We had reason to smile a lot this weekend. I had planned on attending a book-reading/launch session by Arthi Anand Navaneeth, also known as Artnavy of The not-so artful dodger. This was being done a second time in the city and since I missed the previous one, I was keen on attending it. I am glad we made it inspite of the horrible traffic which made an anxious me grate on the husband's nerve and also causing us to miss the introduction. But, the fun we had compensated us for all that.
The book "Have you seen this?" written by her (published by Tulika publications) is an imaginative read for children aged 3+. But, am sure, most parents present there would agree, it was a hit among us adults too. The book just piques on the curiosity and imagination of children who at that age are never afraid to imagine and dream things which may seem ridiculous to the logically trained older (in terms of age) brains.
The illustrations (by Roomani Kulkarni) are colourful and just apt for the interesting and breezy book that was narrated just as fabulously by the author herself. She kept the children (and the parents) in splits and engaged through the session. The ideas from the little ones that came out in the open as a result of imagination that was left to run amok during the hour spent was something that left me smiling long after the session was over.
The book comes as a bilingual (in 8 language combinations) with English being the common language along with one other regional language. By the time we got around to buying the book, the Tamil-English combination were sold out. So we ended up buying the English-Hindi one, also personalised for R by Arthi. Thanks, Arthi. It was a pleasure meeting you. Wish I'd remembered to take my camera along, I could have treasured the experience even better!
Needless to say, R loved the book and the entire journey back home (a long one at that) was spent going through the book over and over again.
That was Saturday evening. Another reason to smile was the famous Dastkar exhibition. Each year it comes up at Palace grounds which is way too far for us but this year it is being held at a place very near to where we stay. Obviously, I had no reason to stay away. So, I hitched up with my friend, to have a go at the exhibits on Sunday morning. Although, I hear that the entire spread this time is at a much lower scale owing to the last minute change in the venue, I completely loved the gorgeous display. Only, wondering how much better it usually is. We had a lovely time wading through the stalls that stocked everything from lovely hand-made jewellery to exquisite pieces of home decor to beautiful fabrics. We made some happy purchases, lapped up the visual treat and returned satisfied, albeit with a lighter wallet.
Do visit, if you get a chance. It is only upto the end of next weekend.
Nice to know about your lovely weekend. Mine was also gr8. Visit my blog to know more.
Wow! that was a super weekend eh?
Lovely! I heard the Dastkar mela had shifted from palace grounds. Glad u had a lovely weekend.
Glad you had a satisfying weekend worth the long commute on the first day.Tulika publications,I think, specializes in children's books.
yes, Tulika specialize in Children's books. They are based out of Chennai.
wow R would have loved your day out :D your explanation is soooo cute :D that even I want to dream and float in the imaginations again!!!
it is a lovely book, Bikram..
Sounds good. If it will happen in my city, I will catch it up.
Hey- THANKS!! I linked up to your post at mine- you saw?
you are welcome and thanks so much for the link up. Loved the pics put up too.
Wow!!! you guys enjoyed a lot!!!
the fair wasn't about books..although yes, book fairs are equally interesting. Children books these days have a lot to offer..
The book sounds very interesting, Uma! Last time around, I could not pick up any of the Tulika books:( I love checking out exhibitions, Dastakar sounds very interesting.
It is interesting, Vibha! You can purchase the books online at the Tulika website, I guess.
For what age group is that book, Uma?
It is for kids above 3 yrs of age. I think it will appeal to even older kids around 5 and 7 yrs.