Another book on India that is not exclusive yet worth looking into for its depiction of this large democracy. The contents are drawn to help children understand the history of this nation and its evolution. Children's Guide to India compiled by RobinAge, a weekly children's newspaper, seems more like an extended and differently packaged version of Scholastic's earlier book Amazing India by Anita and Amit Vachharajani.
Unlike the first book, photographs are replaced by illustrations; the pages daubed with colour fail to brighten up the contents while also making the text difficult to read.
The chapters include freedom fighters, national symbols, Indian coins and stamps, festivals and traditional games. These take up the first 50 pages of the book. Then follows information on the States and Union Territories, a page or two devoted to each State. A paragraph, in some pages just about a sentence, highlights the climate, agriculture and industry of the State. The landmarks, cuisine and clothing of each State are categorically placed. The “At a Glance” boxes are a thoughtful display. They give in brief the etymology, State symbols, rivers, language, the area the State/ Union Territory covers and its capital.
The book claims to have over a 100 photographs. The cover design by Niranjan Mishra is attractive. There is a map of India showing each State's geographical or historical identity, like the Taj Mahal, the backwaters of Kerala or the Gir Forest of Gujarat. This is a bonus, in addition to the overall colourful package.
CHILDREN'S GUIDE TO INDIA, Compiled by RobinAge, Scholastic, Rs. 399
