Topi Rockets From Thumba
by Menaka Raman and illustrated by Annada Menon
“Topi Rockets From Thumba” by Menaka Raman and illustrated by Annada Menon. Published by Penguin. An imagined account of the events leading to India’s first ever rocket launch from the sleepy village of Thumba in southern Kerala told through the eyes of little Mary.
The year is 1963. Mary is a nine year old girl living in the fishing village of Thumba. Nothing exciting ever happened in her village. Fishing seemed to be the only highlight of the place. She loved Thumba, it’s palm trees, the taste of salt in the air and the yummy pazhamporis at Kuriyan’s tea stall. How she wished for some change!
Things had been set in motion. In November 1962, Father Pereira announced during the mass at St Mary Magdalene Church that a famous scientist had come there. He wanted the church as well as the house that father lived in for some space science related work and research. He wanted to know if the people were ok with it. Mary was praying silently that the answer should be yes. When everyone approved, her joy knew no bounds. Off she dashed to fire off her questions to the scientist who stood next to father Pereira. His name was Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
Dr. Sarabhai was happy to answer all the questions that Mary was bombarding him with and told her that they were planning to launch a rocket. Well this was going to be quite something! More so in those times. All that Mary wished was to be in a big city and go in a shiny red car. And here was this scientist telling her about a rocket that would be launched from her sleepy village which happened to be at a strategic spot. India was a fairly newly independent nation and this would be quite an achievement. Read the book to join Mary who decides to be a part of this eventful moment and how she finds out everything about the rocket till the D-day of course!
My eight year old loved reading this book with me. It was one of my gifts for his eighth birthday. He was amused to know about this historic event and as inquisitive as Mary. He found the narration quite gripping and the illustrations added to the charm of the storyline. Given that he has an inclination towards true stories and historical fiction, the book appealed very well for him. He is now keen to know more about Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and also visit one of the places mentioned in the book for some rocket related adventure.
While the book is a fictional account of the historic event, here is an article of the actual story complete with original photographs and all.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6/7 and above.
Reasons to Read
The book is perfect for introducing ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) to children via a story built around India’s first rocket launch.
Where to buy from?
An independent bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.