Description

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Tour the diverse regions of an incredible country in a vivid, joyful, and visually stunning introduction to the people, places, flora, and fauna of India.

Watch elephants bathing from a houseboat in Kerala, marvel at ancient cave paintings in Bhimbetka, wander Delhi’s bustling streets, and ride a train through the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. In spread after colorful spread, India’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural splendor leap to life on the page, framed by the story of a little girl named Thara and her grandmother. In a carved wooden trunk, Nanijee keeps mementos collected from all over India, each with a story to tell. Readers can follow along page by page with Thara or dip in at any point to discover something new about India’s many and varied regions—from vibrant religious festivals, food, and crafts to sports and wildlife to Bollywood and a hidden sculpture garden filled with life-size figures. A warm, welcoming tone and exquisitely patterned endpapers help make this an intimate keepsake to pore over and treasure. A companion book to the award-winning Africa, Amazing Africa by Atinuke and Mouni Feddag, this is narrative nonfiction at its finest.

About the Author

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Jasbinder Bilan's debut novel Asha and the Spirit Bird won the prestigious Costa Children’s Book Award and The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition. She has an MA in creative writing from Bath Spa University. She lives in England with her husband, two sons, and an adorable dog named Enzo.

Nina Chakrabarti studied illustration at Central Saint Martin’s College and the Royal College of Art, London. She uses line drawing to explore her love of the decorative arts, inspired by her past in Kolkata, India, where she grew up, and the exuberance of London, where she lived for many years. She is the author of the best-selling My Wonderful World of Fashion, which has been translated into ten languages.

Praise For…

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This is a lavishly illustrated celebration of India. . . . The back matter includes an extensive time line, brief essays on Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian flag, a helpful index for both text and picture captions, and resources for additional information. Both browsers and researchers will be hooked by this irresistible, joyous survey.
—Booklist (starred review)

Those unfamiliar with India will undoubtedly find much to discover, such as the ancient cave paintings in the Bhimbetka caves, while those more familiar will expand their knowledge further. The oral method of having Nanijee and Thara look at and explore subjects, including the foods, religious festivals, and wildlife of India, is an appealing and approachable format. This gem of a book is perfect for anyone wishing to learn more about India; it should find a place on the shelves of most libraries and classrooms.
—School Library Journal (starred review)