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Into the deep end

In the midst of summer when community facilities started opening up (with limited users) I decided to enroll Advaith for swimming. As someone who enjoys

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020 by ourbooksandthings4 Min Reading
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Bringing up ‘Kerala Kutty’

“Amma, Ghadikaram evide?” (“Amma, where is the clock?”) I almost fell off my chair this morning as Adu asked me that.  ‘Ghadikaram’!? Seriously? (I don’t

September 22, 2020September 23, 2020 by ourbooksandthings2 Min Reading
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The new normal beckons new ways of learning

Not so long ago, when the world had not yet heard of Covid-19, “screen time” was the code word most parents used so that they

September 2, 2020September 9, 2020 by 2 Min Reading

ourbooksandthings

Piya Jayarajan
It has been one hell of a ride from your last birt It has been one hell of a ride from your last birthday to this one. And yet, you never let anything steal your smile. 😘😘 Stay blessed always. 🙏 Happy Fifth my precious child, my little big guy! I love you. ❤❤ #blippifan #TurningFive #AduandAmma #growinguptoosoon #HappyBirthdayAdu
Eager to take a break from the Kindle, I raided my Eager to take a break from the Kindle, I raided my sister in law’s books shelf a few weeks ago, and landed a few interesting titles. Here’s hoping that this year in books read is not as abysmal as last year! 📚📚📚📚📚 On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong The title immediately drew me to the book. The book is written in first person, as a letter, from a son to his mother who cannot read. Fondly called as ‘Little Dog’ by his Ma and Grandma, the narrator takes the reader through his early childhood, parts of his adulthood and the relationships that have played a pivotal role in his life. Through powerful storytelling, the narrator reveals several parts of his life, unknown to his mom. You can sense the parts that he is not comfortable discussing, yet hopes that his mother would understand. Of course, there are several unexpected revelations. Despite the numerous hardships that the mother-son duo have endured, the bond between them is undoubtedly strong. Several other characters such as the grandmother, the estranged grandfather, and others come and go in different parts of the narrative. A family whose roots began in Vietnam, the reader is given a glimpse of the war, the turmoil and how it played a role in an unstable and abusive family life. The narrator has bared his heart, wounds, pleasures, et al. A cathartic experience, if you ask me. Ocean Vuong’s writing is raw and gripping. The story is in equal parts about Love, Loyalty, Hatred and Violence. I would urge you to read this if you are in the mood for something profoundly moving. Rating : ⅘ #booksin2021 #AmmaReads #goodreadschallenge #bibliophile #bookreview #ourbooksandthings
Trips to India have always been our best book haul Trips to India have always been our best book hauls. Goes without saying that 2020 had other plans and that trip never happened. Come 2021, we have started bugging ‘em grandparents (and every other uncle and aunt traveling to India!) to send books this way!🙈🙈 One of @tulikabooks' most popular series, Gajapati Kulapati has been on my list for Advaith for a long time. We finally got our hands on ‘Gurrburrrrooom!’ 📚📚📚📚📚 Gajapati Kulapati Gurrburrrrooom! By Ashok Rajagopalan The main character is of course the beloved elephant ‘Gajapati Kulapati’ (full marks to the author for an immensely creative name for a tusker! it sure is a HIT!) who loves to eat. His ravenous appetite gets the better of him and eventually Gajapati develops a stomach ache. This gentle elephant is the villager’s favourite and they are all worried about his ‘situation’ Now if you thought that was a pretty serious (and worrying!) premise, wait till you read the book.☺️☺️ ✅It is hilarious from the word GO with silly phrases and sounds which had the 4 year old in splits! ✅Backing the chucklesome text are the equally funny and cute illustrations. Also done by the author. I am in awe! ✅Amongst a sea of books that have long winding sentences and concepts that are way above a four year old’s grasp, this book is a refreshing change. You can read it to a two year old and even a five year old, and they would both enjoy it equally. Adu has been choosing this book for the Nth night in a row and we have a good laugh each time we read it. ps: If I talk about the 'plot' anymore, I may just give away the "Gurrrrbrrooooom" suspense! 😂😂😂 ✅A book that has all the characters (four legged and two legged included!) tickling, laughing and trying to cheer each other up. What’s not to love 💕? Next on our list is an equally light-hearted book, but more on that in another post. #booksin2021 #AduandAmma #AduReads #tulikabookslove #GajapatiKulapati #BooksForChildren #IndianAuthors #IndianBooks
Very little needs to be said about this rollercoas Very little needs to be said about this rollercoaster of a year. A year like none other that we have witnessed. A year that has been a constant reminder of how precious the ordinary really is. A walk in the park. A chance to feel the grass. Chase the birds. The sheer joy of being able to be out and about. Irreplaceable. As the year ends, I am thankful beyond words to know that my loved ones, near and far, are safe and sound. Obsessively grateful for all that was and is. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year. Amma and Adu will see you on the other side with more books and things! 😍😍 #GratitudeAboveAll #AduandAmma #Goodbye2020 #Happy2021ToAll
Super stoked! 😍😍 Thank you SO much for choo Super stoked! 😍😍 Thank you SO much for choosing to read Adu's story. 🙏🙏 Also, We are now on Amazon! 💃💃 Many of you reached out asking if there is a hard copy being planned. We are currently exploring options to see if its viable given the circumstances. Fingers crossed! 🤞🤞 Have a great weekend everyone and see you all on the other side!❤❤ #childrensbookillustration #kidstorybook #AdusFirstSadya #Kidlit #kidlitillustrations #picturebooks #childrensebooks #Indianbooks
After a few exciting months of writing, editing an After a few exciting months of writing, editing and rewriting, I am so thrilled to announce that my first children's story book is finally OUT today! 😍😍😍😍 'Adu's First Sadya' highlights a young child's experience of enjoying a traditional meal that is both flavourful and fascinating. This story would not have come alive if it were not for the brilliant illustrations by @padmasreemurali Click on the link in bio to read / download the e-book. Request you to also share the book with your friends and family members who may have young readers at home. Happy reading with your little ones❤❤👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 📚📚📚📚 #kidlit #raisingreaders #kidlitillustrations #childrensbooks #picturebooks #readingisfun #childrensbooks2020 #childrensbookillustration #childrensbookauthorsofinstagram #Kerala #sadyastories #booksforkids #childrenspicturebooks
If you grew up on a steady diet of Amar Chitra Kat If you grew up on a steady diet of Amar Chitra Katha, this picture should bring a smile to your face. 😍😍📚📚 These were gifted to the little fellow, but clearly I am not ready to hand it to him, not just yet! Devouring them today felt just as good as it did all those years ago. 💕💕👩👩 #AmarChitraKatha #nostalgia #bookwormlife #booksin2020 #comics #mythologicalstoriesofindia
A few days ago we celebrated World Mental Health D A few days ago we celebrated World Mental Health Day. If you ask me, everyday should be Mental Health Day. It is never too early to talk about feelings, self care and mental well being. This brings me to my next book recommendation. 🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼 The 4yo recently went through a phase where he was trying to make sense of "feelings", or words that describe different emotions. And by that mean emotions that go beyond just 'happy' or 'sad'. Each time he came across such words, the questions would begin.. " Amma, can you show 'jealous' ? " Amma, can you make 'calm' face? " Amma, 'disappointed' means?? Since I lack the prowess of a Kathakali artist (Read making facial expressions🙈) my answers would often be stories/incidents with the said emotions in context. Until I stumbled upon this gem of a book. 📚📚📚 Usborne " All About Feelings" Any Usborne book for children is an investment and this one is no different. Packed with beautiful narratives and supporting illustrations, this book dives deep into the world of feelings and emotions. Trust me, It is sheer joy to read!! (needs an adult unless child is older to read on his/her own.) ✅The text and pictures not just help the little ones understand what they are going through but also encourages them to talk about it, and details little ways to manage their emotions. ( swipe left to see inner pages) ✅ It addresses probable reasons behind feelings, jumbled feelings, changing feelings and so on. There were certain parts which the 4 year old found a little tough to comprehend at first, and that is okay. (We would go back and re-read when I felt he was ready. ) ✅ 💯It is never too early to talk about mental wellbeing. And the book does exactly that. There is a section on 'being kind to yourself' which is well explained to resonate with a young mind. What is not to love!! I would urge you to add this to your childs bookshelf. It is totally worth it. 😍 #childrensbooks #raisingareader #UsborneBooks #AduReads #MentalHealth #MentalWellbeing #AllAboutFeelings
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