#487 - Friends Behind Walls
by Harshikaa Udasi and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi
“Friends Behind Walls” by Harshika Udasi and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi. Published by Puffin, the children’s imprint of Penguin. A heartwarming tale of two children who forge an unexpected friendship despite the opposition from their parents.
Putti is excited about his summer vacation. He has convinced his father to take him to Deolali this time where they have a family home. He has never been there before. Shanti Park Society where their home is seems very weird. The neighbours seem to keep to themselves and no one talks to one another. His parents have forbidden him from talking to his neighbours. When he spots a girl called Inu next door, a friendship starts between the two of them much to the consternation of their parents.
Inu and Putti are flabbergasted when their parents don’t want them to play together. Flabbergasted here doesn’t have anything to do with food and farts. They are shocked and cannot understand why the adults have a problem with their friendship. They need to put on their sleuthing hats and get to the bottom of the mystery. They have to find out why their society is weird. Why won’t anyone let them be friends? Can the grumpy old Mr Om Namaha or Dr Solanki be of any help to them in finding out? Will they have to trudge up the Temple Hill to find the fearsome old woman, called Tekdichi Mhatari by the townsfolk, to solve this mystery? Read the delightful book to find out if Inu and Putti can bring down the walls between their homes and parents.
The story of Inu and Putti was such a delightful one. Their resolution to bring about a change in the residents of Shanti Park and the spirit of their friendship are so endearing. My nine year old and I kept cheering for them as we read the book. Like them, we were curious to know why their parents did not like each other. They were on a mission to knock down the walls built around them and their homes by the adults which seemed so pointless. The themes of friendship, determination, problem solving, petty fights, jealousy and unwanted comparison make up the story. The message that jealousy and unhealthy competition can drive people towards breaking relationships comes through strongly. Also how people end up creating walls around themselves and stay away from friendships has been portrayed well. We loved the way big words used have been split and explained in a funny way adding a generous dose of humour. Through their story we also got a glimpse of the idyllic life in a small town like Deolali. The delightful illustrations bring the whole setting and the characters to life.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 7 and above.