Last Updated on September 29, 2018
This is the year that I hope to cut down on the amount of throw-away plastic junk in our lives. Although, as I’m discovering, avoiding disposable trinkets can be something of a challenge. Especially when you have kids.
One easy win, though, was shown to me by my friend Kelly some time ago. At the end of her little girl’s birthday party, instead of handing my son a bag of bits and bobs, I would no doubt find discarded under his bed in a few days’ time, she gave him a book. It was Phoenix Song by Tutu Dutta and Martina Peluso. Almost three years later it remains a favourite.
The reason I mention this here – other than the fact I thought it was a brilliant idea worth sharing – is that this was our first encounter with Lantana Publishing. Since then, I followed them on Instagram, and have become something of a fan. I like that they work with writers and illustrators from around the world, depicting characters from a diverse range of ethnic and social backgrounds. In doing so, they seek to give all children the chance to see themselves in the books they read, as well as opening up new cultures and places to inquiring, young minds. And that in itself seems worthy of praise.
But on top of this, we also love their books because they always contain such warmth, charm and wit. And so, when Lantana recently got in touch to see if I would review a copy of one of their new 2018 releases, Nimesh the Adventurer by Ranjit Singh and Mehrdokht Amini, I jumped at the chance.
And, I’m so very glad I did. As are my 2 and 6-year-olds – who have already promoted Nimesh to be one of the favoured picture books on the bedtime rotation.
The story itself follows Nimesh’s journey from his classroom, out of school, along the high street, past the park and back home. Not much adventure in that, you might think. Except, Nimesh is a boy with a big imagination.
He takes cues from the everyday world to set him on exciting flights of fancy. He spots a poster about sea life on the school corridor; he is soon scuba diving past sharks. He sees a pirate-themed birthday cake in a shop window; on the next page, he is battling fearsome buccaneers with a baguette. This makes my son laugh every time.
Alongside the humour which peppers the book, one of the things I like the most is what a pleasure it is to read aloud. The scenes are propelled along by an interplay between the voice of the adult narrator and that of enthusiastic Nimesh, who invites us all into his wonderful, make-believe world. And it must be said, the bold illustrations, which are chock full of colour and pattern, are a delight too. The use of collage – which mixes photographs and illustrations – beautifully captures the blurring between the real world and Nimesh’s wonderful daydream.
The journey ends when Nimesh arrives home to his parents, which is shown as a place of love and security. A perfect place to help nurture the big dreams of a little boy.
Verdict: A playful adventure of a book – full of funny, colourful detail. Kids will delight in seeing how the ordinary can become quite extraordinary when you unleash the power of your imagination.
Perfect for: 2 – 5-year olds.
Buy at Amazon.co.uk / The Book Depository
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1 comment
My daughter went to a birthday party a couple of years back & was also given a book as the thank you gift. I also thought it was such a great idea, as an alternative to bits & bobs that end up at landfill and a lovely keepsake. With children a similar age to yours I love your book recommendations, and this story sounds lovely & the illustrations are beautiful! Thank you!