Classified for children, Stephen Alter’s latest book, “The Secret Sanctuary” (TSS) describing the incredible adventures of three children lost in magical jungle, is an engrossing read. Not just for kids but for elders too as they will identify and relate to several elements in the tale.
The Puffin publication came into being when Alter stepped into the magical realm of the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve (JNR) set up by his two friends and wondered as to what kind of story could be narrated. “I decided to create a fictional story set in the sanctuary focussing on animals and birds thus promoting JNR while at the same time imparting a sense of adventure to the children that one could be lost in a place, never finding the way out.” Thus came into being a delightful concoction of scientific side of things and the world of magic.
The enchanted jungle setting was a must for the story, says the writer, as it allowed the children to watch the animals closely without the latter being aware. “I also wanted to emphasise that the animals can just do fine without us and that we are not essential for them.” Though Alter is a great fan of national parks, he feels that they have been turned into zoos. “The animals need their own space where they can be left undisturbed for long periods of time without us watching them constantly.”
Identifying every animal and bird in the book by its common and Latin name Alter says he did it to be specific but also mischievous. With a twinkle in his eyes he explains, “Whenever, I go out with naturalists friends into the jungle, we talk in Latin. I always think to myself that this is completely cuckoo. Here we are wandering around in the jungle, talking in a dead language about live animals and I tease my friends about it.”
Having written more than 15 books of fiction and non-fiction, including two for younger readers, the author finds writing for children much more satisfying since they read with a critical and appreciative eye.
Stressing on the importance of imagining like children, he cautions not to be silly and talking down to them. “You have to take them seriously and write to their level, which does not mean lowering the standards or speaking like an expert. Holding their imagination, I think is a challenge,” he reveals. But he still enjoyed penning TSS as it afforded him a chance to combine nature, natural history with magic and creativity. “I could not have done that with an adult book but with children you have a licence, not to be silly but inventive to a degree.”
Alter’s vivid description of the jungle fauna is sure to evoke curiosity in many young minds. This coupled with Prabha Mallya’s remarkable illustrations enhance the story’s appeal to the children.
Agreeing that a decade earlier, there were very few outstanding children’s books produced in India, the writer feels things have changed with improvement in the quality of publication and illustration. “Many writers like me, who never imagined we would write for children, suddenly realised that there is a huge audience whose requirements we can respond to by our work.”
Toying with the idea of a sequel to TSS, Alter has finished writing an adult novel about Jim Corbett which is expected to hit stands in a year’s time. “I am still in the wildlife,” he quips.
