#433 - All~Time Favourite Nature Stories
by Ruskin Bond and illustrated by David Yambem
“All~Time Favourite Nature Stories” by Ruskin Bond and illustrated by David Yambem. Published by Penguin. A delightful collection of twenty five gorgeously illustrated timeless tales about nature from the master storyteller from the hills.
The book has been curated around the theme of nature in full splendour. The stories showcase Mr Bond’s deep love and attachment to nature and particularly the hills around him. They feature endearing characters and charming illustrations. They are bound to make one yearn to go to their setting and soak in their beauty. From the rustle of the leaves to the chirping of the birds to serene landscapes dotted with beautiful trees adorned with fruits or charming flowers to gurgling streams to the stillness of the forests to the changing of seasons, the stories have it all. The stories also feature themes like friendship, simple joys, friendly ghosts, nostalgia, adventure, mischief and curiosity.
The book starts off with one of the most popular tales by Mr Bond namely “The Cherry Tree” which is a favourite at our home. Given our love for nature, hills, forests and birds in particular, this book was just perfectly suited for us. There are beautiful poems related to the theme after every five chapters. They try and tell us to be mindful of the creations of nature and to take notice of its beauty around us no matter how busy we may be. Here goes a short and sweet poem with a beautiful message for the reader as always.
Little one, don’t be afraid of this big river,
Be safe in these warm arms, forever,
Grow tall, my child, be wise and strong,
But do not take from any man his song.
This is a book that will connect the readers to nature and foster or rekindle love for it in them. I and my nine year old son were enthralled by the stories and just couldn’t get over them. While we knew a couple of them already having read them in other books, most were new for us. Also, this book is super special for us for another memorable reason. It was launched on Mr Bond’s 89th birthday recently (May 19, 2023) and we got to meet him in person!
My son’s joy knew no bounds when he got this unexpected opportunity to meet his most favourite author. He had been hankering to meet him but it hadn’t been possible so far given Mr Bond’s age and the fact that he was hardly stepping out of his home given the pandemic we’ve all found ourselves in. When news of him coming for the launch of this book to Cambridge Book Depot in Mussoorie came about, we knew this was it! We somehow had to go. This was an absolute last minute unplanned long trip that we have ever managed to do in our lives and we just can’t believe we did it :) A big shout out to the Penguin team and Cambridge Book Depot for managing such a delightful event so well! It was a treat for us to pick up a signed copy of the book in the morning of the launch and wait in a line for Mr Bond to come in the late afternoon. My son was so thrilled to have the book that he just couldn’t wait to read it. And off he started reading the book as we waited. This was an unusual thing for him to do! Never had he done it before :D
Recommended Age
The book is apt for anyone aged 8 and above.
Reasons to Read
For a handpicked collection of stories around nature by one of India’s most loved writers for nature stories, especially for children.