#423 - How Not to Get Wet in the Rain : 21 Tales For Tricky Times
by Dr.Sunanda Kulkarni and illustrated by Debasish Sarma
“How Not to Get Wet in the Rain : 21 Tales For Tricky Times” by Dr.Sunanda Kulkarni and illustrated by Debasish Sarma. Published by Penguin. A delightful collection of stories which show us how most problems can be solved with a dash common sense, wit and wisdom.
The book is a treasure trove of 21 short stories which convey important messages without being too preachy. These timeless Indian traditional tales are filled with tricks to solve various problems however strange or impossible they may seem. The stories feature a wide variety of characters spanning across ages and places. From a strange mouse girl to a king who cannot stop coughing to a mysterious person who manages to pull the emperor’s beard without getting punished, the stories have them all.
Some of the stories tell us how things which are taken for granted in the present time came to be. Like how umbrellas, raincoats and slippers were created. Some others convey wise messages of how to face a problem or what to do in a tricky situation. What is a simple way to divide five oranges equally among seven children? How to turn brass into diamonds? How to remain dry in the rain? What do you do when in a tricky situation or a problem surfaces with no solution in sight? Read the refreshing book of course, to learn a trick or two like these to solve problems :)
My nine year old and I had a great time reading these stories. The stories kept us hooked throughout. We couldn’t resist guessing what the solution would be every time. The wit and wisdom made us appreciate the timeless appeal of these tales. Every message was conveyed through an apt and interesting story. While some were set in current times, others were from the past. The book is ideal for a bedtime read or even while travelling. The language is simple, writing style is soothing and the stories are filled with charm and manage to keep the readers well engaged. The accompanying illustrations add a lovely touch to the stories being told. We found the stories to be a source of comfort and it felt as though a grandparent was lovingly telling us a story! The book is definitely a “MUST READ” for everyone aged 8 and above. I am sure even reluctant readers will not be able to resist the stories :) It is amazing to know that the author is a distinguished doctor from our city of Bengaluru and this is her first book in English. She has written quite a few articles and stories in Kannada before. Looking forward to reading more from her now!
Recommended Age
The book is apt for everyone aged 8 and above.
Reasons to Read
For a lovingly curated collection of simple and engaging stories sprinkled with wit and wisdom which convey timeless messages.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India, for review. Thank you to Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!