#368 - Looking For Inspiration
by Mamta Nainy and illustrated by Kalyani Ganapathy
“Looking For Inspiration : How Rabindranath Tagore penned his favourite poem” by Mamta Nainy and illustrated by Kalyani Ganapathy. Published by Penguin. A delightful story of how poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore found inspiration to write such lovely poetry.
The book starts off with Robi (that is how Tagore was fondly known as) having a dreadful day. It was one of those days which he wished never came. He was having a writer’s block you see. Something that is dreaded by anyone trying to write! But such days cropped up every once in a while. He needed the assistance of something which is invaluable at such times. What else but inspiration!
Right now inspiration was elusive. Robi had to find it soon. So he sets off trying to look for it. Where could inspiration be found? Robi dons his thinking cap and starts off on his mission. He has always found inspiration in nature right from his childhood days. Inspiration must be out there somewhere enjoying nature. Off he sets to his usual haunts like the garden, stream, terrace etc. Where is inspiration after all? Will Robi be able to find inspiration? Will he be able to start writing? If so, on which topic will he pen down a poem? Read this delightful book to go around with Robi looking for inspiration and get to know what happens.
My 8.5 year old and I enjoyed reading this charming book. It was fun trying to find inspiration at the expense of Robi who was getting tired. The illustrations are so gorgeous and filled with details making the story come alive. Robi’s expressions particularly are a delight to see. A couple of poems that Robi had already written inspired by scenes he saw in the places where he was looking for inspiration have been given. We were thrilled to find an old favourite which we had read thanks to the book “The Champa Flower” from the “Tantalizing Tagore” series published by Katha.
This book is part of “The Magic Makers” series which brings the stories of eminent people who ended up creating magic in their respective fields. We have read and enjoyed the other two books in the series already namely , “Roshan’s Road to Music” on Annapurna Devi who was one of the greatest Surbahar players and “That Big-Voiced Girl” on Usha Uthup who is a legendary singer.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6 and above.
Reasons to Read
The book tells children how inspiration plays an important role in creative pursuits like writing through the story of Rabindranath Tagore.
Where to buy from?
An independent bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India, for review. Thank you to Greeshma and Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!