Nina and the Cat
by Fatima Sharafeddine and illustrated by Vincent Hardy
“Nina and the Cat” by Fatima Sharafeddine and illustrated by Vincent Hardy. Published by Jyotsna Prakashan. An adorable story for all the little ones who love elephants. Nina is an adorable baby elephant and her parents are proud of her. She is a happy little elephant who is learning lots of new things and spreading happiness around her.
It is time for Papa and Mama to go back to work in the forest. The problem is who will take care of Nina in their absence. They cannot take her with them as she is too young. A passerby cat named Farrah offers to help them by taking good care of of their little one till they get back from work.
A delightful friendship ensues between Nina and Farrah. Now what do a cat and an elephant have in common? A series of adventures begin. The cat decides to teach Nina all the tricks that she has up her sleeve. From climbing trees to scaring birds to jumping over little creatures. How much more amusing can things get! Mama and Papa find that their daughter is very happy.
However Nina’s unusual manners make her stand out like a sore thumb in a birthday party that she gets invited to. All the elephants notice that she isn’t interested in their games like the other children and her ways are like that of a cat.
Does behaving like a cat make Nina less of an elephant? Will other elephants approve of her behaviour? Does the unusual friendship between Nina and Farrah last? What do Nina’s mama and papa decide? The story is about how it is ok to be different from others. How one need not be the same as the rest of the crowd and stick to conventional ways always.
The illustrations are so charming and adorable. The story was a super hit with my (then) six year old. Thank you Vidya Mani of Funky Rainbow for recommending this book! All in all this is a must read. The book is apt for children aged 4+.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Jyotsna Prakashan here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.