Iconic film-maker Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) was also a prolific writer, illustrator, calligrapher, and graphic designer. He authored several short stories and novels set in the Indian milieu for young readers. My Top 4 recommendations – Mini P. The Magic Moonlight Flower and Other Enchanting Stories Publisher: Red Turtle (Rupa); Price: Rs.295 In the title story ‘The Magic Moonlight Flower,’ a young boy sets out to search for the flower that will save his father’s life, but en route, he will need to fight a cruel king, rescue a prince, and slay a nasty serpent. In another story, young Sujan uses his unique talent of imitating the calls of birds and animals to defeat a bird-eating monster and win the heart of a princess. Set in the land of kings and monsters, this fantastical collection of stories — competently translated from Bengali to English by Arunava Sinha — offers exciting adventure tales for children. The Final Adventures of Prof. Shonku Publisher: Puffin India; Price: Rs.299 Prof. Trilokeshwar Shonku is Ray’s most popular literary character. Serialised in the Bengali children’s magazine Sandesh, it recounts the adventures of scientist Prof. Shonku as he travels around the world from Baghdad to Norway. In this last volume of Prof. Shonku’s escapades, translated by Indrani Majumdar, the brilliant scientist confronts near-death situations and nerve-wracking experiences during his travels. In particular, there’s an excellent account of how Prof. Shonku is outwitted by his own invention, the Tellus computer. The Diary of a Space Traveller and Other Stories Publisher: Puffin; Price: Rs.239 Ray was an avid reader of science fiction. This compendium of short stories is an ode to the mysteries of the galaxy. It begins with the fall of a meteorite and the crater it makes on earth. In its centre is a red notebook — the first of Prof. Trilokeshwar Shonku’s diaries. The scientist disappeared without a trace after he shot off into space with a rocket from his backyard in Giridih, accompanied by his loyal but-not-too-intelligent helper Prahlad, his cat Newton, and Bidhushekhar, a robot with attitude. What happened to the professor? Read this exciting book to find out. The Feluda Omnibus: Volume One (Adventures of Feluda) Publisher: Puffin Price: Rs.329 This omnibus edition is the perfect introduction to the exploits of intrepid detective Feluda and his assistant Topshe, as they solve thrilling mysteries across the country. For instance in ‘The Emperor’s Ring’, Feluda and Topshe are on holiday in Lucknow when an exquisite Mughal ring is stolen and Feluda sets on its trail. In ‘The Golden Fortress’, Feluda and Topshe head to Rajasthan in pursuit of Dr. Hajra, a parapsychologist, and Mukul, a young boy who claims to remember his previous life. Also read: 3 inspiring reads: Books depicting diverse cultures and lifestyles
