The Jungle Storytelling Festival
by Janaki Sabesh and illustrated by Debosmita Mazumdar
“The Jungle Storytelling Festival” by Janaki Sabesh and illustrated by Debosmita Mazumdar. Published by Tulika. A sensitive story from the jungle which inspires us to overcome our fears and find a way out.
Everyone was busy in the jungle getting ready for the storytelling festival that was coming up soon. Preparations were in full swing. Ostroo the ostrich was watching everyone from afar wishing that he would be able to participate. But there was a problem. Ostroo ended up stammering whenever he spoke. All animals and birds were making fun of him and imitating his stammer. They asked him to just listen and not participate in the story telling.
The festival started. One by one, the animals came forward to narrate their stories. The lion started off with his story of being caught in a net and rescued by the little mouse whom he had spared earlier. Ostroo watched all the while hoping that he would get a chance during the next few days of the festival.
What happened next? Did Ostroo get a chance finally? Was he able to tell his story? Was there a way to overcome his stammer? Did anyone help him? Read the book to know all of these. There are stories within this story narrated by each of the animals. A feast of stories this is by Janaki Sabesh who is a much loved storyteller and an actress as well. The themes of friendship, kindness, empathy, overcoming fears and hurdles, determination, participation and passion are portrayed so beautifully.
My 7.5 year old has enjoyed reading this book for the last 2-3 years. Some of the stories narrated within the story were new for him while he knew a few already. Stories and songs need to be shared and not kept within ourselves is something that he had already read in one of his favourite books called “The Story and the Song”. This was re-emphasised in this book as well.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 4/5+.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Tulika books here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.