These are strange times to be looking at ‘homework’ when ironically (and technically) schools are at home! But it is at times like these when a book like The Homework comes along and reminds us about school days nostalgia and about humorous homework stories. The Homework by Ashwin Guha and Vaibhav Kumaresh (Karadi Tales) tells the tale Bhattu and Kittu who have to submit a homework assignment on a big mammal.
They decide to ask the clever Meena who rattles off a lot of information about a Rhinoceros as the boys try and take notes and capture the image for their assignment. While one of the boys writes down the facts and information, the other produces a sketch based on it. Both of them present this in their class, but with hilarious results. Why is that? Well, you’ll have to read this delightfully funny book to know!
I think what also makes The Homework a fine example of picture books is the focus on the design. Look closely at the art work and you will see subtle references that will immediately evoke that ‘school-time nostalgia’. The title is ‘made’ by little bits of colourful paper. A ‘school-book label’ has the names of the author and illustrator. The pages themselves are a nod to lined school notebooks. Little scribbles form a part of the narrative. The illustrations appear like a collage that reminds one of school projects.
Playful and funny to the core, this is a book that will bring a smile to the reader. Meant for children aged 3 to 6 it is a great addition to your home or school library. The Homework by Ashwin Guha and Vaibhav Kumaresh is a humorous story that combines with cheeky art to tell the tale of a homework work assignment done last-minute!
