#494 - Getting Granny’s Glasses

by Ruskin Bond and illustrated by Sayantan Halder

“Getting Granny’s Glasses” by Ruskin Bond and illustrated by Sayantan Halder. Published by Penguin. A charming story of the adventures of eleven year old Mani and his granny when they go on a trip to get glasses.

Mani’s granny has been struggling with her glasses which have become old and useless. She can barely see now through the scratched surface of the glasses. Determined to get her a pair of new glasses, Mani convinces both her and his father to go to Mussoorie for her eye check up. Both Mani and his granny set out on this much needed journey. Getting to Mussoorie which is the nearest town with an eye hospital will take them two days.

While granny is confident about walking up to Nain which is a day’s journey and then taking the bus from there to Mussoorie, Mani is worried about her. With only a hundred and fifty rupees in their pockets and an appetite for some thrill and adventure, the duo get drenched in the rain, run into mules and even encounter a landslide which threatens to thwart their plans. At this rate, will they be able to make it to Mussoorie? Can granny get her new glasses at all? Will Mani’s wish of granny being able to see better be fulfilled? Read the charming tale spun by the master storyteller from the hills of Garhwal to know what Mani and his granny can manage to do.

This timeless and unforgettable tale by Mr Bond is the book through which I introduced his writing to my now nine year old son four years ago. Ever since then, he has been hooked to his writing. Though the plot seems so simple, the evocative narrative gives a beautiful glimpse into the simple lives of the people in the hills. The beauty and harshness of the terrain is also portrayed through the journeys that they undertake for some chores which are so simple for us city folks. The bonding and warmth between Mani and his granny comes through wonderfully and is so heartwarming. Their joy, contentment, zest for adventure, hopefulness and perseverance are so infectious. Granny’s childlike enthusiasm and innocence make her so endearing. Easily one of the most unforgettable tales which helped my son bond with Mr Bond for life. The illustrations are charming and bring the characters and settings to life. The book is part of the Puffin Chapter Books which are good for children who have moved on to chapter books and begun reading independently.

P.S - Some of the other books from the Puffin chapter books by Ruskin Bond that we have read and enjoyed are “The Cherry Tree”, “Mukesh Starts a Zoo”, “Cricket For the Crocodile”, “The Day Grandfather Tickled a Tiger”, “The Tunnel” and “White Mice”.

Recommended Age

The book is apt for children aged 6/7 and above.