Basava and the Dots of Fire
by Radhika Chadha and illustrated by Bhakti Phatak
“Basava and the Dots of Fire” by Radhika Chadha and illustrated by Bhakti Phatak. Published by Tulika. A simple and charming story of a little boy and his encounter with the fireflies.
Basava lived with his mother in a small hut in the village of Masinahalli close to the forest. Every day he ventured into the forest to collect firewood for his mother. She used it to burn a fire for cooking food or to keep themselves warm. She would tell Basava daily to return home before sunset.
One day he left home a bit late and started looking for firewood. His encounters with some tiny creatures such as a butterfly and dragonfly who seek his help in distress led him deeper and deeper into the forest where he had never been before. The area was carpeted with sticks and twigs. He got so excited and went on picking up more and more.
When he was ready to leave, he realised that it was quite dark and he didn’t know which way to go. He was quite worried and started calling out for help which is eventually answered by the glowing dots of fire, the fireflies. How did the fireflies come around to helping him? What role did his helping and kind nature play in that? Does he get back home safely? A delightfully simple story full of warmth and magic with charming illustrations. Apt for children aged 5+.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Tulika books here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.
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