Quills: The Hungry Little Porcupine by Shibani Alter (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

  

30^th Book of 2024

After reading 3 books back-to-back by Stephen Alter, I finally got a chance to pick up the book written by his daughter, Shibani Alter was well. The name of the book is “Quills: The Hungry Little Porcupine” which is published by Aleph in around 30-pages. The book has almost the same aesthetics as the books written by Stephen in the same section for Aleph publications. The illustrations adding up to the story are created by Shruti Hemani.

 

Shibani has narrated this story in a very simple flow wherein the same loop repeats as the group of animal friends keeps getting increased one by one. Starting with a porcupine who has left his home in search of food gets scared every time he feels leopard is around him and ends up meeting one of his friends. The set of animals introduced in the story are pig, money, mongoose and goat.

 

The authoress has ensured that she helps the young readers understand the nature of each of the animal and their different skillsets using which they move to the distinct places for survival. Similarly, they bring back different kinds of food produced of different type of plants and lands. She has shown intelligence and presence of mind while scripting the story. The main feature of porcupine which is its quills which hides one of its important features that it can use to protect against harmful animals is revealed in the climax.

 

Overall, this is a well written simple story which the young readers would love to read repeatedly and share with their friends. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

If You Were a Tiger Cub by Stephen Alter (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

29^th Book of 2024

Stephen Alter is one of the very matured authors who know how to infuse the adult-based philosophies in a children book without making it difficult to understand. This is the 3^rd children book I had read by him in just 2 days and I must say with each book I could sense his intention while creating the stories. This time I read “If you were a Tiger Cub” which has been published by Aleph in 30-pages. The book also consists of illustrations created by Mohit Suneja.

 

In If You Were a Tiger Cub, the author takes readers on an enchanting journey through the vibrant Indian jungle, where each creature is brought to life with vivid detail and unique traits. A playful tiger cub sets off on an adventurous exploration, encountering the jungle's diverse inhabitants. A sleek leopard moves silently through the undergrowth, while a hornbill perches high among the branches of a fig tree. Beyond a screen of bamboo, the majestic elephant makes a quiet yet commanding appearance.

 

The sharp call of a sambar deer serves as a sudden warning, urging careful observation—its swift departure reminds readers of its wariness. In a dimly lit cave, a swirling cluster of bats dangles from the ceiling, and a shaggy, fearsome sloth bear arrives, its powerful claws on display. Beneath the forest canopy, the jungle’s secrets unfold: tiny creatures scurry near a towering termite mound, while the roots of a sprawling banyan tree shelter hidden marvels. Through this poetic lens, the author paints a rich tapestry of the jungle, showcasing the beauty and distinct personalities of its wild residents.

 

Stephen wonderfully entertains his readers by making them imagine their life as a tiger cub. One hypothetical version of tiger cub that he mentions, he helps us feel relatable by explaining her relationship with her mother and two brothers. She tells how her brothers put less efforts in good task as compared to her whereas she can be called a tiger baby with good habits. Similarly, author also mentions how even she is dependent upon her brothers at times. The relationship between a mother and child is also given equal prominence and role of a mother is nicely depicted.

 

By the end of the book, I loved how author involves a human being in the story without having highlighted it specifically. That was such a great section to read and relate. Overall, this book is a good empathetical work which makes you feel more compassionate and related to the world of animals. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

How the Cobra Got His Spectacles by Stephen Alter (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

28^th Book of 2024

In India, we have multiple legends for any of the cultural aspect, festival, events etc. The positive thing about it is that we never debate or discuss about it but optimistically accept it considering it to be truth. Based on this concept, Stephen Alter has written this amazing short story named “How the Cobra got his Spectacles” which has been published by Aleph.

 

This 30-pages book discusses the Indian cobra’s regal hood which has a mark shaped like a pair of round spectacles. Author gets deeply into this concept and tries to creates a legend around it with a story that has a great message to it. First of all, the book starts with a introduction explaining about the breed and its special mark keeping it non-fiction. Then author dives down into the story and creates a wonderful tale about the relationship of an old hermit and a young naga.

 

Stephen has very intelligently helped us understand the complete characteristic of snakes. Unlike another book, A Little Lost Elephant, which has many animals mentioned but none explained in details, this book covers snake extensively and helps the readers connect with its personality. Even when the character of monkey enters the story, the nastiness of the animal is nicely displayed through its act of stealing the spectacles.

 

The whole flashback story/dream of the king etc. is nicely narrated which makes us believe it to be a reality. The ending is phenomenal which makes the readers learn that one who does good shall always be blessed by others and elders. Similarly, your good deed shall always be remembered for ages. Overall, the book has been nicely conceptualized and story has been told in a very realistic manner. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

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Writing Buddha