#453 - The Cricket Who Could Not Sing

by Farideh Khalatbaree and illustrated by Azita Arta

“The Cricket Who Could Not Sing” by Farideh Khalatbaree and illustrated by Azita Arta. Published by Eklavya. An endearing story of a cricket who finds himself in a confusing situation.

Cricket had finally reached the jungle after a long journey. Feeling very tired, he took a nap with his instrument under him. He wanted to check the jungle after waking up. This was his first time in one. He had heard so many nice things about it. He wanted to know if it was such a good place in reality. The breeze woke him up quite early he thought.

Cricket used to play his instrument and sing every night. The moon and stars would listen to his music always. The breeze would make the wheat stalks dance to his music. It would always tell him that the jungle was even more beautiful than the fields. This was why the cricket had come to the jungle. But the place was so different than he thought it would be. No one seemed to be listening to his songs here. His music seemed to be getting lost in all the sounds of the jungle. What will he do now? Read the delightful book to find out whether he stays in the jungle or goes back.

It was a pleasure to read a picture book with my nine year old after quite some time. For a change he was willing to read one and said that he enjoyed it. To think that this book had been lying untouched on our shelf for last three years! He didn’t know about the cricket though he had heard it’s sounds during some of our earlier trips. He was so curious to know more about this insect which loves to sing a lot. These were the takeaways for us from the story: It is alright to be yourself than try to be like someone else. Keep doing your work without thinking of the results. To never lose hope and continue doing what we love. The illustrations are so beautiful and we loved looking at them. Thank you Vidya Mani of Funky Rainbow for recommending this lovely book in one of the buzzars.

Recommended Age

The book is apt for children aged 5/6 and above.

Reasons to Read

For a simple and charming story with the important message of self love and being true to your self.

Where to buy from?

The publishers Eklavya here.