AdiDev Press has come out with another duo of books under the “Learning to Be” concept. This time young children get introduced to two veritable personalities who lived in different times- Mario Miranda and Dadasaheb Phalke.
Humour with Mario Miranda by Pervin Saket, pictures by Devika Oza explores the life of one of India’s most respected cartoonists. The overarching theme of humour has a subtle presence in the way the story has been written as well.
In Tenacity with Dadasaheb Phalke by Pervin Saket, pictures by Neeti Banerji indomitable spirit of Dadasaheb Phalke is brought out in the story as we read about how success dodged the man who brought filmmaking to India. He was made of stuff that visionaries are made of! The book traces how he was forward thinking- in buying latest equipment to create the technological infrastructure and also in his values, when he encouraged women to act in times when it was a male-dominated field! A short illustrated timeline at the end also provides a comprehensive conclusion!
Applications: These board books are targeted at young readers aged 5 up, but could be used with older kids as well, for a quick read followed by a discussion. The running theme is how both the personalities stuck to their guns and relentlessly pursued their dreams. Phalke faced many obstacles- health wise and financially. Yet, he continued to live his dream. Miranda’s parents tried to dissuade him from pursuing his dreams of being a cartoonist, but he continued nevertheless.
It also gives a realistic picture of life- that despite choosing your path, there could be obstacles on the course, but yet, that’s ok! While Phalke earned name, fame and much reverence, he died in relative poverty, Miranda had a very successful trajectory. Yet, both personalities shine and the books authentically represent the depth of human experience. These are inspirational and validating books indeed!
For information on more books in the Learning to Be Series, click here.
