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Temple Tales: Secrets and Stories from India's Sacred Places
by Sudha G. TilakWhich holy place in India has the mysteries of the universe hidden away in an icy cave? Where would you find a shrine for a goddess of veggies? At which deity’s temple is the daily offering a tonic, of all things? This delightful and enchanting book opens the doors to the secrets and surprises hidden in temples across the country. These unique temples are not just places of worship, but living museums of architectural wonders, mind-boggling sculptures, graceful dances, colourful crafts and many other cultural activities. More than anything, they are treasure troves of lore and legend, teeming with tales of gods and goddesses, demons and devotees, plants and beasts, the magical and the mysterious – all just waiting to be discovered by you. Join Sudha G. Tilak as she takes you on an unusual journey to the country’s most sacred places, where the lines between fact and faith are blurred and stories come alive!
Mouse Invaders
by MagnoliaARVEE, THE SMARTEST MOUSE IN THE HOUSE, IS UP AGAINST A TWISTY CHALLENGE! Arvee is back at Paradise Villa after his round-the-world travels! But his friend Ellie and her family are in deep trouble in their garden home. The Shrew Police are in control, with their hateful rules and bullying ways. And what’s worse – baby mice have been regularly vanishing from their homes. Worst of all is the slithering terror that haunts Lantana ouse Enclave. Something huge, black and . . . smelly. Desperate to help his friends, Arvee plunges into the fray. But the unexpected arrival of Cutie Pie, a glamorous mouse from his home laboratory, overturns his plans. In the fight between the tiny and the mighty, even a small slip can be very risky. Will Arvee be able to save his buddies, or has he nibbled off more than he can possibly chew?
Mouse Attack
by MagnoliaTHINGS BEGIN TO HAPPEN WHEN THERE’S A SMART MOUSE IN THE HOUSE! Arvee, a clever and scholarly mouse, is horrified to find that he must leave his laboratory to live as a house pet. His new home, Paradise Villa, is charming and comfortable but boring. And lonely. All that changes when Arvee meets bright, feisty Ellie and the rest of her family of house mice. They tell him about Pasha, a huge, fearsome rat who, along with his thugs, has taken over Paradise Villa, harassing and enslaving the mice. A small, brave band of rebels is ready to fight back. But how? Arvee brings his thinking skills to the struggle, pulling in the help of other house creatures. But Pasha has very different plans for him. And Alphonso the cat is not too far behind either. Will Arvee succeed in helping Ellie, her family and all the other mice under attack?
501 Facts Factory: Amazing Buildings of the World
by Sreelata MenonHumans have not stopped building since they learned how to, and this book takes you on a fun, fact-packed tour of the architectural masterpieces and curiosities people have built over the centuries. From ancient monuments to lofty modern marvels, from technical feats to the fabulously fanciful, and from rich royal residences to sacred spiritual spaces, Amazing Buildings of the World covers forts and castles, palaces and pavilions, temples and shrines, museums and libraries, lighthouses and clock towers, and many more unusual buildings that will make you go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’! With bite-sized information and photographs, this wellresearched book gives you an entertaining peek into man-made structures worldwide. What are you waiting for? Step into the 501 Facts Factory to see a fascinating line-up of the most brilliant buildings ever.
Blessed
by Deepa AgarwalShe darted up to her brother, grabbed his stick of chalk and scrawled an intricate shape that her fingers traced, she didn’t know how... Selentra, youngest of three siblings born to a weaver’s family living in the dark-forested hills of Kote, suddenly discovers that she has the extraordinary gift the Ancients spoke of. Little does Selentra’s family know that her astonishing ability, when mastered, could free their gagged country from the wicked Ag-yanees. All her secret might have earned Selentra was the sullen jealousy of her brother, Dumor – the oh-so-unworthy favourite. But her power could prove so huge, so vital and so potent that her ruthless enemies are already poised to strike her down. Who will protect Selentra from her foes – including her own brother – as she crosses the chasm between her destiny and her will? Is Selentra doomed? Or truly blessed? Sharp as an icy wind, gleaming like a charmed gem and twisty as a mountain path, this imaginative tale of courage and conflict will make you wish that it were true.
A Tigress Called Machhli and Other True Animal Stories from India
by Supriya SehgalMeet the superstars of India’s animal kingdom! A crocodile who loves eating rice. A mule who won an award for bravery. A photogenic tigress who ruled Ranthambore. Swashbuckling monitor lizards. Rats believed to be the children of a goddess. Cuddly dogs who help nervous travellers. Five thousand punctual parrots… These and many other curious creatures, along with their equally curious human friends, inhabit the pages of this very curious book. Soar, crawl, hop and scamper about with them as they take you on a most unusual journey around the country. Cheerfully told and charmingly illustrated, these animal stories, collected from cities, jungles, rescue missions and maybe even your own neighbourhood, are funny, fascinating and downright adorable. And the best part? They’re all completely true!
Wonderkids: 100 Children Who grew Up to Be Champions of Change
by Anu KumarMeet a hundred famous people who started small but made a big difference in the world It’s easy to forget that all the great people who shaped the world we live in – inventors, leaders, writers, actors, musicians, environmentalists, reformers, athletes and artists – were once children, just like you! That there was something – a spark, a talent, a curiosity or just a dream – which was shaped by them as they grew, and led them to become amazing achievers who inspired others to look at things in a different way. From Anne Frank to Malala Yousafzai, Marco Polo to Muhammad Yunus, Jesse Owens to Thandiwe Chama, Jagadish Chandra Bose to Albert Einstein, and Charles Darwin to Coco Chanel, Wonder Kids gives you a peek into the childhoods of icons from different walks of life. Tracing how their thoughts and actions as children had an impact on their communities or the whole world later, the compact life stories in this book have a common, shining message – that you are never too young to start to break the mould!
Unstoppable: 75 Stories of Trailblazing Indian Women
by Gayathri PonvannanMeet the wonder women of Indian history! They flew planes, swam across oceans, led armies, performed stunts, built cities and captured historic moments on camera, despite being constantly told to stay home, because that’s what ‘good girls’ did. These were women who dared to dream and worked hard to turn their dreams into reality, who shaped their own destinies and refused to let anyone tell them what to do. Featuring the amazing adventures of Janaki Ammal, Rani Abbakka, Nadia Wadia, Sarla Sharma Thakral, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and many others, Unstoppable is a collection of 75 power-packed stories of the extraordinary Indian women who broke the rules to change the world around them for the better.
Mahaviri: Hanuman Chalisa Demystified
by Nityanand MisraThe Hanuman Chalisa authored by Goswami Tulsidas is one of the most popular Hindu devotional hymns. The 'Mahaviri' Hindi commentary (1984) by Swami Rambhadracharya has been acclaimed as the best treatise on the Hanuman Chalisa. This book presents an annotated and expanded English translation of the 'Mahaviri' commentary by Nityanand Misra.Each of the 43 verses of the 'Hanuman Chalisa' is explained in three stages. The first phase being a word-for-word translation to help the reader understand the literal meaning of each word in a verse. The second is a simple English translation of each verse. This third and final phase is an informed commentary on the true meaning of the verse, explaining the deep essence of the text with citations from authoritative Hindu scriptures (the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, etc.) and other works of Goswami Tulsidas. All such citations are also translated into English.Following the commentary, Misra also provides five useful appendices for advanced readers. These include more than 120 endnotes (annotations), a detailed note on the prosody and rhythm of all the verses for chanters, the musical notation of the traditional melody of the Hanuman Chalisa for devotional singers and instrumentalists, and two alphabetical indexes for all words and verses used in the hymn.The book is a must-have for reciters and singers of the Hanuman Chalisa who want to understand the deep essence of Tulsidas's timeless hymn to Hanuman. It targets laypersons as well as scholarly readers. The design of the book, including font sizes and line spacing, is suitable for the elderly as well. The book has reached thousands of readers across the globe and has been praised as “the most comprehensive guide to the Hanuman Chalisa available in English”. It has been loved by readers for not only its scholarship and research, but also for its beautiful production, aesthetic typeface, attractive layout, and excellent footnotes and appendices.
The Om Mala: Meanings of the Mystic Sound
by Nityanand MisraThe OM Mala is a book (and a mala or a rosary) about just one word-OM. OM is one of the shortest Sanskrit words, and yet is perhaps the most powerful one, besides being a globally recognized mystic mantra.The OM Mala gives 84 names of OM from Sanskrit texts and explains their meanings in 109 sections or beads: 108 chanting beads and one 'sumeru' bead. Each bead offers the meaning(s), explanation, traditions, etymology, and quotations for one or more names of OM. The book covers rare names of OM like 'shrutipada' and 'rasa' as well as common names like 'om', 'udgitha', and 'pranava'. Popular meanings (like Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva) and rare meanings (like inhalation, holding the breath, and exhalation) are included.The book contains teachings and narratives related to OM from Veda-s, Upanishad-s, Smriti-s, Purana-s, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Yoga, Tantra, Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. Pearls on OM from poems, plays, and works on music and Ayurveda are presented. The use of OM in Yogic breathing and meditation is explained and the explanations/relevance of OM in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism is briefly touched upon. The OM Mala is a mini-encyclopaedia on OM and associated concepts in Indian religions and culture.
Fun with Festivals
by Hachette IndiaNow enjoy your favourite festival even more with myths, legends and fun things to do throughout the year!From Diwali's dazzle to Holi's hues, from Navratri's beats to Eid's feasts and from Christmas carols to New Year treats, get set to rejoice with your loved ones. Packed with festive facts, wonderful things to make, and exciting activities to do with friends and family, this delightful book has everything you need to turn each day into a cheerful celebration. It's all here! So why wait? Learn to make your favourite goodies, help your folks decorate the house, make DIY gifts for your friends, and dig into this super one-stop celebration collection to create cherished memories.
Cobra in My Kitchen and Other Adventures with Wildlife
by Zai WhitakerROAR! HISS! SQUEAK! NYUK-NYUK!Wildlife sure sounds fun, doesn't it? Explore the wild with Zai Whitaker, an eager adventurer raised among India's pioneering conservation heroes! Together with Romulus Whitaker, the 'Snake Man of India', Zai developed the Madras Crocodile Bank, to research and conserve crocodiles and other 'herps'. From living with cobras as to hatching sea turtles and from watching birds to stalking termites, Zai has a long and thrilling trail of escapades. Her stories, poems and real-life accounts take you from Chennai to the Western Ghats, from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Papua New Guinea, and beyond into her wildly wonderful imagination! Beautifully illustrated, Cobra in my Kitchen and Other Adventures with Wildlife introduces you to the fascinating side of wriggly snakes, jumpy frogs, lively lizards, colourful chameleons and even a tiger or two, along with many more unmissable adventures! Hop on to this sensational safari of discoveries for children and the whole family!
Miracles in Medicine: 25 Life-changing Medical Ideas and Inventions Across the Ages
by Roopa PaiCan you imagine a world where surgeries and amputations were conducted without anaesthesia?OUCH! Or one in which disease was believed to be caused by 'stinky air'?WEIRD!Or a world where treating madness involved drilling a hole through the skull to release the supposed 'demons' inside your head?SAY WHAAAAA...?!Guess what? That was our world, just about 250 years ago! All of this began to change in the eighteenth century with the coming of modern medicine. This brave new science, full of brilliant breakthroughs, was built on the hard work, dedication and persistence of thousands of curious minds across the ages, from Arabia to China and India to Europe. Packed with fascinating stories, insights and illustrations, this book is a celebration of 2,500 years of human endeavour and innovation in the medical sciences. Read it, and raise a rousing cheer to the amazing people who gave their all to unravel the secrets of the natural world and the human body, so that we could live longer, healthier and happier lives.
A History of South India for Children: From Prehistory to Vijayanagara
by Pradeep ChakravarthyThe Kohinoor diamond was once the eye of a Kakatiya deity.The Pandyas are counted among the world's longest ruling dynasties. Sanskrit poets spun mesmerizing verse that could be read in reverse too. Tantalizing Malabar spices flavoured the most lavish ancient Roman banquets. Make your way across south India, exploring its kaleidoscopic past and dazzling heritage, right from its first inhabitants up to the Vijayanagara Empire. Meet its royalty and courtiers, builders and sculptors, poets and authors, traders and merchants, spiritual leaders and devotees, and all the other people who went to make it a top destination of the time. Separated from the north by the Vindhya mountains and surrounded on three sides by water, southern India developed its own unique features - with outstanding rulers, incredible literature, spellbinding architecture, stunning dance forms and delicious food. Written in an easy style, by theme, and peppered with illustrations, photographs and tips for museum or monument visits, this very first history of south India for children (and their families) tells the thrilling and eventful story of the region's proud past.
Arun and the Royal Rumpus
by Eoin RedahanWould you rather have the body of a tiger and the head of a boy, or the body of a boy and the head of a tiger?(Arun wants to know)When Arun, a twelve-year-old mischief maker hiding in the mountains, finds out about the plot to capture the crazy King Lalu, he vows to stop the vicious Vin and his thugs - by joining them. Armed only with a pea-shooter, Arun journeys through treacherous terrain, eerie forests, rushing rivers and even the sewers of Asamana with the help of the quick-tempered Krishma and scrappy Sai. Whether it's outsmarting the brutes, stealing a grouchy giant's keys, or trotting down a narrow mountain ledge on a one-eyed pony, Arun is ready to brave it all to save the king. Brimming with humour and adventure, this is not just one boy's gritty tale of friendship, family and mayhem- it's a downright royal rumpus!
The Fearless Twins and Other Sibling Stories from Mythology
by Sreelata MenonGo on a whirlwind tour of faraway lands with more than 35 sibling tales from India and around the world.Cross paths with kings, warriors, princesses, squabbling duos and kindred spirits like Krishna and Subhadra, Hengist and Horsa, Romulus and Remus, Lava and Kusha, Apollo and Artemis, and other timeless pairs. Witness their fierce love, fiery clashes and delightful mischief like never before in these enchanting stories that have shaped cultures, defined eras and celebrated the undying bond that only brothers and sisters can share. Written with a blend of humour and a touch of magic, these tales of old will tickle your funny bone, tug at your heartstrings and inspire you to believe in the incredible power of family - even when your sibling is ready to shoot an arrow your way!
The Invincible Heroes and Other Friendship Stories from Mythology
by Sreelata MenonRelive the glorious past with more than 35 friendship tales from India and around the world.Step boldly into the world of majestic royals, valiant warriors, loyal servants and true companions like Krishna and Arjuna, Achilles and Patroclus, Hercules and Hylas, Sita and Trijata, Gilgamesh and Enkidu, and other extraordinary pairs. Witness their fierce loyalty, daring brawls and amusing tricks like never before in these long-lived tales of companionship that survived trials, dared dangers and triumphed over sands of time. Written with a dash of wit and a sprinkle of magic, these enchanting stories will take you on a journey of laughter, battles, whispered secrets and an unshakable appreciation of true friendship - even when your buddy is armed with playful pranks!
Porcupines in My Pants and Other Craziness
by Anupama RamanujamLife's going to be easy...said no one ever.Especially for a PlayStation-loving twelve-year-old in a futuristic city. Being twelve matters. Because that's when I am packed off by the Council on a hardcore, muscle-numbing strugglethon across the five Thinais - the treacherous hills, fatiguing fields, muddy mangroves, dry desert lands and dense forests - to come out shining...or whining. The latter is more my style. It's me against Nature. Me versus wild animals. Me against who-knows-what-lurks. Me versus Me. Get the picture? How this will help me grow up and glow up all in one go, I don't know. But I'm about to find out. So are you!
A Sailor Called Wet Paint and Other Secret Stories from History
by Nandini Nayar"What can a lady in a thin sari do to survive in COLD England?How will a ship's crew RETURN home without any money?When did the young ayah last see her OWN family?And why, oh why, did the sailor write WET PAINT in a young girl's diary?Nannies and sailors taken 4,000 miles away to England to work...it's the same SORRY tale. Often ABANDONED, they have to find their own way across the sea, back home to India! It's upsetting. It's shocking. It's breaking our hearts. What are we to DO? Well, here are stories - a whole SHEAF of them about AYAHS in a foreign land and the Indian crew of LASCARS on ships, questioning why the British don't treat these people kindly. Asking to give them the home, the care and the freedom they deserve. But is ANYONE listening? Are YOU? "
Are There Bun Shops in the Jungles of India? And Other Secret Stories from History
by Nandini NayarWhen was the last time the MIGHTY tiger roamed freely under the open sky?What is the SLEEK leopard from sunny India doing in FREEZING England?How will the HUGE rhinoceros stay in a SMALL, cramped cage?And why, oh why, is the ENORMOUS elephant eating tiny BUNS in the zoo?Leopards and cheetahs, bears and antelopes, monkeys and deer...it's the same SORRY tale. These animals from India have been CAGED for the amusement of people - to be prodded and poked and teased! It's upsetting. It's shocking. It's breaking our hearts. What are we to DO? Well, we have written letters - a whole SHEAF of them - to the owners of menageries and the zoo, asking them to STOP this cruelty NOW. To give the animals the food, the care and the freedom they deserve. But ARE they reading them? Are YOU?
The Yoga Sutras for Children
by Roopa PaiWhat are the Yoga Sutras? Instructions for bearded rishis who lived in the forests of ancient India? Or the complete manual of asanas? Neither! In fact, the text may well have been called 'Maharishi P's Ultimate Handbook of Mind Control', for it is really a set of techniques to help us - all of us - awaken and harness the explosive power of our minds, through our actions, our attitudes and our awareness. And not through asanas? That too, but not in the way you imagined it. In this surprising, sparkling book, Roopa Pai unravels the secrets of Patanjali's compact 2,000-year-old text in ways both fun and accessible. Walk down the well-marked paths into a dazzling world where a whole new version of yourself - self-assured, fearless and free - awaits you. Go on, then - what are you waiting for?
Sálim Ali for Children: The Bird Man of India
by Zai WhitakerOF COURSE THERE WERE BIRDS IN THE BUSHES, TREES AND SKIES BEFORE SÁLIM ALI. BUT IT WAS HE WHO PUT THEM ON INDIA'S MAP FOREVER.From being a trigger-happy airgun-toting nine-year-old boy to becoming one of the foremost bird scientists in the world, Sálim Ali did not follow a straight path. Somewhere along his adventures between India, Burma and Europe, he developed such a single-minded zeal for the study of feathered creatures that he spent all his time close to them. Over the long course of researching bird life, in the days when there were no computers or internet, he wrote the first Indian field guide to birds, using just a notebook and binoculars. 'Sálim Bhai' - as he was widely known - had neither wealth nor connections in high places, but his passion for birds, a phenomenal memory and discipline made him one of the most famous ornithologists in the country and beyond. In Sálim Ali for Children, his grand-niece Zai Whitaker brings to life the inspiring story of this brilliant, quirky man who left behind an incredible legacy.
The Indian Book of Big Ideas: The 45 Greatest Thinkers, Philosophers and Reformers of All Time!
by Mukunda RaoWho are we?Is everything in the world connected?Is truth different for different people?Does God speak to only some of us?Great minds have forever been engaged in tackling life's big questions. People travelled far and wide in search of answers, learned from others and came up with new ways of understanding the world. Curious to know what on earth they were thinking? Now you can walk down the winding path of philosophy from 700 BCE to recent times, discovering the wisdom and teachings of 45 great thinkers, philosophers and reformers of India. Learn from the most far-sighted luminaries, such as Mahavira, Gargi, Adi Shankara, Kabir, the Buddha, Vivekananda and Guru Nanak, along with Sri Aurobindo, Rammohan Roy, Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi, and get to know how the most brilliant and influential Indian ideas were born. These thinkers, you will see, didn't always agree with each other (indeed, they sometimes fiercely disagreed!), but all of them left behind a legacy of courage and compassion that remains valuable even today.
The Games India Plays: Indian Sports Simplified
by Amitabh Satyam Sangeeta GoswamiGlamorous sports such as cricket, tennis and golf require costly equipment and space. Lack of access can dishearten young sports enthusiasts. However, there are games that originated in India such as atya-patya, lagori, gilli danda, nondi and kabaddi that require little infrastructure or gear. The Game India Plays Playdescribes fifteen such games that schools and colleges can integrate into their sports class. Those living in apartment complexes and crowded neighbourhoods can play these games, and sports clubs can use these to organize competitions. With the rise in digital games, many children have not experienced the fun of physical sports played in a group. All the games in this book entail physical activities and ensure that all the players are actively involved at all times. The fun quotient is high as team work. If you don't play sports because you don't have a tennis court or cricket grounds within your reach, why not play right where you live and have ten times more fun?
Awakening the Rainmaker: A Guide to Gender Equality
by Nishtha AnandAs per the Global Gender Gap Report 2021, it will take 267.6 years to close the gender gap in economic participation and opportunity.In 2021, India slipped 28 places and ranked 140th among 156 nations in The Global Gender Gap Index. Our female labour force participation rate stands distressingly low at 22.3 per cent.Only 31 per centof women occupy the Chief Human Resources Officer's role in India, a role which is over-represented by women in other countries, such as the US and South Africa.Less than 3 per cent of Chief Executive Officers in India are women.Like many women in the middle of their career, author Nishtha Anand too was overwhelmed when she first became pregnant with her child-would she also fall off her career trajectory like countless others? She hoped to nudge women, their families and organisations with practical hacks for awakening the rainmaker in them and those around them. Thus was born Awakening the Rainmaker that will motivate women to pursue their dreams and ambitions-with free choices and no guilt. Nishtha captures the gaps and potential solutions across the life cycle of a woman. She includes her learnings and interactions with women from different fields-some of India's most powerful women in business, CEOs, entrepreneurs, award-winning scientists, leading sports personalities and digital influencers. These women had their own mountains to conquer which they did with determination, planning and the right support. Further, she focuses on requisites for upbringing, demeanour and corporate policies and defines a framework for organisations to ensure a gender-neutral ecosystem.Awakening the Rainmaker will inspire during the crossroads of life and lead the way for women to pursue their ambitions.