Radha’s Family
by Madhuri Purandare
“Radha’s Family” by Madhuri Purandare. Translated (from Marathi) by Rama Hardeekar-Sakhadeo. Published by Jyotsna Prakashan. A charming collection of six little books about Radha and her lovely family.
Each of the six books talk about one person from Radha’s family. Aai, Baba, Aaji, Nana, Kaka and Cousins. The books introduce each of these members and what Radha does with them. For instance she calls her Nana as “Sugar Nana” as he gives her small lumps of sugar to eat daily. He doesn’t go to work every day and is at home always. She can be with him as long as she wishes. Aaji always tells Radha stories from her childhood when she was her age. Radha is always ready to listen to these stories! For Aaji was also a mischievous little girl once upon a time :)
Radha’s baba is not at home the whole day. Once he returns, he will not let her out of his sight at all. Coming to Aai. If anyone asks Radha whose favourite she is, her reply will be that she is everyone’s favourite. But Aai is hers! Kaka is more like Radha’s friend. She always feels that he is her age :) He is just like the wind rushing here and there. Though Radha doesn’t have any siblings, she has two weekend cousins. Gautam who is a bit older than her is Chanda Maushi’s son. Baby Tanmay, Viju Mama’s son, is her other cousin. She has fun with them through the day until they go to their homes every night.
My almost eight year old has enjoyed these books for the last two years. He could relate so well to the characters. He was amused by some of the things they did. He had a simple chapter on family in his first grade English book. These books worked like an extension to that. What we loved was the usage of local names for family members than the English names. Though the names were in Marathi, we could relate so well to them. And the illustrations are so beautiful! They bring the story to life. Thank you Vidya for recommending this lovely set of books!
Recommended Age
The books work well for anyone beyond 3 years to be read aloud and for children aged 5/6+ for self reading.
Reasons to Read
The books introduce children to an extended family. This is quite needed given that most of us live in nuclear families these days.
The books portray the relationship that Radha has with each of her family members. Most of the children should be able to connect with the things that Radha does with each of her relatives.
The books work beautifully for a comforting bedtime read.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Jyotsna Prakashan here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.