Edited by – Sahana Inuganti
Amidst great philosophies and mind-numbing economic theories, I find a sense of comfort and belonging in stories written for children. I like going back to them largely because there’s innocence, simplicity and even ignorance wrapped in freedom and wonder. Well, it is partly this and partly the fact that I love colours and children’s books, more often than not, look like someone puked a rainbow on them. These are the 4 books that are my safe haven, children’s books that I feel every adult needs to read. These books represent diverse cultures and make me feel seen and heard in a way most mainstream children’s books never did. I am writing this with the hope that they do the same for you.
- The Adventures of Shibi Libi by Kriti Chavan
Initially, what struck my eye about this book are the beautiful shades of blue. The colours are a treat to the eye. The book is about the journey of Himalayan brown bears in the Zanskar valley of Ladakh. Our protagonist is a bear cub called Shibi Libi, named after the Zanskari wild rose. The illustrations and vivid descriptions of this gentle giant can’t help but evoke empathy. The book, interspersed with a number of illustrations, takes us through the life of Shibi Libi— from childhood to youth. We see the world through the eyes of a wild bear, his understanding of relationships and what a day in his life looks like. Through the adventures of Shibi Libi, the book tries to communicate the impact of climate change on our furry friends living far far away.
2. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
“What is the bravest thing you have ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help”, said the horse.
This graphic novel is a compilation of snippets from the conversations between 4 friends- the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse. A lot of these conversations are inspired by Charlie’s bond with his closest friends, the times he shared with them and the secrets they unravelled about life and about themselves over cups of tea. His journey with the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse started after the demise of his friend. He started questioning what really matters and it is his pain that brought to life these four characters. The book is about friendship, faith and hope. Everything written in this book is so simple, even obvious at times, yet so capacious that in any given situation the book has something to say to you.
3. Idgah by Prem Chand
A book that revolves around something as simple as children’s toys leaves you with so much to think about. On the day of Eid, the village is brimming with festivities and all the children are decked up, waiting to attend the annual fest, Idgah. Haamid, a young boy of four or five, lives as an orphan with his old Dadi. They barely have enough to make ends meet. However, on this special day, Haamid’s dadi doesn’t want him to feel left out as all other children buy more toys than their tiny little hands can hold. She manages to give him 3 paise. Haamid holds on tight to his precious Eidi as he looks through the market trying to find something that will make Eid memorable. The book puts you in the shoes of a boy who isn’t just looking for a toy, but he’s looking for something more. I have taken this journey with Haamid, the journey of finding out “what really matters” so many times, and I would recommend you to take it too.
4. Totto Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
If you want nothing more than a good laugh, ‘Totto Chan: The Little Girl at the Window’ is the book for you. Written as an autobiographical memoir by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, the book takes you through the life of a naughty little girl, Totto. The book is about Kuroyanagi’s own experience during her school days and was originally published as a series of articles, later combined in a book. Through the experiences of Totto, a girl of her own whims ( and rightly so) the book talks about the importance of freedom of expression within the schooling system. The book takes you from the sheltered space of a school to the outside world where war and enemies of peace dominate, as World War II goes on. I would urge you to take this roller coaster ride with Totto, who teaches you that it is okay to let yourself have a good laugh even and especially when times are tough. The book is about faith, hope for better times, something I find very relevant today and always.