By V. V. TONPE

In a country like India where good literature for children is rare, the books under review are of unusual value. Anyone can write for an adult. It takes a genius to write for a child. Shri K. B.Dawale of Karnatak House, Bombay, deserves great appreciation for the yeoman service he is rendering to the younger generation by himself producing, as well as publishing for others, standard books for children in Marathi and in Hindi. Child literature should be simple, captivating, and bold with life’s germinal truths; and I am happy to say that the books published by the Karnatak House are full of these fine qualities. These books ought to find a place in all children’s libraries in every town and school.

Zara Suno Khahani (Hindi) Parts 1, 2, and 3. By Raj Thapad. Published by K. B. Dawale for Mayur Kitaben, Karnatak House, Bombay. Pages 18. Price each As. 4.

These are small anecdotes from Panchatantra, interestingly illustrated. They are bound to be popular among children learning their three R’s; for they are up to their standard and expectation. Such books seem to be simple and easy to write. But, when undertaken by an adult, more often than not, they betray themselves to be the products of a mature mind. Children want books which appeal to a developing mind and not a developed mind. We hope the series will be continued.

Ballu Ka Prakash (Hindi) By Mandakini Dhawale. Published by K. B. Dawale for Mayur Kitaben, Karnatak House, Bombay. Pages 24. Price As. 12.

This small book is an interesting study of the psychology of a child, Ballu, who is given to understand by his elders that his mother would soon escort his new little brother home from hospital. The child is all enthusiastic about the reception he should give to the little brother on his arrival. The way the elders do not quite see things his way, and nearly discourage him, is beautifully suggested; and the author narrates the story from Ballu’s point of view. It is indeed a successful attempt. The book is pleasingly illustrated in colours.

Lokmanya Tilak (Hindi) By Damodar Sikhare, M. A. Published by K. B. Dawale for Mayur Kitaben, Karnatak House, Bombay. Pages 55. Price As. 8.

This is the first of a series of biographies of the outstanding personalities of our country. Sikhare undertook the very responsible yet interesting task of presenting the lives of great personalities like Tilak in a simple and captivating style for the young. Every chapter is illustrated in black and white, and the book has an imposing picture of Tilak on the cover. It will not be an exaggeration to say that children who read this book, Lokmanya Tilak, will await the publication of other biographies in the series with great interest and curiosity.

Sindbad ki Sat Saphar (Hindi) By Anant. Published by K. B. Dawale for Mayur Kitaben, Karnatak House, Bombay. Pages 64. Price As. 12.

Many years ago a translation of this Arabian story, the Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor, was published in Hindi. But it is now perhaps out of print. So Dawale has undertaken the publication of the same now, and Anant has successfully translated it for him. It is illustrated and looks attractive. The print is small, and the lines are perhaps a bit close, but they do not spoil the book’s attractiveness.

Shri Samartha Ramadas (Marathi) By Vithal Vaman Hadap. Published by K. B. Dawale, Karnatak House, Bombay. Pages 22. Price As. 12.

This is a simple life-sketch of the poet-saint of Maharashtra, printed in bold and impressive letters. There are realistic picures by way of illustration, and the language is simple with a native strength and grace. At the end of the book there is a small exercise in grammar and a panel of eleven simple questions on the subject.

Buddhacharita (Hindi) By Kashinath Pothdar. Published by K. B. Dawale, Karnatak House, Bombay, for Sridhar Publishers. Pages 112. Price Rs. 1/8.

Kashinath Pothdar writes the serene life of the Buddha in arresting language for young readers who have travelled half way on the road of Marathi literature. No interesting incident in the Lord’s life has escaped the writer’s pen, and the book also appeals even to the child in the grown-up. It is profusely illustrated, and the book’s appearance is pleasant, though one observes the sheer repetition of the head and the tail pieces of art adorning the book.

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