The Magic in My Fingers
by Nandita da Cunha and illustrated by Nayantara Surendranath & Kanimozhi A
“The Magic in My Fingers” by Nandita da Cunha and illustrated by Nayantara Surendranath & Kanimozhi A. Published by Karadi Tales. A charming tale inspired by true events of how a young girl discovered the hidden magic in her fingers.
Little Roohi loves to fly kites though her Baba is not too pleased about it. She is waiting to go to the market on the next day to buy the kite that she yearns for. However, her brother Aayan has to finish his Sitar practice before they can go. Her Baba is calling out for Aayan to come for his practice and he is not there. Roohi has to find her mischievous brother and make him play the Sitar if she has to get the kite. Aayan has promised to give Roohi the kite if Baba buys it for him. If Baba loses his temper, they will not go to the market.
Can Roohi find Aayan? Will Baba lose his temper? Will Aayan practice? Does Roohi manage to get the kite? Does this incident change Roohi’s life? What is the magic in her fingers that she discovers as the title suggests? Read the book to find out. Sometimes we have hidden talents that get discovered in the most unexpected ways. What we then do with these is up to us. In this case, does Roohi’s baba recognise her talent and encourage her?
The story is based on the life of Annapurna Devi who was an extremely talented Sitar and Surbahar player. She learnt under her father Allauddin Khan who was one of the most prominent teachers of Indian classical music. There is a fact sheet about her at the end of the book. My seven year old enjoyed the story and was happy to know that Roohi was a real person. He has a liking for true stories these days. Overall a lovely story which is so motivating. The book is apt for children aged 6+.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Karadi Tales here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.