Thammi’s Gift

by Himani Dalmia and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan

“Thammi’s Gift” by Himani Dalmia and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Published by Harper Collins. An endearing story of five year old Devika who overcomes her fears of coping with transition when she discovers the healing powers of books, libraries and doing what she loves through the guiding spirit of her Thammi (grandmother).

Devika is about to start going to a big school. She is quite anxious as to how it will turn out to be. She doesn’t know anyone there. What if she gets lost there or her teachers don’t understand what she is trying to say. She is missing everything about her familiar old school. She is also missing her Thammi whom she loves so much. Her parents told her that she had become a star. She wishes that she could snuggle in her Thammi’s lap and listen to stories. Thammi had been a librarian and built several school libraries through her life. In fact she had built a home library for Devika and her sister even before they were born!

Devika loved reading at all times. Her family read so many books to her. When her mother read a book about a girl about to start a new school, Devika found it difficult to come to terms with her own situation. As she wonders what to do next, someone pays her a surprise visit. It is her Thammi who became a star two years ago. She takes Devika on a magical journey and soothes her anxious mind to a large extent. This adventure with her Thammi helps Devika calm down and overcome her fears by doing what she loves the most. Read this inspirational book based on the true story of Bandana Sen who was a pioneering Indian librarian to know about the healing powers of books and libraries.

My 8.5 year old and I loved reading the book. It resonated so well for us. Like Devika, my son had feared the transition to a big school when he was five. He lost his grandfather who had been his favourite last year :(  I have found the story of Bandana Sen very motivational and legendary ever since I came across mention of her in the reading raccoons group (on Facebook). She spent her lifetime managing and setting up children’s libraries in schools and reading programs in India. She created a home library for her grandchildren even before they were born. A whopping collection of 1500 books or so across different age groups! What a rich and beautiful legacy to leave behind!! This was the last library that she created before she passed away a couple of years ago. The book has been written by her daughter-in-law Himani Dalmia and what a befitting tribute this is!

Last but not the least. The heart of this book is its illustrations. Priya Kuriyan has managed to do full justice to Bandana and her books. We spotted so many of our favourite books in the gorgeous illustrations and my son remarked that they looked so real. This book is definitely a MUST READ for everyone who loves books. The story of inspirational people like Bandana Sen needs to be spread everywhere! She will shine on through her libraries and this book. We loved what she believed about books and readers. “At any given moment, for every child, there is a perfect book and, for every book, there is a perfect child. It is our job to make the two meet each other.”

Recommended Age

The book is apt for children aged 5/6 and above.

Reasons to Read

1. The book is a beautiful way of getting to know about the importance of a good library and a good librarian through the example of the pioneering personality of Bandana Sen.

2. The book provides reassurance to children who are coping with a big transition in their lives.

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Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Harper Collins, for review. Thank you to Tanu, from Harper Collins, for sending across the book!