Today is The United Nations’ International Day of People With Disabilities, and here is a special book to celebrate the day. Catch That Cat! , a book written by Tharini Viswanath and illustrated by Nancy Raj, tells the story of school girl on a wheelchair, Dip Dip, and her relationship with her friend’s cat, Kaapi.
One day, when Kaapi suddenly goes missing, Dip Dip begins to look everywhere for her- on the road, inside dustbins, behind houses and even under the bushes. She is unable to find her anywhere. When Kaapi finally climbs a tree and is unable to make her way down, what does Dip Dip do? She climbs the tree, fetches the cat and reunites her with its owner.
The 28-page book with its lively illustrations captures the delightful spirit of the girl, for whom being on a wheelchair, doesn’t stop her from doing anything.
For author Tharini, the book reinforces the idea that differently abled people can also pursue normal activities. “I have worked with children with disability. Despite the difficulties they face on a day-to-day basis, they are full of life. I liked the idea of a kid in a wheelchair who is the liveliest child in school and that forms the subject of my book,” she says.
Catch That Cat! is published by Tulika Publishers and costs Rs 150. It is available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati and Bengali. The book is meant for children aged four and above.
For details visit www.tulikabooks.com, email tulikabooks@vsnl.com or call 044-24331639/ 24331117.
