I've read barely any nonfiction with my book club. Historical fiction, yes, but nonfiction? I can remember having read only Sita's Chitwan. The theme of The Great Indian Safari by Arefa Tehsin is similar--wildlife. It's a theme close to my heart, and I find myself using every opportunity I can to introduce books about it to children.Engaging in its format and full of possibility in terms of what I can do with it at a book club, The Great Indian Safari is a work of creative nonfiction told from the point of view of Charred the Bard, a jungle crow. I look forward to soaring through the forests of India with him! Wildlife How many of my book clubbers have been on a safari? What rules do we follow on safaris and why? During one of our sessions, each of my book clubbers will present something about any animal found in the jungles of India. As an … [Read more...]
Gupshup Goes to Prison
Why do some books sit on my shelves for months before I get around to reading them? I bought my copy of Gupshup Goes to Prison in August last year. In September, I met author Arefa Tehsin at the Neev Literature Festival and got my copy signed. I finally read it today!And what a fun book it is. Featuring a boy, a cat, an amateur detective, and a pair of twins, it sparkles because of the characters. I love the twins Che and Guevara best of all! They're experts at getting the best deal in any given situation, and I could learn a thing or two from them. Khalid wants to find his cat? He has to make a deal with Che and Guevara.Amateur detective Kodi wants a client? He has to make a deal with Che and Guevara too. Smart and sassy, they're my favourite characters in the story, making me marvel and chuckle at their entrepreneurship.While being a fun story, Gupshup Goes to Prison is also … [Read more...]