For parents consciously trying to keep children off digital devices, we recommend four inspiring books for young readers
Benita Sen
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
By Barack Obama | Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | Price: ₹399
Celebrity dad, former US President Barack Obama, wrote a children’s book before he was sworn in as the nation’s first African-American President. Published in November 2010, in this poignant letter to his two daughters Obama pays tribute to 13 American heroes and their ideals which have made the US the most economically and culturally powerful nation of the world. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, Obama sees traits of these heroes in his own daughters, and in all of America’s children. The picture book also features evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long.
See Inside How Things Work
By Conrad Mason | Publisher: Usborne | Price: ₹599
Wonder how this, that and the other works? If your child is curious and full of questions, you may find answers in this book. A facts-rich tome, it provides information about scientific inventions, machines, submarines, gadgets and devices. It also provides Internet links for children to access educational activities and games. Designed as an interactive book with flaps and colourful illustrations, See Inside How Things Work introduces youngest children to the joys and wonder of science.
Shark vs. Train
By Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld | Publisher: Little Brown Young Readers US | Price: ₹399
What happens when a shark competes with a train? One wins and the other loses. Or let’s put it this way, sometimes, one wins and at other times, the other has the advantage. Where? Depends where they are running the race! It could be in a hot air balloon or on a seesaw. While your child learns about the strengths and weaknesses of the two, she will also learn that there is no perfect race in life! The vibrant illustrations and amusing text make this book an enjoyable read, perfect for children below seven years of age.
Wangari’s Trees of Peace
By Jeanetter Winter | Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books | Price: ₹472 This picture book tells the true story of Wangari Maathai, a young girl growing up in Kenya in a neighbourhood full of beautiful trees. A school topper, she gets a scholarship to study in America. She returns six years later to find that the trees are being cut down. She is shocked by this desecration and more so by public apathy. She decides to do something about it and begins by planting nine trees. Over the next few years, Maathai’s Green Belt Movement planted 30 million trees in Kenya. In 2004 Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her social, environmental and political activism. Informative and inspirational.
