Literature for the Young

Ever since my niece was born, I was determined to make her a book-reader. There are many my age and younger than I who seem to get disgusted at the sight of books- and nothing is more upsetting than a child who hates to read, for reading is the ultimate source of knowledge, of understanding and of adventures. Since she was born, I have been stacking up books comprising of some of my old favourites, and some that I never had the privilege to read. I have also learned that reading out to them from an early age increases their eagerness to read once they have the ability to do so themselves.

The great thing about these books is that they don't have an age-limit. Some books, for example Little Women, are ones I could enjoy now as much as I did was I was eleven. So here, I'm making a list of some books which children can learn from and enjoy, from the time they learn to read.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: This is the adventurous story that has inspired many a generation of children to let out their 'inner monsters', portraying how imagination allows for an escape from the chaos of life. It is also a wonderful testament to family love, when young Max returns from his dreams, and found that his mother had saved him some hot dinner.

Matilda by Roald Dahl: This is the book that inspired me to read, and convinced me, at a young age, that when there are books- you seldom need much else. Matilda is a story of a young girl who had a profound love for reading, terrible parents but a wonderful teacher, and how she shows the world that magic exists if you believe in it enough!

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: It is difficult to imagine a story more affecting and touching than the tale of a tree that gives its life for a boy. This story has been interpreted along environmentalist and religious lines, but all can agree on the beauty of its underlying theme—generosity, something we all need to embed into our children early on.

Dipu No.2 by Mohammad Zafar Iqbal: Dipu No.2 has appealed to and satisfied many youths throughout generations. As Dipu faces a clash of culture along with bullies, how he overcomes these obstacles and becomes a hero is what brings this story alive. This detective story teaches one of courage, mystery and making friends. Many young adults still indulge in this story as their favourite detective tale.

Kakababu by Sunil Gangopadhyay: Kakababu is a crippled (handicapped) ex-Director of the Archaeological Survey of India, whose real name is Raja Roychowdhury. Kakababu's adventures are ones you want to instantly become a part of, trapped on several occasions, from which he comes out unscathed. Talent, wit, and a thirst for adventure- you can develop and cherish them all once you read Kakababu.

Professor Shonku by Satyajit Ray: A collection of seven stories, to which two other were added in later editions, Professor Shonku's adventures revolve around the world and importance of science and scientific thinking. While we have many stories that teach us adventure and imaginations, Professor Shonku lets us use them with a more scientific and grounded purpose.

With such a set of books, we can teach children that beside our academics, there are other important things such as kindness, imagination, wit and adventure. While good grades can get us through school, good books can get us through life.