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A Sailor Called Wet Paint and Other Secret Stories from History
by Nandini Nayar"What can a lady in a thin sari do to survive in COLD England?How will a ship's crew RETURN home without any money?When did the young ayah last see her OWN family?And why, oh why, did the sailor write WET PAINT in a young girl's diary?Nannies and sailors taken 4,000 miles away to England to work...it's the same SORRY tale. Often ABANDONED, they have to find their own way across the sea, back home to India! It's upsetting. It's shocking. It's breaking our hearts. What are we to DO? Well, here are stories - a whole SHEAF of them about AYAHS in a foreign land and the Indian crew of LASCARS on ships, questioning why the British don't treat these people kindly. Asking to give them the home, the care and the freedom they deserve. But is ANYONE listening? Are YOU? "
Porcupines in My Pants and Other Craziness
by Anupama RamanujamLife's going to be easy...said no one ever.Especially for a PlayStation-loving twelve-year-old in a futuristic city. Being twelve matters. Because that's when I am packed off by the Council on a hardcore, muscle-numbing strugglethon across the five Thinais - the treacherous hills, fatiguing fields, muddy mangroves, dry desert lands and dense forests - to come out shining...or whining. The latter is more my style. It's me against Nature. Me versus wild animals. Me against who-knows-what-lurks. Me versus Me. Get the picture? How this will help me grow up and glow up all in one go, I don't know. But I'm about to find out. So are you!
The Invincible Heroes and Other Friendship Stories from Mythology
by Sreelata MenonRelive the glorious past with more than 35 friendship tales from India and around the world.Step boldly into the world of majestic royals, valiant warriors, loyal servants and true companions like Krishna and Arjuna, Achilles and Patroclus, Hercules and Hylas, Sita and Trijata, Gilgamesh and Enkidu, and other extraordinary pairs. Witness their fierce loyalty, daring brawls and amusing tricks like never before in these long-lived tales of companionship that survived trials, dared dangers and triumphed over sands of time. Written with a dash of wit and a sprinkle of magic, these enchanting stories will take you on a journey of laughter, battles, whispered secrets and an unshakable appreciation of true friendship - even when your buddy is armed with playful pranks!
The Fearless Twins and Other Sibling Stories from Mythology
by Sreelata MenonGo on a whirlwind tour of faraway lands with more than 35 sibling tales from India and around the world.Cross paths with kings, warriors, princesses, squabbling duos and kindred spirits like Krishna and Subhadra, Hengist and Horsa, Romulus and Remus, Lava and Kusha, Apollo and Artemis, and other timeless pairs. Witness their fierce love, fiery clashes and delightful mischief like never before in these enchanting stories that have shaped cultures, defined eras and celebrated the undying bond that only brothers and sisters can share. Written with a blend of humour and a touch of magic, these tales of old will tickle your funny bone, tug at your heartstrings and inspire you to believe in the incredible power of family - even when your sibling is ready to shoot an arrow your way!
Arun and the Royal Rumpus
by Eoin RedahanWould you rather have the body of a tiger and the head of a boy, or the body of a boy and the head of a tiger?(Arun wants to know)When Arun, a twelve-year-old mischief maker hiding in the mountains, finds out about the plot to capture the crazy King Lalu, he vows to stop the vicious Vin and his thugs - by joining them. Armed only with a pea-shooter, Arun journeys through treacherous terrain, eerie forests, rushing rivers and even the sewers of Asamana with the help of the quick-tempered Krishma and scrappy Sai. Whether it's outsmarting the brutes, stealing a grouchy giant's keys, or trotting down a narrow mountain ledge on a one-eyed pony, Arun is ready to brave it all to save the king. Brimming with humour and adventure, this is not just one boy's gritty tale of friendship, family and mayhem- it's a downright royal rumpus!
Flying Horses, Secret Rivers, Magical Cities: Incredible Adventures in India and Beyond
by Anu KumarJust a hundred years ago, much of the world was unknown - believe it or not!Secret cities lay hidden in the intimidating Himalayas, the perilous passes to them known to only a few. Fierce monsters were said to lurk in the swamps of north-east India. The mighty River Brahmaputra flowed through Assam and Bengal, but its place of origin was a big mystery. And in the cold, windy deserts of Central Asia, the fastest horse on earth galloped wild. Yet, intrepid explorers - men and women - full of curiosity and thirsty for knowledge, travelled to these distant and forbidding places. They returned with extraordinary tales and important discoveries, forever leaving their mark on history.Read their stories and join them on their exciting explorations in this rare book! Find how a way to Tibet was discovered, who brought the healing cinchona plant to the subcontinent, why the north-west frontier was once a very dangerous place, where exactly the Brahmaputra began its journey, what led to the rhododendron becoming a popular plant in faraway Britain, and much, much more!
A History of South India for Children: From Prehistory to Vijayanagara
by Pradeep ChakravarthyThe Kohinoor diamond was once the eye of a Kakatiya deity.The Pandyas are counted among the world's longest ruling dynasties. Sanskrit poets spun mesmerizing verse that could be read in reverse too. Tantalizing Malabar spices flavoured the most lavish ancient Roman banquets. Make your way across south India, exploring its kaleidoscopic past and dazzling heritage, right from its first inhabitants up to the Vijayanagara Empire. Meet its royalty and courtiers, builders and sculptors, poets and authors, traders and merchants, spiritual leaders and devotees, and all the other people who went to make it a top destination of the time. Separated from the north by the Vindhya mountains and surrounded on three sides by water, southern India developed its own unique features - with outstanding rulers, incredible literature, spellbinding architecture, stunning dance forms and delicious food. Written in an easy style, by theme, and peppered with illustrations, photographs and tips for museum or monument visits, this very first history of south India for children (and their families) tells the thrilling and eventful story of the region's proud past.
Miracles in Medicine: 25 Life-changing Medical Ideas and Inventions Across the Ages
by Roopa PaiCan you imagine a world where surgeries and amputations were conducted without anaesthesia?OUCH! Or one in which disease was believed to be caused by 'stinky air'?WEIRD!Or a world where treating madness involved drilling a hole through the skull to release the supposed 'demons' inside your head?SAY WHAAAAA...?!Guess what? That was our world, just about 250 years ago! All of this began to change in the eighteenth century with the coming of modern medicine. This brave new science, full of brilliant breakthroughs, was built on the hard work, dedication and persistence of thousands of curious minds across the ages, from Arabia to China and India to Europe. Packed with fascinating stories, insights and illustrations, this book is a celebration of 2,500 years of human endeavour and innovation in the medical sciences. Read it, and raise a rousing cheer to the amazing people who gave their all to unravel the secrets of the natural world and the human body, so that we could live longer, healthier and happier lives.
Cobra in My Kitchen and Other Adventures with Wildlife
by Zai WhitakerROAR! HISS! SQUEAK! NYUK-NYUK!Wildlife sure sounds fun, doesn't it? Explore the wild with Zai Whitaker, an eager adventurer raised among India's pioneering conservation heroes! Together with Romulus Whitaker, the 'Snake Man of India', Zai developed the Madras Crocodile Bank, to research and conserve crocodiles and other 'herps'. From living with cobras as to hatching sea turtles and from watching birds to stalking termites, Zai has a long and thrilling trail of escapades. Her stories, poems and real-life accounts take you from Chennai to the Western Ghats, from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Papua New Guinea, and beyond into her wildly wonderful imagination! Beautifully illustrated, Cobra in my Kitchen and Other Adventures with Wildlife introduces you to the fascinating side of wriggly snakes, jumpy frogs, lively lizards, colourful chameleons and even a tiger or two, along with many more unmissable adventures! Hop on to this sensational safari of discoveries for children and the whole family!
Fun with Festivals
by Hachette IndiaNow enjoy your favourite festival even more with myths, legends and fun things to do throughout the year!From Diwali's dazzle to Holi's hues, from Navratri's beats to Eid's feasts and from Christmas carols to New Year treats, get set to rejoice with your loved ones. Packed with festive facts, wonderful things to make, and exciting activities to do with friends and family, this delightful book has everything you need to turn each day into a cheerful celebration. It's all here! So why wait? Learn to make your favourite goodies, help your folks decorate the house, make DIY gifts for your friends, and dig into this super one-stop celebration collection to create cherished memories.
The Om Mala: Meanings of the Mystic Sound
by Nityanand MisraThe OM Mala is a book (and a mala or a rosary) about just one word-OM. OM is one of the shortest Sanskrit words, and yet is perhaps the most powerful one, besides being a globally recognized mystic mantra.The OM Mala gives 84 names of OM from Sanskrit texts and explains their meanings in 109 sections or beads: 108 chanting beads and one 'sumeru' bead. Each bead offers the meaning(s), explanation, traditions, etymology, and quotations for one or more names of OM. The book covers rare names of OM like 'shrutipada' and 'rasa' as well as common names like 'om', 'udgitha', and 'pranava'. Popular meanings (like Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva) and rare meanings (like inhalation, holding the breath, and exhalation) are included.The book contains teachings and narratives related to OM from Veda-s, Upanishad-s, Smriti-s, Purana-s, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Yoga, Tantra, Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. Pearls on OM from poems, plays, and works on music and Ayurveda are presented. The use of OM in Yogic breathing and meditation is explained and the explanations/relevance of OM in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism is briefly touched upon. The OM Mala is a mini-encyclopaedia on OM and associated concepts in Indian religions and culture.
Mahaviri: Hanuman Chalisa Demystified
by Nityanand MisraThe Hanuman Chalisa authored by Goswami Tulsidas is one of the most popular Hindu devotional hymns. The 'Mahaviri' Hindi commentary (1984) by Swami Rambhadracharya has been acclaimed as the best treatise on the Hanuman Chalisa. This book presents an annotated and expanded English translation of the 'Mahaviri' commentary by Nityanand Misra.Each of the 43 verses of the 'Hanuman Chalisa' is explained in three stages. The first phase being a word-for-word translation to help the reader understand the literal meaning of each word in a verse. The second is a simple English translation of each verse. This third and final phase is an informed commentary on the true meaning of the verse, explaining the deep essence of the text with citations from authoritative Hindu scriptures (the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, etc.) and other works of Goswami Tulsidas. All such citations are also translated into English.Following the commentary, Misra also provides five useful appendices for advanced readers. These include more than 120 endnotes (annotations), a detailed note on the prosody and rhythm of all the verses for chanters, the musical notation of the traditional melody of the Hanuman Chalisa for devotional singers and instrumentalists, and two alphabetical indexes for all words and verses used in the hymn.The book is a must-have for reciters and singers of the Hanuman Chalisa who want to understand the deep essence of Tulsidas's timeless hymn to Hanuman. It targets laypersons as well as scholarly readers. The design of the book, including font sizes and line spacing, is suitable for the elderly as well. The book has reached thousands of readers across the globe and has been praised as “the most comprehensive guide to the Hanuman Chalisa available in English”. It has been loved by readers for not only its scholarship and research, but also for its beautiful production, aesthetic typeface, attractive layout, and excellent footnotes and appendices.
Unstoppable: 75 Stories of Trailblazing Indian Women
by Gayathri PonvannanMeet the wonder women of Indian history! They flew planes, swam across oceans, led armies, performed stunts, built cities and captured historic moments on camera, despite being constantly told to stay home, because that’s what ‘good girls’ did. These were women who dared to dream and worked hard to turn their dreams into reality, who shaped their own destinies and refused to let anyone tell them what to do. Featuring the amazing adventures of Janaki Ammal, Rani Abbakka, Nadia Wadia, Sarla Sharma Thakral, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and many others, Unstoppable is a collection of 75 power-packed stories of the extraordinary Indian women who broke the rules to change the world around them for the better.
Wonderkids: 100 Children Who grew Up to Be Champions of Change
by Anu KumarMeet a hundred famous people who started small but made a big difference in the world It’s easy to forget that all the great people who shaped the world we live in – inventors, leaders, writers, actors, musicians, environmentalists, reformers, athletes and artists – were once children, just like you! That there was something – a spark, a talent, a curiosity or just a dream – which was shaped by them as they grew, and led them to become amazing achievers who inspired others to look at things in a different way. From Anne Frank to Malala Yousafzai, Marco Polo to Muhammad Yunus, Jesse Owens to Thandiwe Chama, Jagadish Chandra Bose to Albert Einstein, and Charles Darwin to Coco Chanel, Wonder Kids gives you a peek into the childhoods of icons from different walks of life. Tracing how their thoughts and actions as children had an impact on their communities or the whole world later, the compact life stories in this book have a common, shining message – that you are never too young to start to break the mould!
A Tigress Called Machhli and Other True Animal Stories from India
by Supriya SehgalMeet the superstars of India’s animal kingdom! A crocodile who loves eating rice. A mule who won an award for bravery. A photogenic tigress who ruled Ranthambore. Swashbuckling monitor lizards. Rats believed to be the children of a goddess. Cuddly dogs who help nervous travellers. Five thousand punctual parrots… These and many other curious creatures, along with their equally curious human friends, inhabit the pages of this very curious book. Soar, crawl, hop and scamper about with them as they take you on a most unusual journey around the country. Cheerfully told and charmingly illustrated, these animal stories, collected from cities, jungles, rescue missions and maybe even your own neighbourhood, are funny, fascinating and downright adorable. And the best part? They’re all completely true!
Blessed
by Deepa AgarwalShe darted up to her brother, grabbed his stick of chalk and scrawled an intricate shape that her fingers traced, she didn’t know how... Selentra, youngest of three siblings born to a weaver’s family living in the dark-forested hills of Kote, suddenly discovers that she has the extraordinary gift the Ancients spoke of. Little does Selentra’s family know that her astonishing ability, when mastered, could free their gagged country from the wicked Ag-yanees. All her secret might have earned Selentra was the sullen jealousy of her brother, Dumor – the oh-so-unworthy favourite. But her power could prove so huge, so vital and so potent that her ruthless enemies are already poised to strike her down. Who will protect Selentra from her foes – including her own brother – as she crosses the chasm between her destiny and her will? Is Selentra doomed? Or truly blessed? Sharp as an icy wind, gleaming like a charmed gem and twisty as a mountain path, this imaginative tale of courage and conflict will make you wish that it were true.
501 Facts Factory: Amazing Buildings of the World
by Sreelata MenonHumans have not stopped building since they learned how to, and this book takes you on a fun, fact-packed tour of the architectural masterpieces and curiosities people have built over the centuries. From ancient monuments to lofty modern marvels, from technical feats to the fabulously fanciful, and from rich royal residences to sacred spiritual spaces, Amazing Buildings of the World covers forts and castles, palaces and pavilions, temples and shrines, museums and libraries, lighthouses and clock towers, and many more unusual buildings that will make you go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’! With bite-sized information and photographs, this wellresearched book gives you an entertaining peek into man-made structures worldwide. What are you waiting for? Step into the 501 Facts Factory to see a fascinating line-up of the most brilliant buildings ever.
Mouse Attack
by MagnoliaTHINGS BEGIN TO HAPPEN WHEN THERE’S A SMART MOUSE IN THE HOUSE! Arvee, a clever and scholarly mouse, is horrified to find that he must leave his laboratory to live as a house pet. His new home, Paradise Villa, is charming and comfortable but boring. And lonely. All that changes when Arvee meets bright, feisty Ellie and the rest of her family of house mice. They tell him about Pasha, a huge, fearsome rat who, along with his thugs, has taken over Paradise Villa, harassing and enslaving the mice. A small, brave band of rebels is ready to fight back. But how? Arvee brings his thinking skills to the struggle, pulling in the help of other house creatures. But Pasha has very different plans for him. And Alphonso the cat is not too far behind either. Will Arvee succeed in helping Ellie, her family and all the other mice under attack?
Mouse Invaders
by MagnoliaARVEE, THE SMARTEST MOUSE IN THE HOUSE, IS UP AGAINST A TWISTY CHALLENGE! Arvee is back at Paradise Villa after his round-the-world travels! But his friend Ellie and her family are in deep trouble in their garden home. The Shrew Police are in control, with their hateful rules and bullying ways. And what’s worse – baby mice have been regularly vanishing from their homes. Worst of all is the slithering terror that haunts Lantana ouse Enclave. Something huge, black and . . . smelly. Desperate to help his friends, Arvee plunges into the fray. But the unexpected arrival of Cutie Pie, a glamorous mouse from his home laboratory, overturns his plans. In the fight between the tiny and the mighty, even a small slip can be very risky. Will Arvee be able to save his buddies, or has he nibbled off more than he can possibly chew?
Temple Tales: Secrets and Stories from India's Sacred Places
by Sudha G. TilakWhich holy place in India has the mysteries of the universe hidden away in an icy cave? Where would you find a shrine for a goddess of veggies? At which deity’s temple is the daily offering a tonic, of all things? This delightful and enchanting book opens the doors to the secrets and surprises hidden in temples across the country. These unique temples are not just places of worship, but living museums of architectural wonders, mind-boggling sculptures, graceful dances, colourful crafts and many other cultural activities. More than anything, they are treasure troves of lore and legend, teeming with tales of gods and goddesses, demons and devotees, plants and beasts, the magical and the mysterious – all just waiting to be discovered by you. Join Sudha G. Tilak as she takes you on an unusual journey to the country’s most sacred places, where the lines between fact and faith are blurred and stories come alive!
A Treasury of Tales from the Kathasaritasagara
by Jayashree BhatFantastic Fables and Where to Read Them Pssst… come here. A little closer. Yes, yes, right here. Now, what sort of story are you looking for? One with action and adventure, wily villains and valiant warriors? Or something that will make you laugh till your stomach hurts? Or perhaps you’d prefer a tale with some good old-fashioned magic? Well, whatever it is, you’ll find it all here – in this delightful trove of stories picked from one of India’s oldest classics, Somadeva’s Kathasaritasagara (The Ocean of the Streams of Story), dusted and polished for a new generation of readers. Go on, step in, but be careful – the shape-shifters aren’t quite what they seem (obviously), the tricksters are always looking for someone to fool, and don’t be shocked if you meet a talking animal. Oh, and one last thing – make sure you ace the vetala’s quiz. Or else …
501 Facts Factory: Amazing Countries of the World
by Ananya SubramaniFrance covers the most number of time zones in the world, with 12 of them. Libya is the driest country in the world, with 99 per cent of its land covered in desert. China accounts for about 30 per cent of global carbon-dioxide emissions. In Denmark, parents have to choose baby names from a list of 7,000 government-approved names. Every nation on earth is brimming with amazing people, places, events, lifestyles, customs, laws and quirks, and this book takes you on a fun, fact-packed trip through the most fascinating, remarkable and colourful of these. From what happened in the past to current happenings, from language to landscapes, from festivals to flags, from food to famous people, and from transport to technology in the most well-known and the remotest of locations, Amazing Countries of the World covers a range of topics and themes that will make you go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’! With bite-sized information and photographs, this wellresearched volume gives you an entertaining peek into countries worldwide. What are you waiting for? Step into the 501 Facts Factory for a whirlwind world tour!
The Spark That Changed Everything: Stories of the Greatest Discoveries, Ideas and Inventions
by Veena PrasadFirst, they made fire. With fire, they made food… and later tools to cultivate more food. With cultivation came homes… which became societies and then civilizations. And humans are still thinking of extraordinary ideas every day! Countless discoveries, ingenious inventions and lucky accidents have gone into shaping the world as we know it today. This book delves into science, history and every subject in between, revealing the stories behind the most significant breakthroughs that humans have made through the ages – from clothing, cartography and chemistry to music, maths and metallurgy. Find out who had the biggest brainwaves, how these set other innovations in motion and why some great ideas are not necessarily good ideas! Peppered with illustrations, photographs and fabulous facts, The Spark That Changed Everything is a lively and fascinating account of the marvels of human imagination and enterprise. So what are you waiting for? Take a trip to our thrilling past and see how we got here.
WOW! INDIA: 500 INCREDIBLE RECORDS AND FASCINATING FACTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
by Hachette IndiaThe highest railway bridge in the world is being built in India. The person who has climbed the Everest the most number of times is an Indian. The world’s largest film poster was made in India. India has the largest WhatsApp user base in the world. Yes, India is always bursting at the seams with awe-inspiring achievements, fantastic feats, inspiring inventions and terrific triumphs. Every day, someone somewhere in our vast nation is trying to break an existing record and set a new one in fields ranging from building to business, sports to movies, nature to transport and art to astronomy, besides others such as education, dance and music. Bringing together the most fascinating and useful facts selected from the iconic Limca Book of Records, India’s only comprehensive book of records for more than 30 years, Wow! India tells you all about India’s firsts, mosts, bests and more. With snack-sized information, photographs and activities, this book is your smart route to better GK as well as a ready reckoner for everything you wanted to know about the country’s hits and wins. DON’T MISS! o DID-YOU-KNOWs: Exciting snippets to add to your info-bag o ACTION STATION: Fun things to do and your own dream records to think of
The Mad and Magical World of Sukumar Ray
by Sukumar RayWelcome to the extraordinary world of Sukumar Ray – King of Humour and Wizard of Wordplay! A gifted poet, writer, playwright and illustrator, Ray wrote stories of various shapes, colours and flavours, transforming words into things of wonder and whimsy for generations of readers. Featuring broken stars and enchanted forests, cures for anger and greed, lazy pigs and sly parrots, wicked sorcerers and talking dolls, many of the tales in this unusual medley have been translated into English for the first time. The collection highlights not only Ray’s crazy imagination but also his ability to breathe life into fables from faraway lands. Brimming with wit and magic, this dazzling display of Sukumar Ray’s storytelling genius is sure to leave you utterly spellbound.