The Word Route

Author : Lavanya Karthik Illustrators : Satwik Gade & Ashwathy P.S. Publication : Karadi Tales Age: 4-7 years This book in hardcover format is appropriate for preschoolers. As the title and the book cover suggests, it is the fantasy of a little fish in the vast ocean. The ocean has marine life of all kinds; biggest and the smallest fauna co-exist peacefully. The story is about the will and determination of this little fish who aspires to fly, something that we as kids did too. Most of us as kids always wanted to achieve the "impossible" as labelled by adults. Similarly, this fish wants to fly. The book captures his journey very beautifully through wonderful illustrations. The book paves way for widening the imagination of children who aspire to touch higher limits. The adage "Nothing is impossible" is perfect in this story! Just like other Karadi Tales books, this one also sends a powerful message to kids and even adults who somehow restrict themse

Author : Yasasvini Sampathkumar Illustrator : Henu Mehtani Publication :  Pratham Books Age : Level 3 (7-10 years) How many of you have trouble sleeping at night? Yawning through the day and feeling fresh like a daisy at night? If you answered yes to the above questions, then it is likely that you will relate to Kottavi Raja too! Meet this insomniac king and enter his sleepy kingdom where the king is forever awake at night and keeping his kingdom awake too. Kottavi Raja's wife, ministers and all the subjects in the kingdom are exasperated, exhausted and annoyed at the king's lack of sleep as all their efforts to put him to sleep are in vain. This Level 3 book by Pratham is an entertaining read. The language is simple and can be easily understood by kids above 4 years and kids above 7 years who read books independently. The story has been woven beautifully through visual imagery created jointly by the author and illustrator. Reading this book aloud to younger one

Author : Rohini Nilekani Illustrators : Angie & Upesh Publication : Pratham Age : Level 2 (3+) This is a part of a series of stories about a banana farmer named Sringeri Srinivas. The series surrounds this banana farmer and quirky tales on his smartness and common sense while dealing with problems in the village. None of them are interconnected but the characters appear throughout the series. As the title suggests, the farmer has a unique problem. His new cow has started making an unusual sound. The other cows, children and the villagers around are getting intimidated by their new neighbour. The farmer is totally at his wits ends and must do something soon to solve this serious problem. And there is a cat too in the picture, to add to the melee and chaos! This Level 2 book from Pratham is a great read aloud book for children aged 2 years and above, and for children above 4 years, who recognize familiar words and can read new words with help. Simple, short sentences inte