Vikas
Publications
Try the series on Know your fruits, flowers, vehicles, animals,
vegetables etc. from Vikas Publications. They have bright
colourful pictures that babies can enjoy. You also will have
the satisfaction of teaching them some new words. The pages
are of fairly good quality paper for small children and best
of all the prices range from Rs.20 - 25. So if the kids happen
to tear them or add a few crayon colours of their own, it
doesn't matter.
Childrens books
Find reviews to the latest books for
children in India. of words and objects of a
child's interest have been used to make a child familiar
with the world aro
Golden
goose books
These are worth a buy as they combine simple every day language
with good illustrations. As far as possible stick to the
books in this series that have realistic drawings.
Ladybird
Learn to Read series
These are very well done books with new words introduced
on each page in a manner that makes learning and understanding
easy for the child. Ladybird also has a big range of books
on teaching everyday concepts of size and simple opposites
such as warm and cold. The only problem is that these books
are hard on the pocket.
Toddler's
stories for bedtime, Brimax publications
These are a set of 4 simple stories for toddlers, easy to
read and easy to understand.
Kalu
the black bhalu by Juhi Sinha
This little adventure of a toy bear is available at all
CBT outlets. It helps the child learn values like carefulness
and compassion in a simple, fun way.
Harry
Porter series by Joanne K Rowling
These books have become a world-wide phenomenon widely read
both by adults as well as children. The story is a fantasy
about a school for wizards and the hero is a young orphan
boy who finds himself a student there out of the blue. The
books talk off the triumph of good over evil but in a very
contemporary fashion and the author does not shy away from
showing that victory sometimes has a heavy price. A must
read for kids.
Tales
from the Panchatantra
These Indian books are available in different volumes. The
stories are simply written and open up a world of culture
and moral values in a way that the child does not even realize
he is learning something. Good reads for adults as well
- helps you brush up your knowledge about your roots.
Amarchitra
Kathas
While introducing comics for children of this age may not
be very wise, Amar Chitra Kathas should definitely be on
your shopping list. Affordable and filled with tales, fables
and historic events, this is one comic series you and your
kids will love.
The
Story of Man, Hemkunt Press
This is a quick tour of the ancient world from the Neolithic
times to the Roman age. The book takes the child on a voyage
of discovery of the Sumerian, Cretan, Egyptian and Greek
worlds. The language is ordinary but a great deal of information
is presented in simple terms. Suitable for children upto
the age of 10.
Books
by James Herriot
These are the real life experiences of a vet in England
and its funny yet sensitive depiction of animal life makes
it essential reading for young children. Don't think twice-there
is nothing objectionable in these books and a lot to learn.
Books
by Gerald Durrell
Begin your children on these series with My Family and other
animals, follow it up with Birds, Beasts and relatives and
by then the whole family will probably be hooked! These
books teach children a great deal about the natural world,
geography, environment, the need for zoos etc and in a hugely
entertaining way.
Books
by Georgette Heyer
These are historical , romantic fiction and the children
will learn a lot from the style and wit of the writer. There
are no harmful scenes and in fact these books presuppose
a certain minimum level of intelligence to enjoy them. This
makes them excellent for teens.
A
whack on the side of the head, Roger Von Oech
Again an absolute must read. This series on developing creativity
is written in such simple, logical and funny language that
it will appeal to all children and adults.
Politically
correct Bedtime stories, James Finn Garner
Though many more politically correct stories have now come
out, this original book is probably the best. It takes all
the old fairy stories and rewrites them to be more politically
correct. Thus, Snow white and the dwarfs becomes snow white
and the 7 vertically challenged men, the Emperor of the
Emperor's new clothes was not really naked but merely endorsing
a clothing option lifestyle and the frog prince was not
a prince but a balding real estate developer. Quite funny
in places, this satirical look at our politically correct
world is suitable for teenagers and above. Worth a read.
The
way of the wizard by Deepak Chopra
Even if you are not a new age religion type, this book will
be of interest. After you've read it pass on the wisdom
so gained to your children.
The
Complete Yes Minister
If you don't already have this on your shelves - buy it
now. This satire, based on the TV series of the same name,
will have you rolling in the aisles as you learn that your
instincts on the way the government functions, are absolutely
right.
The
Brethren by John Grisham
Not bad, but pick it up only if you are already a fan of
Grisham.
Interpreter
of maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
This collection of short stories has recently won the Pulitzer
Prize of 2000. The language used is thankfully uncomplicated
and the stories are definitely worth a read.
Men
are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Children are from heaven
by John Grey
This book is a must read for parents especially if they
are trying to find a method of discipline alternative to
spanking.
Motherhood:
the Second Oldest Profession - by Erma Bombeck
Erma Bombeck is a noted comedy writer and most of her books
are hilarious. This one is no exception. She says "Children
should be judged on what they are- a punishment for early
marriage." Whether you agree with her or not, her perceptive
and funny insights into the fine art of mothering are bound
to keep you in splits
Politically
correct Bedtime stories, James Finn Garner
Though many more politically correct stories have now come
out, this original book is probably the best. It takes all
the old fairy stories and rewrites them to be more politically
correct. Thus, Snow white and the dwarfs becomes snow white
and the 7 vertically challenged men, the Emperor of the
Emperor's new clothes was not really naked but merely endorsing
a clothing option lifestyle and the frog prince was not
a prince but a balding real estate developer. Quite funny
in places, this satirical look at our politically correct
world is suitable for teenagers and above. Worth a read.
Reader
Rabbit's Toddler CD Rom, BPB Multimedia
This is CD Rom is in a series, and is exceptionally good
for toddlers, when you want to introduce them to the computer
but they are still too young to have mouse control. The
well thought out activities in the CD Rom enable the child
to master the art of moving the mouse and to understand
the connection between the mouse movement and the cursor.
Also this is done while exposing the child to colours, alphabets,
numbers, animals and nursery rhymes.
Toddler,
The Learning Centre of Davidson
The Learning Centre of Davidson has brought out a very good
series of cd roms for children starting from the toddler
years ( 18 months to 3 years) to specialized subjects for
older children. The toddler series is very simple for children
to use and is such an enjoyable experience that my two year
old lives and breathes the "doggy"computer as he calls it.
Try it - its great fun even for adults!
