“As someone who puts books together using words and pictures, I try to remember how special that was to me as a child and balance the pictures and the words in such a way that each of them tells part of the story, but not the whole story and they leave each other plenty of space for the reader to become involved and make connections between the words and the pictures as he or she examines them, both the pictures and then reacts to the music of the words.”

Born on October 26, 1941, Steven Castle Kellogg is an American children’s writer and illustrator of more than 100 picture books.

Inculcating the habit of reading in children from a young age goes a long way. The safe, comfortable environment created by elders amidst which a kid gets introduced to the magical world of storytelling influences the child in a significant manner. Kellogg’s grandmother read to him since he was a tiny little kid. Christmas books were a thoroughfare at his place.

He soon began exploring the fictional world by making up stories and narrating them to his sisters and others around. The joy that kids seek in an imaginary made-up world is an epitome of innocence. The purity with which they acquaint themselves with the stories they consume helps them identify and relate with a range of emotions, and eventually perceive fellow humans and society with the same childlike purity.

Having studied design, Kellogg also began creating illustrations for his writings. And the state of creative flow is something that helped him further his case. This element again, transcends writers (and artists in general). Once a flow kicks in, time and space go for a toss. Kellogg emphasized its importance, how a state of flow can inspire you further, creating a healthy and safe space to write, illustrate, and create.

Kellogg’s pup inspired him to pen down a lovely character based on the fur baby. ‘Pinkerton’, a Great Dane, his most famous creation, ended up turning into a series of adventures. The dog finds himself in the most absurdist situations, eventually leading to chaos, tension, mess, and the consequent comedy of errors arising out of it all, resulting in hilarious moments filled with heartwarming joy. Humour played an integral role in Kellogg’s illustrations, leaving behind a sweet feel-good aftertaste. The collection kicked off with ‘Pinkerton Behave!’, and included adorable titles like ‘A rose for Pinkerton’, ‘Tallyho Pinkerton!’, ‘Prehistoric Pinkerton’, and ‘A penguin pup for Pinkerton’.

A few other titles in Kellogg’s celebrated body of work include the likes of ‘The mysterious tadpole’, ‘Mike Fink’, ‘Give the dog a bone’, ‘Can I keep him?’ and many more. He also reintroduced classic and folk tales like ‘Chicken Little’, ‘The three little pigs’, etc.

“The ideas for the other books come from lots of different sources, but most of them have their roots in feelings and images that I retain from my own childhood. I try to blend illustrations and words so that each book is a feast for the eye and ear. I want the time that the reader shares with me and my work to be an enjoyable experience – one that will encourage a lifetime of association with pictures, words, and books”, Steven Kellogg once candidly expressed his writerly persona.

Kellogg’s innocent, unadulterated worldview got translated into his writings, and then eventually into his readers seamlessly. He inspired kids to read, write, and most importantly imagine.

Author : Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo

Book Name : Stories for Rebel Girls

Stories for Rebel Girls is a wonderful book that displays the equality and rights of women throughout the years. It contains stories of doctors and athletes, artists and lawyers, explorers and rulers. The compilation beautifully displays the adventures of courageous, fearless ladies of our times and conveys their tales timelessly.

The book contains the fabulous tales of a hundred rebels, fighting against governments, racism, patriarchy, and glass ceilings. It talks about the general position of women in society and how they fought to break through the social barriers.

Stories for Rebel Girls speaks about famous personalities such as Michelle Obama, Ada Lovelace, Mary Kom, and Jessica Watson, and thought-provokingly describes the hardships they faced to achieve their successes. Each page is a new adventure into the real-life achievements of extraordinary women, from Elizabeth I to Maya Angelou, who refused to be silenced.

To a young reader like me, this book is very inspiring. It makes me think of a world where gender does not define your worth. These women rebelled for a cause, to make their mark in the world, and to remove the obstacles for future generations. The intricate and attractive illustrations add life to the tales and make the book eye-catching. Each lady is depicted in a full-page, colored portrait which captures their rebel spirit.

I would recommend Stories for Rebel Girls to girls of all ages. It is bound to be an interesting read for whoever picks it up.
The authors of this book have conveyed a beautiful message to the readers :

“Dream bigger. Aim higher. Fight harder.
And, when in doubt, remember
You are right.”

The revolutionized world we live in is filled with technological advancements, resource exploitation, and human development, we always tend to be short-sighted looking into the needs of the near future rather than in the long run. A good example of the above situation is with plastic. Plastic made from fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gasses can be found scattered on almost every street.

Plastic is a substance that can be easily synthesized and provides an awesome medium to do various activities/tasks. From being used in construction, all the way to energy generation (inside solar cells), it is indeed an excellent innovation that makes lives simpler.

We must understand that every good thing in the universe comes with its set of cons. Though plastic is a wonderful innovation with various uses, it is non-biodegradable meaning it cannot decay. Their accumulation on road corners, public places, and water bodies causes nuisance. They pose the threat of choking for animals that try to eat the edible items packed in them.

As mentioned above plastic is made from oil, coal, and other natural resources. Today, its use is pervasive in the form of plastic bags, food boxes, packets and so much more. Wouldn’t you be grossed out if you get to know that all the toxins and other chemical impurities present in plastic from the time when it was synthesized directly enter into your body with the help of oil? Hence, it is important to avoid using plastic at all costs.

Globally and especially the government of India has taken a lot of initiatives towards banning plastic and spreading awareness on stopping its usage. The use of plastics has been reduced drastically, which is a huge win for the country. By banning plastics, we are saving millions of lives including ours, and storing fossil fuels for the next generation.

But we must take into consideration that plastic cannot be entirely banned. Thus efforts must be made to ensure its usage to a minimal extent. This has led to people looking into innovations with plastic that could help not only humans but other species and the environment as well.

Let us discuss a few wonderful innovations in which plastic has been used.

Imagine going to school and putting your books onto the desk, only to notice them being made with weird patterns. They look awfully similar to the Tetra Pak cartons you were using yesterday. You take a closer look to find out that there were actually a lot of Tetra Pak cartons fused to create the bench that you were using that day.

This happened in a school in Mumbai. With the help of an organization, the school collected plastic cartons from the students and used them to create desks for their classrooms. That’s one innovative idea, I must say.

Up next comes an idea that can be quite shocking. Plastic is usually delicate and can be torn easily. But two insightful women – Ovy Sabrina and Novita Tan spent 18 months creating a formula that can turn plastic into bricks. Though these bricks cannot hold the weight of an apartment, they are a wonderful alternative in pathways, walkways, and other places.

We all know art is an emotion. It doesn’t matter which color or canvas you use, art unites us all together. This 27-year-old mastermind, Chisomo Lifa turned plastic into beautiful art. Lifa melts bottles and bags and molds them into animals, which he paints and varnishes.

Plastic into art is a wonderful concept of mixing creativity with plastic abolition, and that was one idea I enjoyed.

These innovations above go to show that there are indeed various methods to reduce plastic. It is our duty and our responsibility to minimize the use of plastic. This change with every single man on the planet can have a great effect on the entire globe.

With the coming up of World Earth Day – falling on the 22nd of April, everybody must take the initiative and spread awareness on reducing the use of plastic and the growth of trees. One person can affect a family, one family can affect a society, and one society can affect the states and eventually all countries around the world. All it takes is for you to take one initiative towards plastic usage minimalization and growth of trees. One such simple act can have a positive effect on millions of people around the world.

Into the screen, he splurged all time,
Treating it worse than measly grime.
His thoughts of sanity, logic, and parity,
Clouded alas, by a compulsive vanity
And no remaining conscience to contend,
Oh! He’s entered the devil’s end.

Technology – a necessary evil, accepted and agreed,
For all and sundry, not just for meek and nervy indeed,
Unlocked the world of digitalization and creations
Several revelations, whilst building civilizations
Believed to be a creator and saviour
Brought along an obsessive behaviour

Addiction’s a disease of the soul, no doubt.
He chooses to live selling himself out,
Incomprehension of his role, mostly deaf,
Hindered by the gadgets on his shelf.
Informed, he was of his toxic relationship
Yet no way faltered; his phone he held, what a strong grip!

Supporting his abuse, no rights or wrongs
Back he went, ignoring all the chores.
At times, he looks up and sees a space eerily liminal now
Filled only with the humans who allow
Their time to be swindled, dwindled of potent,
And of the events, willingly glad to miss out.

Once allegedly common, mostly among the grown-ups
Later proved wrong, by the daughters and sons,
All smart gadgets, handhelds and tablets
Amidst progress, only drive users to madness,
Keeping them awake, weeping for a refuge
From the storm of screens and digital deluge.

Offscreen hobbies, one or two
An olive branch, so thorough and true,
If only one can foster and nurture small
To make good of this never-ending appall,
Shall be the hope and light so bright
For generations now and future right?

Poems are intrinsic to mankind. From lullabies to kindergarten poems, from being kids to becoming senior citizens, they are a means to express, enjoy, cope, heal,  learn, and reminisce.

Reading, reciting, or composing poetry – each has its charm.

Children love all. What starts as a tool of learning and fun in the early stages of learning becomes a handy friend in the formative years. While all may not take a keen liking to all forms, many do enjoy it.

Composing poems is an art in itself. It allows the expression of the unspoken. Kids use poems as a medium to be heard. It is a hobby that may transform into a literary career or aid in gaining knowledge and confidence.

As we celebrate World Poetry Day in March, we present a few beautiful compositions of our wizkids. Let us dive into their world and enjoy the ride!

Children grow up in a world where they enjoy themselves with family & friends, attend school, and learn the nitty-gritty of life. There exists a parallel world that is as vast and vibrant as their imagination.

This world is where the kids can be what they want to be, there are no rules, the principles of the real world hold no importance and time just swirls by. This is the world that allows them to dream, where everyday things come to life, where they conquer the world with the help of friends, where they do all daredevilry and most of all where there is no time limit to do things.

Any guesses on what this world could be – yes, the wonderful world of books.

It is our duty as their nurturers to ensure that we introduce them to this enchanting world where every word has the power to make them better humans.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Books are not mere means to learn and educate. They can do different roles of a guide, a friend, a teacher, a healer, an empathiser to name a few. What starts as a fun time with picture books during the toddler years can fructify into a lifelong relationship where the journey of learning continues. Books have the power to magically transform the kids’ world, to take them on voyages and faraway destinations both real and imaginary. They introduce them to new worlds where they experience joy, wonder, mystery, fear, thrill, adventures, sorrow, and much more.

How do books achieve this? I believe every word in a book or a picture is gifted with the power of storytelling. The stories not only entertain them but give valuable life lessons that unknowingly shape their very existence.

This vast world of books with its myriad of genres and varieties has something to offer to everyone. Just like we all are different in appearance, so is our reading pattern. One might like to read only fiction whereas the other might be interested in historical books. This affinity to a certain genre happens in the later stages of life.

Therefore it is of paramount importance that we introduce kids to a wide variety of books in the early years of their lives. At a younger age, their reading habits are like an empty canvas. Every book that they read would create its design on the canvas in the form of an imprint.

Nurturing the habit of reading cannot be a one-day or a monthly exercise. It should be a carefully planned process that is meticulously done by the parent to introduce the child to this enchanting world where one relates to things at his / her own pace.

With the uncontrollable explosion of digital devices and online reading modes, physical books provide a haven for kids’ minds where they can imbibe ideas and thoughts, contemplate upon them, and immerse themselves without distractions of any kind.

Today’s parents know the inseparability of their kids’ learning curve and technological aids. This however does not mean that kids cannot be diverted towards the world of physical books. It might be an uphill task today but not an impossible one.

As they grow they are shaped into individual personality molds that in turn are influenced by family values, societal milieu, and cultural nuances. A reading habit would positively impact this individual metamorphosis. How? Well, it makes them open to ideas, more receptive, and imaginative, and have the belief that anything is possible.

Be it the world of The Ugly Duckling, Panchtantra Tales, The World of Hogwarts, or the wonderful mysteries of Agatha Christie – each one is waiting with open arms to welcome these young curious minds and take them into a different realm altogether.

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face.” – Edward P. Morgan

Let us take them to the opening gates of this world and encourage them to take the plunge and explore. Agree?

MuSo, short for Museum of Solutions, is a newly built museum in Mumbai that caters to the unique liking of children in a fun and interactive way. It is based on how to make the young generation responsible, conscious, caring, and mindful citizens of the world. It mainly focuses on building a sustainable environment and making children realize the importance of sustainability, creating a sustainable future.
At the entrance, the building is covered with a quote written in bold letters “We believe that children can change the world”, something normally not seen in other buildings. This quote itself emphasizes that Children are the harbingers of change. It attracts the attention of young minds instantly along with piquing their curiosity about What wonders and challenges await them.
The interiors of the building give a feeling of enthusiastic doodling done by kids. A massive amphitheater welcomes visitors and serves as a waiting area during the day and a theater at night for community and public events. The theater leads to the souvenirs and goodies corner filled with child-friendly items reflecting reality-rooted learning. Past this, the friendly faces of volunteers welcome at the reception counter. They guide about the tour and one can proceed to the rocket lift that commences the journey in the Museum of Solutions.
The museum has 4 floors, each floor dedicated to a specific activity and learning center. After taking off from the rocket, we started our journey on floor 7, themed the ‘Play Lab’, where we learned about STEM concepts through interactive exhibits and creative workshops.

The activities on this floor include a pipe filled with a continuous strong flow of air, teaching about air currents concepts. There lie smaller sections where one can build cars out of Lego blocks and test designs to see which is the fastest. An interesting section challenged kids to construct buildings using wooden blocks that can withstand earthquakes of different magnitudes.
Moving on, there was a storyboard for creating tales and a digital one too that used stop-motion animation or replicated a fast sequence code. The floor also contained activities that demonstrated how to keep up with speed or lift one’s weight.
A fun section based on water, where one learns how water travels and how water currents carry objects. This section also demonstrated how the dams in a city work and how to control the fast flow of rivers in an unharming way. The last, and probably the most fun-filled activity on this floor was a three-story beanstalk-type climbing environment which was both safe and exciting.

Taking our rocket to the 8th floor, we found it to be completely focused on Oceans and the life around them, the importance of water, tracking our water footprints, or seeing how water reaches our taps. One can also go on a journey with Puddles the turtle, through a movie of 8 minutes, and learn about the ocean waters and how water pollution affects aquatic life.
Interactive games to know more about Ocean creatures added a touch of curiosity.

One section displayed the life of local Koli fishermen and threw light on saving Mumbai’s deteriorating rivers or trying to understand how hard it is to collect water in villages. Last, and probably the most interesting one on the floor was the Investigation Zone, where one can work in a group to find solutions to water woes faced by all today.
Finally, landing on the 9th floor, one can find a floor entirely dedicated to creativity and bringing one’s innovative solutions to life through art, technology, woodworking, photography, electronics, and a lot more.

Here, one can do numerous fun activities, like disassembling and reassembling objects or learning about robotics and how to make a robot. One can also tinker with opening, screwing, drilling, cutting, sanding, and polishing objects in a safe environment. Art Studio allows one to draw, paint, sculpt, make, and bake ceramics or learn about art history. Rapid Prototyping Studio brings ideas to life using 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers. Children can also enter the Woodworking Studio to create anything ranging from a birdhouse to a boat. One can also mix up sounds and make music with different electronic equipment inside a sound-proof recording studio.
To sum everything up, this museum is just too huge to explore and enjoy completely in under 3 hours as allotted for every visit. A second visit is a must. It enhances one’s thinking capability and imparts knowledge and awareness about nature, all while entertaining in a fun and unique way. A museum with a difference – MuSO

Hello friends! I’m Shaina. I’m 8 Years old and I bought this book on my 5th birthday to date, it’s one of my favorite books! Being a big fan of Princess Elsa (the queen with magical powers) I choose this book to travel through time to a frozen adventure!

Who is the author/publisher of this book?
It’s a very pretty book published by Disney Books

What is this book about?
This book is about the two famous sisters Elsa and Anna, their hilarious accomplice Olaf (the snowman, and the sweet Kristoff. It’s a wonderful collection of adventures and stories beyond the script of the movie filled with Disney Magic!

What do I like about the book?
The book has loads and loads of colorful pictures. The illustrations are wonderful! The storyline is easy to follow. I love that there is nothing ‘evil/scary’ in this storybook. Its pages have a silver edge which makes it look beautiful! The pictures and storyline bring out the magic of Arendelle alive! A perfect bedtime read.

Why should one read this book?
This book is a perfect treat for Frozen fans! It takes you through a fulfilled ride of enchanting stories and teaches young minds the importance of sibling love, that no one is perfect and there is power in being different (i.e. being yourself). It fosters values of friendship, compassion, and loyalty through strong messages also the fact that “there are things worth melting for”…. 😊
Happy reading!

“A picture book is a small door to the enormous world of the visual arts, and they’re often the first art a young person sees.”

Tomie Depaola extensively advocated for the need to read. One can learn anything and everything about anything and everything – he time and again reiterated. As basic and simple as it sounds, we often forget in today’s time and age the significance of reading. What it does to our younger versions, and how it shapes us as human beings, the contribution of books to our lives is of paramount importance.

Tomie Depaola was born and brought up in Connecticut, US. An author and illustrator with hundreds of books to his credit, Depaola wrote passionately about varied diverse subjects, quite a bit of which has been borrowed from his own life or inspired by his life experiences.

His most popular work happens to be the ‘Strega Nona’ series, where Magic Pasta pot floods and buries a town with abundant amounts of Pasta. The series involves a long list of titles – ‘Big Anthony and the magic ring’, ‘Strega Nona’s magic lessons’, ‘Merry Christmas, Strega Nona’, ‘Strega Nona meets her match’, ‘Strega Nona – Her Story’, ‘Big Anthony – His Story’, and many more.

Depaola’s heartwarming stories provided a sense of warmth and relatability for kids and teens alike. He strived for the cause of children making peace with their identities, exploring them, and embracing their distinct place in this world. How important is it to create that safe space, and bring in the necessary literary comfort for a little soul to immerse into it and blossom!

Another significant piece of work in Depaola’s bibliography ‘26 Fairmount Avenue’, a memoir that deals with the author’s early childhood memories involving his close friends and family. His house (and space) too plays a significant part in the timeline of events that leave a pleasant aftertaste.

Folktales, board books, picture books, illustrations, memoirs – Depaola wrote across forms and sub-genres, with the ever-consistent honesty and purity spanning across it all. ‘Front porch tales and North Country Whoppers’, ‘The art lesson’, ‘Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs’, ‘Bill and Pete’, ‘Boss for a day’, ‘Mary had a little lamb’, ‘Little grunt and the big egg’, ‘Angels angels everywhere’, the titles across forms amount to a long spread out list.

Depaola’s admiration for art and numerous different kinds of art forms was fairly evident all throughout his career, both in terms of practicing it on his own, incorporating it into his writings, and endorsing it in general while addressing media and the masses through his conversations for years. Layers and nuances find their way into his writings and illustrations very seamlessly, resulting in a tender blend of his gentle creative vision and hopeful philosophical outlook.

In his adorably beautiful book named ‘Look and be grateful’, Depaola simply writes ‘Today is today. And it is a gift.’ The character wakes up and perceives the world through a newfound sense of gratefulness and thankfulness for anything and everything under the sun.

It inspires us to look around and appreciate the little things. People, nature, love!