In the Bear’s Den & More Adventures of Little Shambu

Life is never humdrum with Little Shambu around, and I loved this next set of adventures too! 

I remember reading about how the non-violence policy of Shikari Shambu ensured that he never fired a single shot. In fact, he is more a forest ranger than a hunter, and these stories about Little Shambu set the stage for a Shikari Shambu who loves animals. From saving the life of a harmless snake to meeting an officer who rescues bears, these tales featuring Little Shambu are a lovely way to introduce environment activism in young children.

At the same time, the stories don’t shy away from mirroring reality, whether it is in the context of an elephant at a temple in Kerala or a rattlesnake that needs to be returned to its natural habitat. I enjoyed also how gently the idea of livelihood versus animal rights was expressed through stories like “Shooting with a Bear”. But as with Strangus Derangus (as well as the original Shikari Shambu stories), what I loved most was the unexpectedly happy outcome of each of Little Shambu’s misadventures!

All in all, In the Bear’s Den & More Adventures of Little Shambu is another delightful collection of short stories featuring a boy who seems to attract both animals and trouble.