayi: Stories from the Vedas and Puranas

It’s a collection of imaginative spiritual tales by Chhavi Nigam, Anulata Raj Nair, Hrushali Jain, Shikha Dwedi, and Anulata Raj Nair.

So here are a variety of stories, and I’m really looking forward to reading them. I hope you find them interesting!

Also, if you enjoy a tale with an unexpected twist, you can pick my Free short story, The Accident, published by Juggernaut Books. 

Sharing with Bookish Leaguehosted by Ritu Bindra

And Blogchatter

सितारों से आगे: कृश्न चन्दर

 

बचपन में कॉमिक्स, नंदन, चंपक, सुमन सौरभ, इत्यादि तो हम सब ने पढ़ा है पर अगर मुझे कोई पूछे कि एक पाठक के तौर पर मेरा सबसे पहला उपन्यास कौन सा तो मेरा जवाब होगा ―कृश्न चंदर द्वारा लिखी 'सितारों से आगे'। ये एक फ़ैंटेसी/साइंस फिक्शन है जो बच्चों वाली मज़ेदार किताब है। पर बच्चों वाली किताबें तो बड़ों को भी अक्सर अच्छी लगती हैं, है न?

वैसे मुझसे किसी ने पूछा तो नहीं पर 23 अगस्त को जब हमारे चंद्रयान 3 ने चाँद के साउथ पर सफलतापूर्वक पहुँच कर इतिहास रचा, तो मुझे अनायास ही इस किताब की याद आ गयी। क्योंकि इस किताब में भी कुछ बच्चे चाँद पर पहुँच जाते है और फिर वहाँ वो अजीबोग़रीब लोगों और घटनाओं से मुख़ातिब होते हैं। लेखक ने अपनी कलम से अद्भुत और बेहद रोमांचक चाँद की दुनियां रची है।

एक अरसा हो गया इस किताब को पढ़े इसलिए मुझे पूरी कहानी तो याद नहीं पर इतना जरूर याद है कि इस उपन्यास को पढ़ने में बड़ा मज़ा आया था। एक बार में पूरी किताब पढ़ गयी थी (वो ज़माना और था जब हम ऐसा कर सकते थे)। रोमांच इस बात का भी था कि मैं, एक छोटी सी बच्ची, उपन्यास पढ़ रही थी और मेरे दादाजी को इस बात से कोई समस्या नहीं थी। 

मैं रोमांचित हूँ कि ये किताब अमेज़न पर अब भी उपलब्ध है जिसे पेंग्विन बुक्स ने प्रकाशित किया है। और मैं इसे अपने बेटे के लिए खरीदूंगी। उस किताब को मैं पढ़ूंगी या नहीं, इसका अंदाज़ा लगाने के लिए किसी को कोई प्वाइंट्स नहीं मिलेंगे। 

साइंस की बात हो रही है तो मैं प्रोफ़ेसर दिवाकर की किताबों के बारे में बात किए बिना नहीं जा सकती। बहुत दिलचस्प किताबें होती थीं उनकी। अब हमारे पास (मेरे भाई के पास) बस एक किताब बची है ―शुक्र ग्रह पर धावा। कई साल पहले जब मैंने एक बुकशॉप में प्रोफ़ेसर दिवाकर की किताबों के बारे में पूछा तो उसने उल्टा मुझी से पूछा कि ―'प्रोफ़ेसर दिवाकर कौन हैं?'

This post is part of Blogchatter's Half Marathon program.

Keekli Books: Himachal Ke Rang And Fiction Treasure Trove

If you like reading, you cannot not smile at the sight of books. So when I received these lovely books :

Himachal Ke Rang (Katha Pachisi)

And Fiction Treasure Trove: 31 Short Stories by Children, both published by Keekli, I smiled and my almost 10 yo, also an avid reader jumped in joy.

Let's talk about Fiction Treasure Trove first. As you might have guessed, this book is a collection of short stories written by children (from 6th grade to 11th grade). Such a thoughtful and innovative initiative. And I am amazed by the thoughts, creativity and imagination of these kids. And it represents diverse genres ―travel tales, fantasy, sci fi, reminiscence, a very interesting take on mythology and a story told from the point of view of an animal etc. The writing is simple, as it should be, and very neat (credit goes to Sonia Dogra, and Vandana Bhagra, the editors). The stories are mostly in English, but there are 3 well written Hindi stories as well. 

And certain stories have cute drawings and illustrations done by the little writers themselves. The cover is very cute and creative. Reading this book with your kids would be a joyful experience.

You can buy this book HERE

Now, Tales from Himachal, as the title suggests, is a collection of short stories that are set in Himachal Pradesh. It reflects the beauty and essence of Himachal Pradesh. The most interesting thing about this book is that it carries bilingual stories ―Hindi and English. Also, the writers have used the local dialect (pahaadi) in the dialogues. The cover looks lovely.

You can buy this HERE

Thank you so much, Keekli.

Sharing with Blogchatter

Book Review: Pinkoo Shergill Pastry Chef by Vibha Batra

Book: Pinkoo Shergill Pastry Chef

Author: Vibha Batra

Genre: Children's Book (8-12 y)

Pages: 184

Publisher: Scholastic India

Price: ₹219 (on Amazon)

'There's this bunch of stupid guys at school. They think baking is girlie.'

'Hmm...We can't have them thinking that now, can we?'

Pinkoo Shergill is a 10 year old boy who goes to shooting class everyday. But the thing is, he doesn't like shooting. He finds joy in baking delicious deserts! He wants to be a world famous pastry chef, not a shooting champion. Nobody understands his passion, except Tutu, his ever supportive cousin. 

Now, guess what, The Great Junior Bake-a-Thon, an international baking contest is in India and of course Pinkoo wants to participate. But how?

'You know how much it (shooting) meant to Pitaji. It was his dream…'

'His dream, not Pinkoo's.'

So, this lovely book is about not giving up and following your dreams. It has several cute, little twists and turns, and I particularly loved how it slams the gender stereotype without being preachy. 

The writing style is so engaging and light. The author has used some fun words like, confuzzled, yummilicious, irritatinoying, wonderlicious…funerific etc. Also, there are different kinds of words for sound: bang, clang, swoosh, clatter, whirr, ting, slurp, squeal, they are enjoyable and educative at the same time. I think the kids would really enjoy as these terms, written in bold, large and interesting font, can easily grab the attention of the children. 

The author has used humour and wit so smartly, without making fun of anything. It's funny and sensible at the same time. For example: Since nobody knows about Pinkoo's passion for baking, he (and Tutu, of course) often sneaks in to the kitchen for his baking adventures when nobody is present in the house, but, to my relief, he doesn't do it alone. Gurdasji and Datthi bhaiya are always there to keep an eye.

The main characters-the fantastic four: Pinkoo, Tutu, Manu and Nimrat (they have special names for mission Bake-a-thon: Pastry, Tooty-fruity, Macaroon and Nutella respectively) are adorable. I love Tutu's loyalty. And I really liked how Pinkoo-Nimrat friendship burgeons and they, finally, grow to like each other. I can't forget to mention Chef Khanna. A smart, strong and encouraging character, a teacher every child deserves. 

As expected, the story features food extensively. They are described so creatively that you could almost smell and taste them. Truly yummilicious!'

The illustrations are quirky, unconventional and interesting. 

Overall, it was a joyful, entertaining and uplifting read. You can read it with your kid. I'm sure they will enjoy this lovely story, and the reading session would be a fun, enriching activity.

You can buy the book HERE

This review is powered by Blogchatter's Review Program

Book Review: Tales From the Himalayas by Priyanka Pradhan

(I painted the bookmark :))

Book: Tales From the Himalayas

No. of pages: 157

Author: Priyanka Pradhan

Illustrator: Mohit Suneja

Publisher: Rupa Publications

Genre: Children's Book

Price: ₹ 285 (on Amazon)

I don't write blurbs in my review. But for this book, I would like to write the blurb. So here it is (from the back cover):

'You'll find tales of snow leopards and mountain ghouls, bagpiper girls and itchy herbs, and stories even as old as 500 years! See the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, resplendent in its colourful customs and traditional costumes, taste the sweet-sour wild berries, feel the chilly autumn wind on your skin and smell the musky pine forests, in seventeen stories.'

I wrote the blurb because it's spot on!  The book is everything that has been described in the blurb, and more.

The all seventeen stories are so interesting, thoughtful, intriguing and heartwarming. The stories, so different from each other, convey beautiful and important messages without being preachy. It's about courage, compassion, thoughtfulness, wisdom and friendship. Certain stories, based on true stories, are educative and yet they are entertaining. One of the stories, 'Kafal', is a folk tale. I heard that story as a kid, and it reminded me of my own childhood.

The stories are very well written. The language is neat and simple so that children don't find it complicated, and yet it's crisp so that even adult can enjoy the read. It creates lovely imagery that it actually gives you the glimpse of Uttarakhand. The illustrations are really cute and apt.

Although I liked each and every story, I'd like to mention my most favourite ones: 'The Villian' (insightful), 'The Long-Lost Friends' (very poignant), 'The Spring Song' (very pleasant), 'Haria's Kitchen' (loved the food descriptions), 'Postcard' (again, poignant).

Overall, a wonderful collection that I enjoyed reading thoroughly. A lovely book that you can read with your kid. 

I received the book from the publisher for an honest review.

Book Review: The Adventures Of Biplob The Bumblebee by Abhishek Talwar

Name Of The Book	The Adventures Of Biplob The Bumblebee
Author	Abhishek Talwar
Illustrator	Sonal Goyal
Genre	Children’s Book {6+ years}
Publisher	Puffin Books
No. Of Pages	32
Price	INR 183 {On Amazon}

Reading children's book is fun. Even more enjoyable when you buddy read with your kid. Isn't it? The new children's book on my bookshelf is about Biplob ---a bumblebee, its adventures in garden with its friends: Various flowers and Balram ---the farmer.

Biplob is kind, helpful, very innovative and everyone's favourite{Obviously}! The story is educative and insightful. Also, children can learn moral values through this story. 

What does this story teach?

We Should Help Others.

We Shouldn't Judge Others Without Knowing The Whole Truth

It's Great To Come Up With Interesting/Smart Ideas. So Think, Think. Think!

Plus Some General Knowledge About Plants and Other Things.

Interestingly, the story is not preachy. It's entertaining and joyful. 

Children's books are more interesting if they have beautiful and meaningful pictures, for pictures make children more attentive and interested. This book doesn't disappoint on this ground. The book is full of bright and beautiful illustrations. Not just beautiful, but the illustrations make it easier to understand certain things.

Overall, a lovely read!

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review

Book Review: The Globetrotters by Arefa Tehsin

Name Of the Book	The Globetrotters
Name Of the Author	Arefa Tehsin
Name Of the Illustrator	Nafisa Nandini Crishna
Genre	Children’s Book
Age Group	8-13 Years
Publisher	Puffin Books {Penguin}
Number Of Pages	198
Price	INR 120 (On Amazon)

'It's better to lose with honour than win by cheating.'

Thoughtful, isn't it?

The Globetrotters by Arefa Tehsin is a children's book, obviously. It's about Hudhud, a seventh grader, careless rather insensitive school boy, and his friend, Kilkila {a little less insensitive}. They both leave not a single chance to play wicked tricks on children, even teachers.

One day, Hudhud teases a younger boy about his dead grandmother so insensitively that his old history teacher decides to teach him a lesson. She appears, mysteriously, when he is alone at his home and curses him --- to travel the every part of the earth in different forms of living creatures. And to learn the lessons and find the answers, eventually. His friend Kilkila can join him in this journey but Kilkila won't remember anything when they come back in human form. It's Hudhud's journey.

So, what kind of journey it's going to be? Would Hudhud be able to find the answers? What would be those answers? Would he be able to learn the lesson?

'Answer...' he muttered suddenly. 'Someone told me to look for an answer. Is it...is the answer girl power?'

This book vividly captures the animal world. The story carries several lessons; it's educative but not preachy. The knowledge {Mostly features of different kinds of animals} and lessons have been conveyed, in a playful manner, through entertaining stories. And the incidents that author has created are entertaining and very imaginative. Okay honestly, it might seem childish to adults but it can be exciting for kids. And, it's a children's book, right?

The book has black & white, rather rough illustrations that, frankly, I didn't like. I believe illustrations should be colourful. That can captivate children more easily, of course.

So, the Globetrotters is an exciting and kind of bizarre journey that would take you to different worlds. Overall, for me, it was a nice read. For children, it can be a thrilling, funny, educative and interesting read! 


I received this book from the publisher for an unbiased review.

Book Review: Town Is By The Sea by Joanne Schwartz & Sydney Smith

Name Of The Book	Town Is By The Sea
Name Of The Author	Joanne Sehwartz
Name Of The Illustrator	Sydney Smith
Publisher	Penguin
Genre	Children’s Book (5-8 years)
Number Of Pages	52
Price	INR 662 (On Amazon)

'Town Is By The Sea' is a family story that tells about a boy who lives by the sea. He is a minor's son and he thinks about his father throughout the day.

'And I know my father is already deep down under that sea, digging for coal.' 

The story is narrated from the boy's point of view where he tells about his typical daily routine, in an interesting and very thoughtful way!

'From my house, I can see the sea. 

When I wake up, it goes like this ....'

This is so touching --- the way he remembers his father; no matter what he does, his thoughts wander towards his hard working father.

It's a simple story that portrays the father-son relationship beautifully. And, striking, sparkling illustrations are the icing on the cake. However, the totally black images of coal mine looks a little odd especially because the other pictures are so beautiful.

Reading this book with your child would be a great idea as it can teach them about familial bond. It can teach them to be caring and responsible.

The end is particularly poignant.

'As I fall asleep I can hear the whooshing back and forth of the waves. I think about my father. I think about the bright days of summer and the dark tunnels underground. One day, it will be my turn. I'm a miner's son. In my town, that's the way it goes.'

I read it with my 5 year-old, and he liked it so much that he asked me read it twice. However, a few things disturbed me while reading this book. The childhood of the boy seems bothered. It could be a reality for the kind of life they live, maybe, but I'm not sure how a child would feel about it (While reading the book). Also, it would've been nice if the boy had a name (along with 'Miner's son).

The most important thing; the boy does everything --- grocery shopping, going to the graveyard to visit his grandfather, playing with his friend --- but doesn't go to school or even read a book! I wondered why.

Overall, it was a lovely book, with a thoughtful story-line and beautiful illustrations. Pick it up for your child and read it together.

My Favourite Author – Beatrix Potter: A Guest Post by Sudesna Ghosh

Hello! So, this is the second post in 'My Favourite Author' series that I started last week. You can read the first guest post by Mithila HERE

Today, I'm so pleased to host Sudesna Ghosh, author of 'My Perfect Newyork Christmas, My Singapore Fling, and many others. She is an ardent animal lover and write lovely stories for children.

So, here it goes. A guest post by Sudesna ---

Every time I sit down to write, Beatrix Potter quote takes me to the end of my story…

'There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they'll take you.' 

― BeatrixPotter

My addiction to books developed from an early age. My mother is a bookworm who loved taking me to the local library every weekend. While other children played outside or hung out in cliques in their school days, I stayed inside with my stacks of books, living alongside book characters that I admired.

I started my writing career with short stories. First, in elementary school while I was growing up in the United States, and then years later at The Telegraph newspaper where I was on the team that edited the children’s weekly supplement. 

While I have written some books for adults, writing stories for kids warms up a special part of my heart. Why? Well, I don’t like the idea of growing up so fun stories about childhood let me keep my nostalgia and innocence in a way. And also because I can’t stop thinking about my idol Beatrix Potter every time I write kidlit.

Her name makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Most of my childhood books are still in my house and hers are right up front so I can touch them, see them, devour them, whenever I need extra inspiration. 

'Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality.'

This quote by Beatrix won me over when I read it years ago. This intelligent woman years before our time, knew how formal education didn’t determine a person’s talent or intelligence. 

Beatrix’s first artist models were her pet rabbits. Her first rabbit was Benjamin Bouncer. Benjamin was followed by a rabbit called Peter Piper, who performed tricks and stayed with her all the time. When I read this anecdote about my favourite author, I was quite pleased as I adore all animals and spend all my time with them as well. My late dog Goti and now my cats, keep me amused and I am rarely seen without them by my side.

Annie Moore, who was governess to Beatrix, stayed in her life for decades. In fact, one of Beatrix’s earliest stories was actually from a letter (with illustrations) sent to Annie Moore’s son. Publishers did not take on her story, leading the author to self-publish The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1901. So you see, self-publishing is not a new phenomenon at all.

Thanks to the book’s success, a publisher who had turned it down offered Beatrix a deal. Inspiration for aspiring authors that even famous writers may have to struggle in the beginning.

My first Beatrix Potter experience was with her book called The Roly-Poly Pudding. It has a mischievous mouse in it. And cats. Adorable cats wearing frocks and aprons and all that. This cat lady can visualise every page of that book. Not surprisingly, I wrote a little book about a cat expert and his cats and it was after I re-read The Roly-Poly Pudding for the hundredth time of my life.

*****

Sounds lovely, no? 

So, who is your favourite author? And why? Please share your thoughts. 

Book Review: The Ammuchi Puchi by Sharanya Manivannan

Book	The Ammuchi Puchi
Genre	Children’s Book (3-8 years)
Author	Sharanya Manivannan
Illustrator	Nerina Canzi
Publisher	Penguin India
No. Of Pages	32
Price (On Amazon)	INR 159

'I knew she was our grandmother, the way I knew the tune of a song, or how to ride a bicycle, or exactly when to clap my hands and kill a mosquito, just the way she taught me.'

The Ammuchi Puchi tells the story of Aditya, Anjali and their beloved, jovial grandmother. One fateful day, their grandmother, Ammuchi, passes away, and how they miss her terribly. Her stories, the lovely time they spent together.

And then, something happens, something really mysterious! What? You'll have to read this book to know the very interesting answer!

The Ammuchi Puchi is about love, loss, and familial bond. Apt for children! Even better if opted for buddy reading --- be it with parents or siblings.

What makes this book even more beautiful is its gorgeous pictures!

It's a colourful and striking book, with a sweet story that will warm your heart. The mystery in this story would intrigue your kids. It will make them understand the importance of family and familial bond. Pick it up. It's a lovely read!


I received the book from the publisher for an unbiased review.