As Gratiano didn't quite say, I love this book, and 'tis my love that speaks.I loved the book, but I did have issues with it - issues that made shuffle uncomfortably.As I read My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, I think the first thing that startled me was the imagery that seems to compare Sunya to a present and her hijab to sparkly wrapping paper. Honestly, I don't know why the line bothered me so much. It seems so inoffensive there, not really objectifying, not really saying anything that could be so disconcerting. But I think that exactly was the problem for me - that there was nothing wrong with thinking about a person like a present, an object.The second thing that bothered me was the way Jamie wants to defend someone his father calls a 'Paki'. She may not be a Paki. That made all kinds of bells ring within me. I remembered a piece I read about a … [Read more...]
Writing Workshops at Gurukul School
The British Library invited me to conduct writing workshops for the fourth and fifth standard students of Gurukul School, and what fun it was!A student of mine introduced me to a lovely activity that I improvised for the fourth standard. I handed out sheets of paper to groups of children, and asked them to write six characters.Here's what they wrote:I find the denture, toothbrush and fork the most interesting characters of all!Then, I asked them to write six settings.I like Crystaly! I wonder where it is.Then, I asked them to write actions. Here's what we got:Each child comes forward and rolls the die three times. The die rolls determine the character, setting and action. All that remains is to write the story. It was delightful! … [Read more...]
How to Capture an Invisible Cat
Yes, I picked it up because of its name. No surprise there. Wouldn't you pick up a book that seemed like a guidebook to capturing an invisible cat? I'm sure you don't know how to do it, and who knows when you'll need to?How to Capture an Invisible Cat was a funny book, one that was funny enough for me not to read it in public so as not to appear crazy. More importantly, there were lots of parts that were my kind of humour. I'm not a big fan of slapstick comedy, or "disgusting-therefore-funny". I love word play, sarcasm and cleverness. And that's why I loved How to Capture an Invisible Cat.No one suspects that Nate is a genius. His classmates think he's one of those quiet nerds, definitely not the kind of person they want to mix with. When Nate's dog Bosper smells something special about Delphine, Nate puts on a fancy scientific dog-nose--and smells it … [Read more...]
You Can’t take an Elephant on the Bus
It's Children's Day; what better time to celebrate a picture book I loved? You Can't take an Elephant on the Bus is one of the books in this year's Reading Challenge collection, and I loved it!I enjoy picture books that rhyme. I also enjoy whacky books that don't have a hidden agenda - to teach, preach, etc. I love how books express crazy ideas that make me chortle as I read. So naturally, I loved You Can't take an Elephant on the Bus.The theme for this years Reading Challenge is The Big Friendly Read, and it celebrates 100 years of Roald Dahl. For me, the joy of Dahl lies in his crazy ideas that defy reality and defy parents who want to teach their children through any book they find. I could not wait to start reading the books in the collection, and this one lived up to my expectations!If you can't take an elephant on a bus, and you can't make a whale … [Read more...]
The Reading Challenge is Back!
The Reading Challenge is back at the British Library, Pune, and this time, the theme is 'The Big Friendly Read'! Celebrating 100 years of Roald Dahl, we have a lovely collection of books as usual. Many feature Dahl characters that I fell in love with as a child, and of course, many others with the wonderful illustrations of Sir Quentin Blake. There are all kinds of stories, though, so even if you've read everything Dahl ever wrote, there will be something for you to read too!For those who have never taken part in the Reading Challenge, it is an exciting programme conducted every year at the British Library, Pune. If you are anywhere between 5 and 13 years old, you can register. There are two sets of books - junior books and senior books - and all you need to do is finish reading six books in six weeks. If you do, you will get a certificate, maybe even a medal!I will … [Read more...]
Reading Challenge at MGM Clover Dale
The Imagination Box, which I wrote about yesterday, as well as the books I'll be writing about in the days ahead, were part of the Reading Challenge organised by the British Library. As always, I enjoyed myself thoroughly conducting a series of workshops at MGM Clover Dale High School in Aurangabad. The theme for their Reading Challenge was "Record Breakers", and there were record breakers amongst them! A pair of twins read 16 books in the last three weeks because they enjoyed the challenge so much!The first workshop, for younger children, was a lovely storytelling session. I introduced them to Julia Donaldson's The Paper Dolls. We play-acted, read the story, and then even made the paper dolls as instructed at the end of the book!The second session was with eight-year-olds who found that they were too old to read the collection for young readers. They chose to read books from the … [Read more...]
Record Breakers at Cathedral Vidya School
Another set of Reading Challenge workshops came to an end yesterday. This time, the theme was 'Record Breakers', and the school that took it on was Cathedral Vidya School, Lonavala. Working with fifteen bright children from classes five to eight filled me with joy!Lipograms and pangrams brought much hilarity ... The activity started in all seriousness and then went crazy as the children let their imaginations go wild.Every one of the participants was enthusiastic - all of them say they enjoyed the challenge!And, of course, team-building is part of the joy of workshops. How hard they try to finish their activity first!Another workshop is just around the corner, this time at the British Library, Pune. Click here for details. … [Read more...]
Travel the World: A Journey through Stories
I'm conducting a storytelling workshop this weekend at the British Library, Pune.OverviewEvery culture creates its own stories: to entertain young children, to teach them, and to attempt to explain the world. Through interactive storytelling, this workshop will give young children a glimpse of different cultures, allowing them to taste a little of the world!Day OneIt’s summertime, the best time to explore stories about summer and sunshine! Let’s travel to various countries, look at their costumes, and then imagine their stories. Children will enact the story with the storyteller, bringing alive the customs and traditions of each country we visit.Day TwoWhat comes after the summer? The rains in some parts of the world; autumn in others! Let's recall stories of summertime and then look at how seasons change. Finally, the children will be given pictures to … [Read more...]
Reading and Writing Workshops at SGI, Kolhapur!
I spent three days at Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur, and conducted a series of reading and writing workshops with 204 children as part of the British Library's Reading Challenge programme. We worked on myths from around the world, read aloud Fragoline and the Midnight Dream and George and the Dragon, played with idioms, wrote stories ... What fun it was! … [Read more...]
Let’s Break Some Records!
Of late, I've been too busy to post updates about events I conduct, but here's a quick heads-up. I'm conducting a workshop at the British Library tomorrow!Explore novel records that you can see yourself setting!Work on all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Interact with other children with varied interests. Reflect on everything you have read so far and why it interests you.Most importantly, let's have some fun!It's part of this year's Reading Challenge, but you're welcome to attend the workshop even if you aren't part of the challenge!Here are the details:Venue: British Library, Fergusson College Road, Pune Date: 8th January, 2016 Age-group: 8-13 years Time: 4pm to 6pm Registration fee: Rs 600 Contact: Namrata - 020-41005327Pre-registration is preferred, but if it is impossible, you're welcome to drop in fifteen … [Read more...]