What are your options for a lazy Saturday afternoon when you have a hyper- active child jumping from the unlikeliest of the places? A siesta seems impossible. We love to either read books or tell some stories. I tend to fall back on my Great Grandma's repertoire of folk tales full of talking birds, djinns, kings and queens and other magical creatures. My husband prefers jungle action stories with Shikari Shambu as the central character. He also likes to tell small tales of bravery and valour from our epics - Bheema vs Bakasur is an absolute favourite. The name Bookasura is a spin off of the popular Bakasur and it kindled our curiosity enough to pick the book.
Bala , our hero, is used to getting a lot of importance and attention from his parents. All this changes, when his little sister comes along. Not only does he not get attention anymore, his little sister chews on his books! Poor Bala is very upset and starts imagining his little sister as a monster. When his parents decide to send him off to his grandparents, he is really happy. Off he goes with his summer collection of books and happy to be rid of the " book monster". He can get to listen to Thatha's stories, eat his Paati's amazing food ! All goes according to plan, he gets his dose of stories and good food. In his Grandparent's place, instead of his little sister he has to deal with a real Book monster " Bookasur" who eats books and his appetite seems to be never ending. How will he save his final 3 books from the monster? Read the story to know more! The book is sure to tickle you and your little one to laughter!
Oftentimes, in a book more than the plot itself, the setting of the story plays a more important role as to why we love it- I simply loved the way a typical South Indian home is brought alive in this book. Yours truly is also the first sibling in her family and she can totally identify with the sentiments of Bala, when the new sister comes along to take away all the attention ;)
"Bookasura: The Adventures of Bala and the Book - Eating Monster" is written by Arundhati Venkatesh and published by Scholastic India. The illustrations by Priya Kurian are simple yet beautiful and will make the child fall in love with the book. You may buy your copy at Amazon
About the Reviewer:
Roomana Basha: Mother to a book lover | Founder and CEO ekdali.com | Loves books - Currently reading Ivory Throne by Manu S Pillai | Fitness Freak
