Book Review - Pops!

Book Name: Pops!
Author: Balaji Venkataramanan

Published by: Duckbill

Reviewed by: Zoe (Age 8.5 years)

Pops! is a book about 7-year old Arun who lives with his Mumma and his Patti & Thatta. His life is normal like we would expect a 7-year old’s life. Everything seems normal expect the fact that Arun has never seen his dad. His father (Arun calls him ‘the Man’) left Arun and his Mumma when Arun was born. One day, suddenly Arun gets to know that he has to go to the family court. Arun is nervous as he will be meeting the Man for the first time. At first, Arun doesn’t like him, as the Man had left them. Soon things start to change, when Arun’s school play comes near. Patti & Thatta don’t like the fact that Arun actually has started liking the Man. If I tell you anything beyond this, then the surprise will get spoilt (I don’t like doing that).

Many people (like me) can’t think of a life without Pops! (I call mine Fizzy). Arun could and he did live without his dad for 7 long years. The book is great, very interesting, because now I know how it feels like not having a parent. I personally wouldn’t ever think of being in Arun’s place.

Arun was really forgiving and a little mature for his age, I could relate to Arun, but only a bit. Pops was a very kind man who would never raise his voice and he seem like a happy-go-lucky person. Arun’s Mumma is a little strict, but very loving and forgiving. Thatta & Patti are always dull mood (Mumsy says sombre is a better word), they keep telling Arun that Pops will take him away one day; I personally don’t like when they do that.

I kept myself in Arun’s place & felt very bad for him not having a dad, but for Arun it was normal till he went to the court. 

To Balaji Venkataramanan (writer of the book), I would like to say’, “The book is amazing, where did you get the idea from? Do let me know…”

Goodnight stories for rebel girls

There are good books, there are great books and then there our books which touch our lives in a very special ways. They tell stories which inspire us, make us happy, tales which we instantly connect with, stories which make us pick the book up again and again.

Today, I'm writing about one such book which I recently came across. The title of the book was appealing enough for me to pick it up for my little Z. What I didn't know was that the stories in the book will touch my heart as much as they inspire my daughter. The book is called Goodnight stories for Rebel girls. It's written by  Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo. It has illustrations by 60 female artists  from across the globe. 

I made Z pick up her abosolute favorites and she did give me a long list after a lot of drama, according to her, "how can I pick only a few. I love all the stories." Anyway, her favorites include Margaret Hamilton, Brenda Chapman, Ann Makosinski, Coy Mathis, Maria Montessori, Jane Austen, Cleopatra, Julia Child, Simone Billes, Ashley Fiolek, Nelly Bly and Malala Yousafzai. I can't blame her for picking so many of them.

We have read these stories once and we are reading it once again... I know it definitely isn't the last time she is (sorry we are) reading it. I love the message in the beginning of the the book as well; "To the rebel girls of the world: Dream bigger, aim higher, fight harder, and when in doubt, remember you are right."

I wish I had Goodnight stories for rebel girls, when I was a little girl. 

Please do not think twice and pick this up for yourself and your kids.

The Trap

Picture this:

A nice warm Sunday morning and all you want is to stay in bed for just a little longer. Usually, I start thinking too much, throw the covers and get up without even letting my mind relax. That Sunday was different, it was a Sunday, which made me lazy and just stay in bed for a little longer. Since, my husband was snoring away, which was pretty unusual (no not the snoring bit, but the staying late in bed bit), I thought, I would enjoy my Sunday. After contemplating for half an hour, trying to enjoy, I got up. As I stepped out of the room, I see my 6 year old sitting there, reading The BFG for the nth time. Now, if you know Z, you'd say that's not unusual, I agree. What was unusual was she was all dressed up... teeth brushed, changed, ate breakfast and combed her hair. 

I, for one, don't want her to grow up too soon, I want her to feel like a baby... I tried to ignore the sight as a 'one-off' and sat down with my chai and mobile... She gets up, goes in my house help's room and says "Mumsy uth gayee hai, breakfast banate hain" (Mumsy is up, let's make breakfast). She takes my house-help to the kitchen and gets breakfast ready. Half my breakfast is 2 slices of toasted whole wheat bread and at least she prepared that. I see her get the plate from the kitchen. I try, not to look up, and she says, "Excuse me Mumsy, breakfast is important."  I pout, keep my phone away and take the plate. Once I'm done she takes my plate and I'm back with my phone (I usually avoid phones on Sundays, but the scene in front of me was super scary).

I feel like someone standing in front of me, AGAIN. I look up, she has a The BFG: Plays for Children in her hand. She says, "I did everything for you, and you forgot your promise."

Ahhh! Blackmail, I like that.

Me (my smile which had faded away back on my face): "Yes Z, tell me" I throw my phone away.
Z (now, she is pouting): "You promised you will read the 'whole book' with me"

My smile fades away a little... one part of my brain says "What? You promised to read aloud a 120 'pager' in one day... are you nuts?" another part is constantly saying, "A promise is a promise, besides she did so much for you in the morning."

My smile broadens and my eyes twinkle, "Let's do it"

Z has a broader smile and a brighter twinkle in her eyes, "Yes!" she said... As if saying, "You fell in the TRAP again"

Score: Mumsy 000 Z 100

Post that 1 and a half hours were filled with completely crazy book-a-licious fun.

Actually

Score: Mumsy 100 Z 100

After I read the last page, I turn to Z and say, "Next time, just tell me to read, avoid the drama."

She smiles...

A Sunday well spent.

Book Review: Thank You, Mr. Falker

I'm a huge fan of Patricia Polacco, and Z is slowly catching up. Thank You, Mr. Falker, is the first book by Polacco she has read. 

The book is about a little girl Trisha, her family, especially her grand dad is really excited about the fact that Trisha will soon start reading, as she is about to enter big school. Trisha loves books, and she wants to read, but how much ever she tries, she is unable to read. 

Trisha and her granddad

In the middle of all this, her grandparents die and she moves cities (and schools) with her mom and brother. In the new school, her problems increase, her classmates call her dumb.

Enter Mr. Falker and he not only helps Trisha learn to read, he changes her life as well. He gave her life a direction.

What Z and I loved about the book, besides the beautiful story, was the fact that Trisha's story is the real life story of Patricia Polacco, yes; and the difficulties she faced in school. I also loved the way how the word 'dyslexia'* is not used once in the book and without being too preachy she put forth her story in such a beautiful manner.

Trisha and Mr. Falker

This story brings tears to my eyes whenever I read it, and when I read it to Z, she said nothing, she just hugged me.

This book unfolds a beautiful story, a page at a time. I struggled while reading as a child and that is the reason, today I teach kids to read and to love books. I understand Trisha's frustrations and how she feels helpless. My problems were nothing in front of this girl.

This book has to be a part of every children library and every classroom. Teachers have to read it out loud to the class and believe me, you will be surprised at the way children will react.

As a treat, you can see this beautiful narration of my favorite story:

*Polacco struggled a lot in school because of an un-diagnosed dyslexia, You can watch this video about her struggles here. Her life changed at the age of 14 years when she met the real Mr. Falker.

Book Review- Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School

There are many reasons why we picked Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School for Z.

Z will be entering class I next year, Z loves her hair, and of course, the central character has a very very special first name :).

I was eyeing this book for a long long time, and finally I got it at a great discount on Amazon.The book is written by Laurie Halse Anderson, and is beautifully beautifully illustrated by Ard Hoyt. Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School is a book about Zoe Fleefenbacher, her entry in big school and her hair which have a mind of their own.

Zoe loves her pre-school and her teacher. Her teacher let Zoe's hair help her carry out a lot of tasks in the class. Things change when Zoe enters 1st grade. Where her teacher, Ms. Trisk, says "Her hair needs to be tamed, First Grade has rules". She tries everything to tame Zoe's hair, Zoe hates it when Ms. Trisk tries to tie her hair, but she cannot say anything, First Grade has rules you know!

Will Ms. Trisk be successful in taming Zoe's hair? Or will she fall in love with them like Zoe Fleefenbacher's Kindergarten teacher. 

You will have to read it to know what fun is in store for you. 

According to Z "Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School is the best book I have read this month Mumsy, I just cannot stop laughing. I am just like Zoe Fleefenbacher"

Book Review - Your Turn Now

Your Turn Now - Heartening Stories of Everyday Kindness inspired by the Little Blue Card, is a simple yet beautiful book published by FunOKPlease. It is penned by Lubaina Bandukwala and illustrated by Shraddha Pimputkar. 

Frankly, when I read about the book, I was a little apprehensive about it, I wondered if Z would appreciate it. The reason was, I usually do not pick up moral or inspirational stories for Z. If she learns a lesson from a fun story, it is alright, but I steer clear away from moral stories. The thing is, my little girl reads for fun, she enjoys reading like nothing else, I don't want to take that away from her.

Anyway, I picked up the book, just to try it out. It is clearly meant for slightly older kids, but I was ready to explore the book with Z. And did we love it or what????

Both of us were totally in love with the stories and Rushabh Turakhia's global initiative Your Turn Now. You can read more about it here.

The book was an eye opener for me as a parent, I didn't realise, in today's fast paced life we are leaving humanity, kindness and love behind. It was a simple book, which touched me at many levels. For a little girl, who isn't even 6 yet, this was a big book with lots of stories, stories she wants to re-visit and discuss with her friends, her parents, her teachers et. al. 

In Z's words, "The book is just so good Mumsy, I think I will read it again. I loved the kindness cards I received with the book, I will be kind and share it with my friends."

I have ordered a copy for the library as well, and looking forward to purchase Your Turn Now-2 

 You can pick a copy of Your turn now from the Flipkart link below:

Book Review - The Midnight Library

Imagine a library opened through the night, with the most amazing books to read... with an adorable little librarian and a few library helpers, who are nocturnal. Imagine visitors facing problems of one kind or another and the librarian helping them with the perfect solution. I got this and much more from The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara (I would like to thank an acquaintance here, who introduced me to the wonderful world of Kazuno Kohara). I love the author, and The Midnight Library is the best of his work, I have read thus far.

When I heard about The Midnight Library, I knew I had to pick it up. When I did, I could see a lot of myself in the book, and so did Z. 

The book takes you (and the child of course) to a beautiful world of the The Midnight Library. And what a world it is. Z was totally mesmerised by the book and she has read the book over and over again, since. This book is simple. The magic of this book lies in its simplicity, the illustrations and sweet little situations, which any child who frequents a library would relate to.

If you are looking for a nice soothing bedtime read for your 3-5 year old The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara is a perfect pick.

Book Review - Brave Irene

Brave Irene

I love the read-aloud videos on storyline online website, when I heard/saw Al Gore read Brave Irene by William Steig (http://www.storylineonline.net/brave-irene/). I had to buy this book, and I'm glad I got two copies (one for Z and one for the Reading Room).

I love books with strong characters (female characters). These books are loved by Z as well, and we discuss about these books which talk about nice strong girls after reading them. Z created her own story, 'Brave Zoe' after reading this gem.

The story and illustrations by the award winning William Steig (he received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble), are beautiful. This is another gem by Steig.

The story is about a young little girl Irene, who loves her mom, she will do anything and everything to help her mother.

The relationship Irene and her mother share, the language, Irene, the illustrations and the narrative, I love everything about this one. It is a very simple tale but will definitely touch a cord somewhere in your heart and your little one will love it. I always get a big bear hug from Z when we read this one, can I ask for anything else?

Book Review - Mirette on the high wire by Emily Arnold McCully

"Mirette on the High Wire" won the 1994 Caldecott Award and I can easily see why. It is such an amazing read, after reading it, Z's reaction was "Mumsy, I want to walk in the air." I picked up this one for The Reading Room and Z borrowed it from there. The book amazes me at many levels, and I get a similar response from my 4.5 year old. 

Being a mum of a little dreamer, I have a huge responsibility of not only letting her dream; but also telling her that when you fall you can get up and become stronger. I love books with intelligent, strong, smart female characters, and Mirette is that and much more. Mirette has so much about herself, but she is also someone with whom little girls will connect with easily.

The story takes place in Paris more than a 100 years ago, Z is obsessed with Eiffel Tower & Paris... I knew she'd love it. Mirette is a little girl who's mum runs a small boardinghouse, and Mirette helps her mum with chores. The boardinghouse is filled with different performing artists, jugglers, actors, mimes, acrobats etc. One day, a famous tightrope walker named Bellini comes to the boardinghouse. All he wants is privacy, Mirette watches him practice in the backyard and she instantly wants to learn Bellini's art. Bellini takes Mirette as his pupil after a lot of convincing from Mirette. Once a great tightrope walker, Bellini is scared now. Will he overcome his fears and walk again??? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out. 

The book teaches us to believe in our-self and it is not preachy at all (that is another thing I love about it).

The illustrations are pleasing to the eye, and they do justice to the amazing story of Mirette & Bellini.

Book Review - The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak

The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak is one of the best book we have picked for Z and for the Reading Room recently. We fell in love with the book when we saw a video (see below) of  BJ Novak reading the book out to younger children. It was such a laugh riot. I have always believed, for Z, the illustrations and story line are equally important. 

Here was a book staring at us, which only didn't have any pictures, but also was very plain 'just to look at' with white cover and white pages and mostly black text.

Here was also a book which didn't have a 'story' to tell. Yes, for my daughter who has fallen in love with longer story lines and fiction, you might have thought, this one could have been a no... but, you forgot a little thing about us at Being Zoe's Mom. We have to read books everyday, and when we can get a new book, which looks 'yummy' (yes, books are yummy)... why won't we read it.

This book is all about how you read it out. Your voice, your expressions, your tone, taking your listeners along with you (whether their is 1 or 100) on a hilarious journey. If it comes to you naturally then you and your child/children will love it. If you are someone who believes in adding a lot of yourself into what you read you  to get your hands on this one.

If you are more of a "Once upon a time....... blah blah blah" (read in your most boring voice) person, then this gem by Novak is not for you.

We at BZM love this one, for the super concept, the laughter, the reading adult making a complete fool out of herself/himself and of course the "Blork" "Bluurf" "I'm a Robot Monkey", "Boo Boo Butt".... etc. Z loves it. 

I have read it for kids in the book club, I keep on reading it to Z and every read aloud is a super experience.  

Bookalicious Tuesdays The Magic Paintbrush

Book: The Magic Paintbrush
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Joel Stewart

This story talks about a little girl Shen and her magic paintbrush. Things Shen paints with the brush comes to life. We at BZM love books with strong female characters, and Shen is one such character. She's true to herself, smart, loyal and intelligent.

We love how the story is rhyming. The illustrations, though different from any Donaldson book, are super cute. 

In Z's words: "I love how Shen draws things with her paintbrush,  and they become real".

BZM Thumbs Up:

• Love the story, simple words and a very beautiful tale.
• Illustrations are beautiful
• We love Shen

BZM Thumbs Down:

• None. 

A perfect score for a beautiful tale 10/10 BZMs

You can purchase your copy here:

A Bookalicious Tuesday : Alphabet Dressup ABC

Book:  Alphabet Dressup ABC
Author: Nalini Sorensen
Illustrations: Shraddha Pimputkar
For ages: 3-5 years

Why we picked it and what was our reaction: I usually do not pick any Indian publications, just because Z and me haven't taken much liking for them as yet. Books by Fun OK Please are an exception though. I loved the illustrations and concept, hence I picked the book up immediately. The fact that Z is a huge fan of dressing up herself also helped. She doesn't need a costume, she fetches something from around the house and uses her imagination. That is exactly what the book promotes and we love it.

BZM Take: The first thing that we noticed were the super cute illustrations by  Shraddha Pimputkar. This book is super creative and so much fun. 

Being a phonetic trainer, I don't pick many books which use alphabets, because they do not give importance to sound... I can't just tell Z, X is for xylophone for example, just yet. This books is phonetically correct as well. We love the fact that the illustrations in the book are pretty gender neutral. This was a huge plus for me as a mum. 

You can play as you read, one needs to find hidden sounds on each page. There is another game in the end, which adds up to the fun.

The book is associated with The Cuddles Foundation, which works with children whose life has been affected by cancer.

BZM gives Alphabet Dressup ABC an 8/10

BZM Bookalicious Tuesdays - Library Lion

I'm not sure why I haven't reviewed this awesome piece of work here.

Book:  Library Lion
Author: Michelle Knudsen
Illustrator:  Kevin Hawkes
For ages: 4+

Why we picked it and what was our reaction: While shopping for our book club I came across this book. The title made me curious and it instantly drew me towards itself. As I opened the book, I was sure I want to pick 2 copies of Library Lion, one for Z and one for The Reading Room. I wasn't wrong. Z fell in love with the book instantly and so did the other kids I have read it to. I loved the book from the word go.

BZM Take: It looks kind of timeless, I can never get bored of this book and neither has Z outgrown it yet (considering the fact that she reads it almost everyday). I connect more with the book because it is based in a library. We love Ms. Merriweather - the head librarian, who is extremely particular about rules, she corrects everyone who breaks rules. Finally, towards the end, she says "sometimes there is a good reason to break the rules." So true! The other characters, Mr. McBee, the storybook lady and the Lion are also an essential part of the book, thanks to Knudsen's story and life-like illustrations by Kevin Hawkes. Besides the storyline, the characters, illustrations, we also love the simplicity of the narrative.

From the time Z read this book, she has been asking, 'When will a lion come in our Reading Room?' I hope never :-P

BZM gives a perfect 10 (Can we give MORE) Check out Mindy Sterling read Library Lion

BZM Says: Go pick up, without thinking twice, if you are in Bangalore visit The Reading Room and explore Library Lion.

BZM Bookalicious Tuesdays - Aliens Love Underpants!

Book: Aliens Love Underpants!
Author: Claire Freedman
For ages: 3-7

Why we picked it and what was our reaction: The title, I was curious and when I started reading at Crossroads, I had a broad smile on my face. Z loves anything related to space and aliens.Another thing I love it is pretty gender neutral book, will appeal to both girls and boys.

BZM Take: Besides the name, which made Z smile and pick the book up, she loved the bright colours and pictures. As we read the book, she was totally engrossed and smiled through. It became a favorite of hers soon.The book is hilarious and silly, kids would love it. From the day we first read it, Z always checks her underpants for aliens. :)

BZM gives: 8/10 (which is huge).

BZM Says: If you get it in the library pick up and read. See how your child reacts and then pick it up. If you are in Bangalore, you can check it out at the Reading Room.

BZM Bookalicious Tuesdays - My Name Is Not Isabella

Thanks to A Mighty Girl for the suggestion, we picked up the book and WE LOVE IT. Z loves Isabella and so do I.

Book: My Name Is Not Isabella
Author: Jennifer Fosberry
Illustrator: Mike Litwin
For ages: 4-8 

Why we picked it and what was our reaction: I'm raising Z who is an Isabella as well, and the line on book 'Just how big can a little girl dream' did it for me. I was tempted to pick the book and read. Hence I ordered it.

BZM Take: What do we say, Z doesn't want to blink when we read the book. She laughs at Isabella and loves her mum. We also loves the fact that Isabella wants to be astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, shooter Annie Oakley and her mum... She doesn't want to be a princess or a doll (or whatever). Isabella is a girl who knows she can be anyone and everyone, she loves being herself at the end of the day after all the adventure. Her mommy is also a role model for her. The mommy doesn't hush Isabella, in fact she joins her in her dreams and adventures (how cool is that). The amount of confidence Isabella exudes and the kind of support she gets from her mom is AWESOME.

The illustrations are adorable, check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Jam0f4rx8. Z can read the book all by herself and that is why the book gets brownie points from Z, not that she would not have loved the book any less otherwise.

We are eying  Isabella Girl on the Go and Isabella: Star of the Story now... soon!

BZM gives a perfect 10. The book engages the child immediately, and keeps them engaged throughout the book (and I'm talking about 'I don't even want to blink' engage).

BZM Says: Go pick it up now, you can also try My Name Is Not Alexander (similar book featuring little Alexander). We suggest you buy it for your sake and your kid's sake.

Charlie and Lola Series

Yay! Our first Book Review of 2015

Book: Charlie and Lola Series
Created by: Lauren Child
For ages: 4+ years 

Books Z has and she wants more!

I was never a fan of a series when it came to reading, till I was about 8 years.Z definitely beat me hands down. 

She loves Peppa Pig series (which I'm not a great fan of, I mean its just like the television series). Charlie and Lola (C&L) is such a TV series which has amazing books. I definitely love the books more and so does Z. Actually, Z hasn't seen much of C&L baring one episode. 

Why I chose the book? The first I picked was for the Reading Room and when I read it to Z in Crosswords she was in splits... So was I, because Z is so Lola. She is Lola personified. We have around 6 of the books from the series and man... does she love it or what.

Z's take: She has been hooked on to C&L for quite sometime now. She loves the book. 

What it is about: It is a series about Lola (who is pretty Z-like) and her older brother Charlie. Their relationship, their antiques, Lola's drama and Charlie tackling the situation in his own style. 

How We Read it: Nothing much, the content is hilarious and keeps mum-Z engaged.

Book Review - The Apple Tree (The Prophet Says Series)

I have never reviewed a book based on Islam or its principles here on Being Zoe's Mom, the reason, Zoe was young to understand the concept. The first book based on a Hadith (traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad which, with accounts of his daily practice) which I picked for Z was - The Apple Tree from The Prophet Says Series. I intend to pick more soon.

Coming to the review now:

Book: The Apple Tree (The Prophet Says Series)
Author: Mariam Al-Kalby
Illustrator: Yee Von Chan
For ages: 4+ years 

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: I saw the The Prophet Says Series page on Facebook, I was looking for books that introduce concepts of Islam in a child friendly manner, and this one fits the bill perfectly. 

Our Take: Zoe's mom loves the story, which is simple yet beautiful. We love the illustrations as well, very neat and clear. Kids will love it. It actually goes beyond religion, and teaches kids the value of generosity and compassion. 

Zoe loves the story, how planting a tree holds more importance than just sowing a few seeds. She also loves the fact, that Allah will reward us if we plant a tree and it is a very good deed. 

The Story: Little Shaima gets a listen of life when she realizes how planting a tree is important. How crucial is giving for the sake of charity and the reward one gets from Allah after planting a tree. 

How We Read it: Now, since Z loves to listen to a book just for its story, we do not use many gimmicks. Its just the story and lots of discussion. The book uses a few Arabic words, but there is a glossary for that. 

BZM Verdict: A must buy we say

BZM Picks - The Day the Crayons Quit

The review has been kept as a draft for long now, and it is high time I post it. The Day the Crayons Quit is Z's current FAVORITE besides Tiddler and Highway Rat.

Book: The Day the Crayons Quit
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers (and what amazing illustrations)
For ages: 4+ years (Z loves it at 3.5 years but Z is O.K with books for slightly older kids because she has been exposed to books at an early age)

After hearing the amazing online reviews, I pre-ordered the book, I had watched the book here and fell in love with it.

It arrived on Z's mum's birthday (which coincides with MLCB's birthday). So we were Super Duper Happy and excited about reading the book.

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: Since I had seen the book read video earlier, I knew I will love with the book and I did instantly, not just me, but Z loved it as well. I loved the illustrations by Jeffers, its is so real, so different and not cluttered al all.

Z's take: The moment Z browsed through the book, she went away... I was sad, that Z didn't like the book :-( ... but she came back with her box of crayons. Then as we read through pages, she took out one crayon at a time and kept it besides the page.

What it is about: It is a book about Duncan, actually his crayon box. Duncan wants to colour, takes out his box of crayons but sees all of them have quit. Why have they quit, what are their problems and will everything be sorted???

How We Read it: Since every crayon has a 'personality' of its own... We have a different voice for every colour and Little Ms. Z LOVES it.

Favorite Line: Z says she loves the book and I love when the Orange Crayon says "Orange! You glad I'm here? Ha!"

Flipkart it:

BZM Picks - Tiddler By Julia Donaldson

Book: Tiddler
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

We have been eying Tiddler for the longest time, if it is Donaldson Z will love it for sure. So finally we got it as a gift from Z's Aanie. Z was the happiest when she realized it was Tiddler.

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: Now I don't think twice before picking a Julia Donaldson. I loved the colours, the story and the fact that it will be Z's first underwater adventure book.

The Toddler's take: She calls me 'Tiddler the Storytelling Fish', and she loves doing that. She has learned the book by heart within a month. She wants to read it multiple times in a day. Z has a Tiddler dress as well.

What it is about: It is a 'Fishy' underwater adventure about Tiddler a Storytelling Fish. A small little fish who believes in telling tall tales.

How We Read it: I narrate the story to Z, and as we go ahead and read through pages, we discuss what is happening on each page. We laugh along, and now Z reads it to me. :) Isn't it fun.

Favorite Line: "Sorry I'm late, Miss. I set off really early but..."

Flipkart it:

BZM Picks - The Stone Soup by Ann McGovern

Book: The Stone Soup
Author: Ann McGovern

Z got The Stone Soup in her May Tale in a Mail, and I must say it is an AMAZING Book. Z read it in the morning and started asking for 'stone soup' had to make soup for her, without the stone of course. The version we are reading is written by Ann McGovern. It is taken from folktale, though this one is pretty different from the original. I remember reading one of the versions in school as a part of our curriculum. 'Fancy That'. 

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: Well, when the team was doing it's research on May Tale in a Mail based on the theme of food, this book was recommended by a couple of moms, it also received amazing reviews, I had to pick it up and check it. When I did pick it up I was smiling, partly because it is a very funny story and partly because it did take me back to childhood.

The Toddler's take: I really have to stop under-estimating Z. I thought she will take some time to understand. She on the other hand found the book to be hilarious. The day I read it to her for the first time, she demanded a stone soup.

What it is about: It is about this poor man, who sees a house and asks for food, the lady doesn't listen to him and tells him there's no food at home. So, this clever little guy tricks the old later and convinces that he can make the most amazing soup out of a stone which would be 'fit for the king.' He insists she puts in more ingredients to add to the flavour of the soup. This book has been in print for more than 30 years now.

How We Read it: I narrate the story to Z, and as we go ahead and read through pages, we discuss what is happening on each page.

Favorite Line: 'Fancy That'

Flipkart it: