Multicultural children’s literature from across the world – stories, poems, folktales and books in English for kids, and stories in Hindi and poems in Hindi too. Original literature in English for kids from around the globe and book reviews and recommended reading lists for children.
432 items in this section. Displaying page 34 of 44
War Drum
Mukabla, the Jackal was very sad. He had not eaten for many days. He had travelled all over the jungle searching for food, but with no luck. Now, he was hungry and tired too. It was a hot afternoon, so Mukabla decided to rest under a tree. The tired Jackal immediately fell asleep. Soon it was dark. Suddenly, Mukabla was woken up by some strange noises. War Drum [Illustrations by Amarjeet Malik] Wooosh-dum-dum-shhhhh-dum-da-dum-da-dum....
Slow Dance
This poem came to us as a forwarded email and we do not know the name of its author. Have you ever watched kids On a merry-go-round? Or listened to the rain Slapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight? Or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down. Don’t dance so fast. Time is short. The music won’t last. Do you run through each day On the fly?...
Something Special
The children were very excited about it. Early in the morning they woke up to the bird songs. Before the sun’s rays could peep in through the treetops they were ready in the jeep. This was their first visit to the jungle with their parents and the guide who knew the jungle well. Welcome to the National Park said the guide. There are lots of interesting things to see. Let’s be on the look out. As they drove off, all senses were alert....
Snake People
The Snakes Around Us Written by Zai and Rom Whitaker Illustrations by Shekar Dattatri Published by National Book Trust, New Delhi This fascinating book gives us glimpses of the lives of the Irula tribals of Tamil Nadu, who are great snake catchers. The authors, who run a snake park in south India, have worked with these “snake people” for over a decade, and talk about their snake-catching abilities. They also talk about “snake people” in other parts of the world, who are great names in the world of research on snakes....
The Three Kittens
The white cat said, ‘I’m fair as snow’ The black cat said, ‘I shine!’ The tabby said, ‘well, that’s alright But the bowl of cream is MINE!’ The black cat said, ‘I’m warm as wool’ The white said, ‘I’m like silk!’ The tabby said, ‘say what you will, I’m off to drink that milk!’ The Three Kittens [Illustration by Sudheer Nath] (C) Swapna Dutta
AHA! Books: Manjula Padmanabhan
Award-winning writer, playwright, artist, cartoonist and illustrator, Manjula Padmanabhan has published 21 books for children. She lists out her 10 all-time favourite children’s books and series, for Pitara’s A-Ha list. List of Ten: It’s not possible to make a list of “Ten Favourite” children’s books, without including whole series! So that’s what I’ve done. I’ve confined myself to those books that I read in childhood, which means I can’t include the recent children’s books I’ve read — such as Harry Potter (three books, the remaining four are feverishly awaited), the Animorph series (all 31!...
Puzzling it Out
Around The World in 80 Puzzles Written by Helene Hovanec Published by Scholastic India Pvt. Ltd. Puzzling it Out [] Take a trip around the world through the puzzles in this book. Fill in the blank with an alphabet or complete a crossword, write two words by writing just one alphabet or cross out some words and read the rest to find the right answer. A very exciting book for those of you who like solving puzzles....
Kappu's Evening Stroll
Kappu maharaj sat in his pram, With a bottle full of jam. All set to go to the park, He chuckled when he heard Buzo bark. Mama pushed his pram, and alongside Buzo ran. When it became dark, They came back from the park. Kappu’s Evening Stroll [Illustration by Shinod AP]
The Priest's Successor
There was once a famous temple, high up in the hills of Assam. The priest of this temple was widely respected and known to be a great scholar. When he grew very old, he started searching for a younger priest who could take charge of the temple after his death. But, much to his dismay, he could not find any suitable person. As the priest lay on his deathbed, he called the trustee of the temple and told him, “After my death, make sure that only a “human being” replaces me as priest of this temple....
Take me Too
Oh camel with a humpy back Do take me for a ride You’re so strong! For don’t you cross The sandy desert wide? Take me too when you go next For I would love to see The desert and an oasis Which are unknown to me! Take me Too [Illustration by Sudheer Nath] (C) Swapna Dutta