Run Ranga! Run!
by Geeta Dharmarajan and illustrated by Srivi
“Run Ranga! Run!” by Geeta Dharmarajan and illustrated by Srivi. Published by Katha. The story of a baby Rhino named Ranga. Narrated by Ranga herself, the story takes one through her growth right from her birth till she becomes a young adult gracefully. She starts keeping an eye out for her little brother and her mother whom she loves so dearly.
Ranga is born on a night where the sky is full of moonlight and the river is full of stars. The relationship between Ranga and her mother is portrayed so beautifully. Ranga’s mother helps her learn various things such as standing, running etc. Ranga adores her mother and is pleased to be picking up all the skills being taught by her. Her mother always tells her stories and wishes that Ranga can become so big and fast that she’ll be able to protect herself from danger.
What is the danger that Ranga’s mother refers to? Can Ranga be saved from this danger? What is Ranga trying to tell the reader? Does fearless Ranga need a friend to help her? How can one save Ranga and the other Rhinos? Read the story to find the answers. The beautiful landscape of Kaziranga National Park inhabited by Ranga is brought to life by the gorgeous illustrations. There is one spread that we loved in particular which shows the mighty Brahmaputra river flowing through the national park and all the creatures that can be found there like the Tiger, Great Indian Hornbill, Kingfisher, Deer, Wild Asian Buffalo, etc.
Like most Katha books, the last couple of pages have a fact section about Rhinos and what we can do to save them. There is also a letter written by Ranga with regards to this. She mentions that the horn of the Rhino is made from the same Keratin that is present in the human nails. So it cannot cure any illnesses as is the misconception due to which poachers kill Rhinos. She wants all the creatures to be happy and safe. Ranga also extends an invitation to all the readers to come and visit her at Kaziranga! Thank you Vidya Mani of Funky Rainbow for recommending this one :) The book is apt for children aged 5+.
An interesting fact that I came across while reading up about Kaziranga is the local legend regarding how the name came to be. It is believed that a village girl named Ranga fell in love with a young man named Kazi from Karbi Anglong (a neighbouring district). Their parents did not give their consent to the pair and they continued to meet each other in the forest. One day they never returned back from the forest. Since then the forest has been called Kaziranga after the duo by the people.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Katha here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.