With summer holidays round the corner, PW recommends 3 children’s books combining valuable information and activities authored by Dr. Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association

– Reshma Ravishanker

No I am not a kangaroo; No I am not an elephant & No I am not a takin
By Swati Popat Vats
Publisher: ECA-APER Price: Rs.399 for each
This series of three story-cum-activity books provide parents a great opportunity to introduce children to varied species of animals. Featuring the brother-sister pair of Tinoo and Lappy who travel across the world with their parents to see “unusual animals, birds and insects of that country”, the books feature interesting facts about the animals, a rhyme/song on each animal to encourage children’s “language and musical skills” and several ‘coding’ activities (puzzles, games) to stimulate them to learn to think logically.

Growing up with Mahatma Gandhi
By Swati Popat Vats
Podar Publishing Price: Rs.350
This richly illustrated book with a foreword from Tushar Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, presents inspiring stories from the life of the Father of the Nation who master-minded and led India’s unprecedented freedom struggle from the cruel and exploitative rule of imperial Great Britain, to children. Each chapter narrates one of the many ‘roles’ of Gandhiji and lessons to learn from it. For instance, in the chapter titled ‘Mahatma Gandhi inspires you to be an author’, Vats summarises Gandhi’s writing career and the several books (My Experiments with Truth and two books for children) and essays he wrote for newspapers and journals. Moreover chapter-end there are several activities such as ideas for children to write a story, puzzles and a books quiz. The many ‘roles’ of Gandhiji are animal activist, fashion stylist, teacher, journalist, fitness expert, social worker, doctor, barrister and chef. Interwoven in the chapters are inspiring stories from his childhood and youth detailing how he overcame his fears and insecurities to achieve greatness.

Why did Humpty Dumpty and Jack ‘n’ Jill fall down?

By Swati Popat Vats
Podar Publishing Price: Rs.150
An unconventional, innovative take on the nursery rhymes Humpty Dumpty and Jack ‘n’ Jill, this book asks the question: Why did Humpty Dumpty and Jack ‘n’ Jill fall down? The answer: “Because they were not fit and active”. The book goes on to detail nine fitness learning ideas for children. Bollywood actor Dino Morea features as the children’s fitness buddy. The exercises and games featured are age-appropriate and encourage children to enjoy physical activity. The message of this slim book is for parents and educators to encourage children to engage in regular physical activity to improve mental health and well-being.

Also read: Book Review: Yash and Yashika Learn about Coding – Dr. Swati Popat Vats