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What is the book about?

This book by Geraldine McCaughrean is a thrilling, fast-paced historical set in the early days of the American West, the story follows the struggles of the small, seemingly insignificant town of Florence, which faces the threat of being bypassed by the new railroad line. The townspeople, led by the determined and resourceful protagonist, decide to take matters into their own hands to stop the train from passing them by.

What is interesting about the book?

This story is truly exciting! It is a mix of adventure, humor, and important life lessons. The book touches on themes of community, perseverance, and the impact of progress on traditional ways of life.

What I loved about it?

The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with each townsperson playing a unique role in the town’s fight for survival. Readers will quickly become invested in the determination and teamwork of the people of Florence, who show that even small communities can make a big difference when they work together. There’s a perfect balance of tension and light-hearted moments, making it a fun and rewarding read.

Why should one read it?

This story combines adventure, history, and strong character development. It helps readers connect with the themes of perseverance, community, and overcoming adversity.

Recommendation

This book is an excellent choice for readers (aged 12 years and above) who enjoy historical fiction with a dash of suspense and heart.

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One Winter Morning, We Learnt How To Love!

By Himanshu Nimbhorkar

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Introduction

The best socio-cultural impact is often achieved by making your point without being too on-the-nose about it. Blending in your worldview so seamlessly into the narrative, that those elements exist simply because they have to, simply because it's a norm for you, and that's how it should be in an ideal world.

“One Winter morning, Peter woke up and looked out the window. Snow had fallen during the night. It covered everything as far as he could see.”

‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats was a pioneer in mainstream children’s literature back in the day. It introduced us to a black character as a child protagonist, an unprecedented move in children’s literature for its time. Diversity and multiculturalism were at its most purest and honest, simply because the character inherently belonged there, not because his race demanded him too (or vice versa). Children’s stories with inclusivity (an extension of humanity) are a way of life.

About Ezra Jack Keats

Keats, born on 11th March 1916; in New York, United States; was a celebrated writer and illustrator of children’s literature. His work has been widely translated across almost all the major spoken languages globally.

Keats turned everything around him into subjects for his drawings since his early childhood. His artistic prowess became known all around, and he continued engaging with it throughout his early adulthood, as he began illustrating extensively. After illustrating for books and publications for years, other than having multiple exhibitions of his illustrated work; Keats began writing his own books.

Works by Keats

‘My Dog is Lost’, a sweet little tale of an eight-year-old Spanish boy, having newly arrived in New York loses his dog, and a havoc ensues. Locals help him reconnect with his furry friend, constituting an adorable and wholesome narrative.

Keats’ most accomplished and talked about work, ‘The Snowy Day’, portrays an African American boy named Peter who witnesses his neighborhood soak in the heavenly beauty of the season’s first snowfall. Also illustrated by Keats himself, the book contains a beautiful collage Artwork.

Peter returned for many more books:

  • ‘Peter’s Chair’
  • ‘A Letter to Amy’
  • ‘Goggles’
  • ‘Pet Show’
  • And a few more

Retaining the characters’ innocent worldview and an adorable sense of simplicity.

Keats introduced another fun character in his latter series of books. Louie; a quiet, curious, imaginative child; made us journey through some lovely bunch of adventures like:

  • ‘Regards to the Man in the Moon’
  • ‘Louie’s Search’
  • ‘The Trip’
  • Etc.

Themes and Legacy

Mundane joys, little moments of happiness, sensorially stimulating elements, inherent cultural diversity, and much more; made it to Keats’ writings book after book, illustration after illustration.

“To me, one of the greatest triumphs in doing a book is to tell the story as simply as possible. My aim is to imply rather than to overstate. Whenever the reader participates with his own

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Core Principles of Ganimi Kava

  1. गनिमी कावा हा स्वराज्याचा कणा आहे
    Ganimi Kava is the backbone of Swarajya
  2. शत्रू संख्येने मोठा असला तरी युद्ध नीती आणि चातुर्याने त्याला हरवता येते।
    Even if the enemy is large in numbers, he can be defeated with war strategy and intelligence
  3. कधीही संपूर्ण ताकदीने समोरच्या शत्रूशी भिडू नका, हळूहळू त्याला संपवा।
    Never confront the enemy with full force; weaken him gradually.
  4. जलद हल्ला, अचूक वार आणि सुरक्षित माघार – हेच खरे यशस्वी युद्धाचे तत्त्व आहे।
    Swift attack, precise strike, and safe retreat – these are the principles of a successful battle.
  5. रणांगण हेच खरं शिक्षण आहे, आणि डोंगर-दऱ्या ह्या खऱ्या शाळा आहेत।
    The battlefield is the real school, and the mountains and valleys are the true classrooms.
  6. आपल्या भूमीचा प्रत्येक डोंगर, प्रत्येक जंगल, आणि प्रत्येक नदी हेच आपल्या सैन्याचे शस्त्र आहेत।
    Every mountain, every forest, and every river of our land is a weapon of our army.

Introduction to Guerrilla Warfare

The above lines are a testament to the importance of guerrilla warfare, or Ganimi Kava as enunciated by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, who is universally credited with inventing it. This unorthodox military tactic was instrumental in extending Swaraj (self-rule) and fighting against the powerful Mughal and Adilshahi armies. His expertise in guerrilla warfare allowed him to expand the mighty Maratha Empire.

In the 17th century, the Mughals controlled most of the Indian subcontinent. They enjoyed huge armies, superior strength in numbers, and vast resources. Shivaji Maharaj, having limited men and resources, had to adopt an innovative approach to overcome these powerful empires. The rugged and hill country of the Western Ghats provided him a natural cover that he skillfully used for hit-and-run guerrilla tactics.

His tactics were hit-and-run, ambushes, surprise, and strategic retreats. He fought battles on his own terms, not facing the superior enemy forces head-on. His familiarity with local terrain, along with the commitment of his soldiers, provided him with an advantage over his enemies. He inspired his soldiers by enunciating the core tactics used in this warfare.

He used quick maneuvering, midnight attacks, and small-unit maneuvers to seize forts, demoralize the opposition, and win over his kingdom. The top benefits of using this approach included:

Benefits of Ganimi Kava

  • Proper Utilization of Terrain: Nature provided its advantage in the terrain of Deccan hills with dense forests. It proved quite challenging for enemies to follow the Maratha units.
  • Surprise and Ambush: Shivaji’s forces attacked suddenly and disappeared before the enemy could retaliate.
  • Minimizing Casualties: By avoiding direct battles, the Marathas sustained fewer losses while causing significant damage to the enemy.
  • Fort Warfare: Shivaji strategically captured and fortified key forts, which became strongholds of Swaraj.
  • Swift Cavalry Attacks: His highly mobile cavalry conducted quick raids on enemy supply lines and camps, disrupting their logistics.

Notable Battles

Several battles demonstrate Shivaji Maharaj’s brilliance in guerrilla tactics. Some of the most notable ones include:

  1. Battle of Pratapgad (1659): One of his earliest victories against the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan. Using deception and superior planning, Shivaji lured Afzal Khan into a trap, personally killed him, and then launched a surprise attack on his army, securing a decisive victory.
  2. Battle of Pavan Khind (1660): While the Bijapur army besieged Panhala Fort, Shivaji devised an escape plan. His trusted officer, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, and 300 men blocked an enormous Adilshahi force at Pavan Khind at the cost of their own lives so Shivaji could safely flee to Vishalgad Fort.
  3. Sack of Surat (1664): Shivaji made a surprise attack on the prosperous Mughal city of Surat, plundering its wealth and weakening Mughal finances. The raid showcased his capacity to penetrate deep into enemy territory and retire quickly.
  4. Battle of Sinhagad (1670): A brilliant night attack under Tanaji Malusare led to the capture of the strategically located Sinhagad Fort from the Mughals. Though Tanaji was killed, the victory consolidated Maratha dominance.

Legacy of Ganimi Kava

The strategies of Ganimi Kava have been eternalized in Marathi Powadas (ballads). One such well-known one is “Afzal Khanacha Vadh” (अफजल खानाचा वध) by Agrindas, which narrates how Shivaji Maharaj employed clever tactics of deception and guerrilla warfare to destroy Afzal Khan.

Shivaji Maharaj’s methods of guerrilla warfare were unparalleled and contributed notably towards the enhancement of Swaraj. Through his military strategic mind, careful fortifications, and creative methodologies, he fought against the large empires during his era very effectively. Military planners and liberators across the globe are today inspired by the legacy of Shivaji. His masterful uses of guerrilla warfare not just protected the integrity of the Maratha state, but also enabled the establishment of a powerful free India.

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A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Book Review by K. Shree Varshaa

Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a thrilling and suspenseful young adult mystery novel that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats from page to page. The plot revolves around Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a senior in high school who decides to investigate a closed murder case for her final project. The case concerns the mysterious deaths of Andie Bell and Sal Singh. Sal Singh is accused of murdering Andie and later kills himself. The more Pippa digs deeper, the more she finds herself facing a chilling reality which suggests that the truth was much darker than anyone thought it would be. It reflected the involvement of the nearest and dearest ones in events.

The author skillfully weaves together the intricate layers of a story that interconnects Pippa’s investigation, her battles, and the disturbing discoveries she made in the course of her investigation. It is hard to predict the end result because there are so many twists and turns throughout the book.

The character of Pippa is quite relatable yet so compelling; the determination and intelligence she embodies propel the story forward. Another interesting aspect is that the book format has also included interviews, diary entries, and case notes. These bring out a rather different dimension to the plot of the book.

Overall, Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was a gripping read for me and I absolutely loved it as it kept my toes on the ground throughout with its brilliant blend of suspense, complex characters, and an unpredictable plot.

I would surely recommend this book to readers who love mystery and thrillers as it would take them to another dimension of this genre.

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Loud, Proud & Occasionally in Trouble: The Extrovert Chronicles

By Medini Padoshi

Have you ever come across that kid in society, your friend circle, or in your own home who can strike up a conversation with anyone, be it auto uncles, aunties in the lift, stray cats, housemaids, school volunteers, and more? I represent the same clan. We are the Perennial Extrovert Brigade. Today let us embark on a journey to discover that being an extrovert is both a superpower and a potential cause for many downfalls.

Advantages of Being an Extrovert:

Social Butterfly Mode: Always On

Have you ever walked into a room and not known half the people there? Yeah, I as well. School events, family weddings, society gatherings, picnics and camps, interschool contests—I am the friend of friends in no time, and that too with people I have never met before. It is literally like I was born to talk my way through life.

Public Speaking – My Thing

While my introvert friends hyperventilate at the mere thought of talking on stage, I’m vibing with the mic, ready to drop some punchlines. Debate competitions? Anchoring the school fest? Making announcements during assembly? Not only that I am the resident director and scriptwriter for my friends. I not only write the content for them but stand in a not-so-obvious corner and direct them with actions and gestures to complete their bit of public speaking.

Friendship Goals? Achieved

Making friends is too easy. Just yesterday, I complimented a girl’s phone case and, 20 minutes later, we were planning a weekend trip to Viviana Mall in Thane. Having a big social circle means you always have someone to help with homework (read: last-minute copying) and enough drama to make a reality show.

Confidence: My Main Character Energy

Being an extrovert gives me this almost supergirl-like ability to walk into any situation and own it. Whether it’s cracking jokes in class, bringing a boring discussion to life with my goofy comments, de-escalating a situation that has the potential to turn into a nasty girl fight with my witty comments, or convincing my mom to let me stay out an extra hour ( 1 out of 10 times success rate)—I can talk my way through anything. Well, almost anything ( except for the mom negotiations).

Extrovert equals unlimited energy

There’s never a dull moment when you thrive on social interaction. Boredom? Never heard of her. If there’s a party, I’m at the center of it. If there’s a group project, I’m leading the discussion (or let’s be real, taking over entirely). FOMO doesn’t exist when extroverts are in the moment.

The Potential Pitfalls of Being an Extrovert

A Known Name in Teachers’ Circle

While my introvert classmates blend into the background and put on the mythical invisibility cloak from Hogwarts, I am the permanently marked kid in every teacher’s memory. Why? Because…

  • Cracking jokes during class isn’t considered “constructive participation.” Shocking but true. Learning the hard way.
  • Sound travels faster than light in the case of us extroverts. It is impossible to silence the golden cackles and whispering( considered only by us but termed as a full-fledged noise at menacing decibel levels) by any means.

Foot-in-Mouth Personified

One tiny problem—I talk first, think later. When?

  • Accidentally roasting a teacher while she was standing right behind me. My bad.
  • Randomly talking about the lack of sports equipment and realizing that one of the listeners turns out to be the sports teacher.
  • Telling about the funny incident of a neighbor’s dog while the pet parent happened to be in the same lift, and many more such incidents on a routine basis.
  • My speaking ability is a factory of chaos, and sometimes, it gets me into situations even Google Maps can’t navigate me out of.

The “Too Much” Tag

“You’re too loud.” “You talk too much.” “Chill, yaar.” I am sitting just a foot away from you”, “ I am not deaf dear “” Decibels control”—Sound familiar?
Extroverts are often thought of as incapable of staying by themselves. I want to let all such people know that they are absolutely mistaken. I can spend quality time by myself doing several activities. It’s just that after some time I need someone to let know what I did in my free time. That is not outrageous, right?

Inability to Say No, Blame the Extrovert Nature

I love socializing, and I say “yes” to everything. “Wanna come for the museum tour?” Yes. “Wanna help with this project?” Yes. “Wanna join this dance competition, study group, and presentation all on the same day?” Why not? All this is fine until I realize that I am not superhuman and do not have teleportation powers to be present at two venues at once. Damn, the extrovert energy.

Oversharing, synonymous with Extroverts

Has it ever happened that you have given information about something or someone more than what was asked and you now find yourself in an awkward situation? Or you have told something to a group of people without realizing that you thought that it was being heard only by your best friend? Yes, these accidents happen with all us extroverts and we have to wriggle ourselves through some not-so-good situations using our wit and humor mostly.

The extrovert Mode can never be off?

“Why are you so quiet today? : Hey! Are you thinking? “ Are you not feeling well, Cat got your tongue?” Excuse me, I took a 10-minute break from being the entertainer or problem solver or go to rescue girl and suddenly I’m a different person? Sometimes, I just don’t feel like talking, okay? Same person, different mood or day!

The Way Out – Finding a Balance

I always thought being an extrovert was awesome, but I have also learned that there are ways to not be a total whirlpool of non-stop chatter and babbling. Being in a non-communicative mode can actually be healing for oneself. Never thought of it actually. Also, I am coming to terms with the fact that when I run on a schedule that is busier than the Heathrow or Mumbai Locals at peak hours, it is a smart thing to say no to some event or group discussion.

Alone Time is a good time to connect with self

I used to think being alone was boring, but have recently realized that chilling with a book or just vibing to music is amazing. Nothing like making a sherbet or frying papads for yourself while listening to a song. A little me-time helps my brain recover from all the social overload.

Active Listening? A Game-Changer trait to imbibe for our lot

Instead of being the eternal talker, I’m practicing listening more. It is nice to hear others’ views and know more about them. Also makes them happy that they are being paid attention to.

Thinking Before Speaking

A revolutionary concept in my view especially for us lot. But just because I can say something doesn’t mean I should. Learning to pause before blurting out every thought? A sincere start, a work in progress, and a long way to go. The journey has begun nevertheless.

Embracing Quiet

Being loud and outgoing is great, but I’ve realized that silence doesn’t always need to be filled. Sometimes, sitting with your thoughts (instead of broadcasting them) is refreshing.

Having thought from all possible angles, I have realized that my extrovert energy is what makes me, me. I might talk too much, get into trouble, and be the designated “entertainment unit” in my group, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. While I am learning to moderate my extrovert nature and find precious “me moments” to cherish I feel that because life is too short so why not hype up your friends, make new ones, but also learn the sensibility to “zip it up” once in a while giving respite to self and to others too.

But until then—I shall continue to be my loud, chaotic, and fabulous self. Extrovert till eternity!

 

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Beverly Cleary – A Literary Icon

“If you don’t see the book you want on the shelves, write it.”

That’s legit something a little school-going girl thought, after being bored of reading the usual thoroughfare of early 1900s children’s literature. She wanted more out of the stories she read, common ordinary people living their simple mundane lives, relatable human emotions, and humor. She didn’t seek it in the books she read, and thus decades later she took matters into her own hands and set out to write the kinds of books her childhood self wanted to read.

Born on 12th April, 1916; Beverly Atlee Cleary, a celebrated American writer of children’s literature is a name to reckon with for her immensely precious contribution to children’s and young adult literature.

Prior to her writing journey, Cleary worked as a librarian, which played an instrumental role in the choices she eventually made. ‘Henry Huggins’, Cleary’s first book was born out of a sweet innocent question raised by one of the kids through a letter – “Where are the books about kids like us?” – a deja vu of sorts, mirroring her own little version of a different era. The protagonist Henry, manifests a pet for himself, lazing around in his slow quaint neighborhood. Ribsy, his destined companion mate, crosses his paths, and a series of adventures set in. Thus Cleary began writing, and there was no looking back then. ‘Henry Huggins’ turned into a series of books retaining the same vibrant characters.

‘Beezus and Ramona’, her other acclaimed novel, revolved around 2 little sisters by the same names, and their journeys of co-existing and making peace with each other as kids. ‘Henry Huggins’ characters, setting, and scenarios intertwine and overlap with that of this book and vice versa. Ramona’s character returned back later through a series of books centered around her named ‘Ramona the Pest’, ‘Ramona and the Mother’, ‘Ramona and the Father’, ‘Ramona Quimby, age 8’ etc.

Cleary penned two heartfelt memoirs—My Own Two Feet and A Girl from Yamhill—offering a window into her childhood and journey as a writer.

Cleary has been referred to as someone who was way ahead of her time, almost to the point where her writings back then were perceived as boundary-pushing from an emotional realism perspective. The dignity with which she treated her little readers made them feel understood, made them feel respected. They were able to relate with fictionalized characters who weren’t far apart from their own lived experiences as common people brought up in common neighborhoods living common lives. And to top it off with humor was like an icing on the cake. All her characters and situations engaged with humor and left behind a lighter, sweeter aftertaste.

“Quite often somebody will say, ‘What year do your books take place?’ and the only answer I can give is, ‘in childhood.’”

Miss Cleary’s legacy lives on. Her stories continue to teach us to be in touch with our emotional selves. And of course, to smile and cherish life as it comes.

 

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Boredom Breeds Creativity – Really?

By Geetanjali Padoshi

In today’s fast-paced life, we all try our best to meet deadlines and live life to the fullest. When was the last time you decided to take a pause, separate yourself from all the hectic schedules, and just do nothing, embrace boredom? The very thought of it comes across as a big red flag. With the world moving around at astronomical speeds and whizzing past us, who would indulge in doing nothing? Wouldn’t that be boring? What if I were to tell you that boredom is one of the most important factors fostering/stimulating creativity as evident from the numerous psychological and scientific studies?

“Boredom is a productive state so long as you don’t let it go sour on you” – Anne Enright, Booker Prize-winning Novelist

She is not the only one to endorse this thought.

“You have to let yourself get so bored that your mind has nothing better to do than tell itself a story” – Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, when asked to guide aspiring writers, told them to get bored to an extent that it leads to telling a tale to themselves. It is not only writers or novelists, scientists, artists, and psychologists too accrue to the role of boredom in fostering creativity.

A look at some of the most famous personalities who found their “Eureka” moments in such a state makes an interesting read –
  • Albert Einstein – He has openly credited boredom for his scientific achievements. He famously professed – “ Creativity is the residue of time wasted.” The theory of relativity – one of his most famous ideas is often credited to boredom which resulted in him daydreaming while being employed at the Swiss Patent Office.
  • Steve Jobs – He is credited with bringing revolutionary products in the digital space. He believed that boredom acts as a stimulant to being creative. He said – I’m a big believer in boredom. Boredom allows one to indulge in curiosity and out of curiosity comes everything.”
  • Anish Kapoor – The famous sculptor believed that it is often in the moments when one does not know what to do or is simply bored that one might want to try something new.
  • J.K. Rowling – She is an often quoted personality to show the power that boredom has in being creative. A four-hour delayed train journey from Manchester to London allowed her to imagine the world of Hogwarts and the rest is history.
  • Bobby Fischer – The world-renowned chess champion converted his boredom experienced while waiting between matches or traveling to a venue and used it constructively to devise moves that helped him ace his game.

The Science Behind the Concept

Neuroscience has proved that the mind goes into a state of DMN( Default Mode Network) when a person is bored. This network is activated when a person loses focus on things happening around in the outer world and is immersed within himself or thinking intrinsically. This internal reflection leads to creativity. How? Well, one is just allowing the thoughts to come and go, interconnectivity amongst unrelated things takes place, and ideas that would have seemed impractical otherwise seem possible.

What Else Does Boredom Offer?

Although creativity is the ultimate reward of being bored, there are many other benefits too like –

  • Thinking Out of The Box – As explained above the mind brings together seemingly different thoughts in a coherent manner in the state of boredom. The spill effect of this is the developed ability to think out of the box. In the process of being creative, a person imbibes the habit of developing alternative scenarios to a single issue/ problem or statement.
    The development of the Polio vaccine by Dr. Johas Salk is often cited as one of the most famous examples of this kind. In 1950, he started living in a monastery away from routine life. The various alternate out-of-the-box ideas that he developed coming out of the boredom at his then-dwelling place led to the Polio vaccine.
  • A Way to Manage Digital Overload – It has been proven that constant connectivity kills creativity. Only when the mind is not focused on the next reel or the next message, would there be any chance of it moving into a state of boredom and thus pursuing the creative path. This also gives the mind the much-needed white space – or a zone of no activity that is much needed for our mental health.

Boredom – A Complex Phenomenon

It is a common belief that being bored means having nothing particular to do. While it may seem so at the outset, according to John Eastwood,  a famous psychologist, two things happen in our minds in this state.

  • Desire Bind – when one is in a state of flux as he/ she wants to do something other than what’s being offered at that time and moment.
  • Being Bored – in this state the mind is ready for the uninterrupted flow of thoughts that leads to something interesting.

By nature, boredom carries a negative connotation. All of us when we feel bored immediately want to engage in doing something productive thus attributing boredom with futility. This should be avoided. One must embrace the feeling and allow the mind to expand its thought horizons, let it deviate, and navigate into seemingly unchartered territories. 

 

 All the above thought streams show that boredom which is often painted as a negative, counterproductive activity or simply a waste of time is in fact a harbinger or catalyst for creativity. We must embrace boredom rather than shunt it and utilize it to identify that one creative spark that might give us the next big idea.

 

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Writing A Book – A New Discovery

By Sachvir Singh

 

Recently, while writing my new book, “Words and Canvas” I realized that it was one of the most interesting projects I have ever done. In the book. I added my paintings and wrote poems based on the paintings.

These paintings ranged from Hitler to a random scene of the countryside and the poems describe what I thought of the painting while making it. I was pleasantly surprised after seeing the result.

It was a little difficult for me to write the poems because some of these paintings were a year old. However, I found this endeavor to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It was very interesting to visualize my thoughts through my paintings and then pen down my thoughts based on the painting. When I had started painting and sketching, I had never thought that I would be able to present them in front of the world, but life had other plans.

Compiling my artwork gave me a way of comparing my new art to my old style. I could now see the uncertain and nervous lines in my paintings which were cleverly masked by paints.

This book has allowed me to improve my writing as well as my art. It is due to my mother’s constant encouragement that I was able to complete this task. I found the whole experience to be strenuous but gratifying. This book has also been a lucky charm for me because it has allowed me to meet the Director of the Parliament Library and present her with my book. As a result, my books are now included in the parliament library. I would recommend my book to everyone who enjoys reading. It can be bought on Amazon. I recommend reading this book to understand what goes through my mind while painting.

 

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Author : Madeleine L’Engle

Book Name : A WRINKLE IN TIME

If fantasy and space adventure are what make you pick a book, “A Wrinkle in Time” is the perfect one. A Classic published first in 1962, is the story of a teenage girl Meg Murray. Her father, who was a gifted scientist, had been missing for over a year, as he had been captured and taken as a prisoner to another planet named Camazotz. Meg is a sweet, caring but socially awkward girl. Her anxiety and insecurity grew as her brilliant father disappeared.

The plot of the book thickens when a human-looking female Mrs. Whatsit arrives at the Murray house one evening. In reality, however, she is a ‘celestial being’ who has access to Meg’s thoughts. She informs Meg and her mother about a somewhat ‘wrinkle’ in time that is termed a “tesser”. There are two other celestial beings: Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who, who also help them in this adventure.

The story then mainly focuses on the adventures of Meg – the protagonist, Charles Wallace – her younger brother and Calvin O’Keefe – Meg’s friend. The author exceptionally portrays the lesson of teamwork as the three come together to use their strengths and protect others.
The story becomes overwhelming in between when Charles gets captured by the creatures of the Camazotz. The characters shine bright with their on-the-spot decision-making skills. However, they still have to endure a long journey to save Mr. Murry and the road is full of obstacles.

The book is a must-read for its ability to keep the reader on tenterhooks regarding the sequence of events unfolding and the plot intricacies.

My favorite character is Meg. She captures the reader’s mind with quick thinking and loving nature. Her maturity in risking her life for her father and friends is quite commendable and highlights the importance of family and love.

The reader is intrigued by questions like What if one of everyone is captured? Are the celestial beings really helpful? And most importantly – How will the characters save Mr. Murry? I loved the rush of adrenaline that I experienced while reading the book.

I highly recommend this book to everyone for its high quotient of mystery, suspense, a tinge of humor, and showing that one can overcome one; ‘s fears for a greater cause. I hope that the readers experience the book the same way I did.

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Ah, the rainy season. The time of year when nature adorns a carpet of green, and the skies boast shades of grey to black. Changes around the household with kids looking forward to some fun time while a sense of dread and worry by the poor parents is a common phenomenon.

The kids dream of playing in the puddles with friends, walking in the rain with umbrellas or in raincoats, making paper boats and playing with them in the water, and a lot of TV time, and school holidays on account of heavy rains. The parents, on the other hand, brace themselves for wet clothes, runny noses, and keeping the kids engaged indoors. But fear not! With a little humor and creativity, parents can turn these soggy shenanigans into memorable adventures.

  1. The Umbrella Tryst

    2. A must for the rainy season. Yet, with kids, they become an item of instant intrigue. From making temporary forts in the house and stacking things inside it to wracking brains to open them inside out and forgetting them at the last place of visit is a common sight. So also, using them as weapons in mock duels to dancing with them as a prop are familiar scenarios

    The fun for kids becomes a headache for the other party – the parents. The parents however could change this one into an engaging fun game by asking the kids to maintain the umbrella in intact condition for a stipulated time and add a small snack reward at the end of it. Food motivation works like none other.

  2. The Rainy Gear Shopping

    3. Indulge with the kids in buying their choice of rainy gear like gum boots, raincoats, backpack covers etc. For the younger lot, the possession of a product of choice becomes an enriching experience and reduces the chances of greater wear and tear. For the pre-teens and teens buying such things assures them of making the hep choice that’s in trend along with the instant social media uploads.

  3. Solving the puddle jump indulge conundrum

    4. The most exciting thing kids look forward to in this season is to play in the puddles. Jumping in the muddy waters is exhilarating. The place does not matter – on the road, in the backyard, the playground anything is acceptable. Parents fret over ensuring that they stop their kids from doing so. Yet, doing so cautiously like covering the kids in proper rain gear or taking proper post-enjoyment hygiene would make both parties happy. Is it not so?

  4. Managing the house confinement periods

    5. Rainy season compels all kids to stay indoors and this might lead to frustration. Parents need to find innovative ways to make this go away. The easiest one is to hand them over digital devices. However, no parent would like to do it willingly for long periods. Engaging in activities like an indoor treasure hunt or what’s the good word or dumb charades would make up for a quality time spend.

  5. The I am Bored Syndrome

    6. There is no escape to this, especially in the rainy season due to multiple factors of inability to play outdoors, humid or cold weather, or setting in of lethargy that transforms into “ what to do next”, “ there is nothing to play”, “ I just want to do nothing”.
    This would be the perfect time to indulge in some never-before-done activities that would entertain the kids too. Fun-filled activities like baking, tending to plants, some fun science experiments, karaoke singing, and a dance party can bring smiles to many.

  6. A rainy day picnic

    7. A must-do activity during the season. Soaking up the mesmerizing nature, having hot snacks under an umbrella or a long journey in the rainy season are some ways to make the season happening for kids.

    The rainy season has its fair share of woes in the form of soaked clothes, seasonal ailments, and travel restrictions, yet little things can help us positively embrace the season.

    In today’s busy lives, where everyone is tied to the clock and daily rigmarole, a heavy shower that brings life to a standstill can be utilized positively to have fun and create new memories.

    So next time the clouds roll in, embrace the chaos, splash in those puddles, and create lasting memories with your kids. After all, a little rain never hurt anyone—and it just might bring a lot of laughter.