“The Tiffin Gang” by Shweta Ganesh Kumar, illustrated by Ogin Nayam and published by Pratham Books, is a charming children’s book. The story centers on Meenu, a young girl who is bored with her lunch. This simple yet engaging tale explores themes of friendship, sharing, and the joy of variety.

Book Details

Title: The Tiffin Gang

Plot Summary

Meenu is tired of finding idli and podi in her tiffin box every day. She dreads lunch breaks because her food is always the same. One day, she notices the delicious smell coming from Kamlesh’s tiffin box. Kamlesh’s lunch looks yummy, but she isn’t excited about it either.

Meenu and Kamlesh decide to swap their tiffins. Meenu loves Kamlesh’s jowar bhakri and bhaji, while Kamlesh enjoys Meenu’s idli and podi. This tiffin swap sparks a new tradition. Soon, more friends join in, turning their lunch breaks into a lively tiffin party.

Themes and Messages

The book highlights the importance of sharing and trying new things. Meenu’s story shows how stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to new experiences and friendships. It also emphasizes the diversity of food and how it can bring people together.

Illustrations

Ogin Nayam’s illustrations add a vibrant touch to the story. The colorful pictures capture the essence of a bustling school lunchroom. The drawings make the food look appealing and the characters come to life.

Characters

• Meenu: The main character who is bored with her daily lunch.
• Kamlesh: Meenu’s classmate who joins in the tiffin swap.
• Sachi: Another classmate who joins the tiffin party.

Each character is relatable and adds to the story’s charm. Their interactions are realistic and portray typical school life.

Writing Style

Shweta Ganesh Kumar’s writing is simple and engaging. The short sentences and easy words make it perfect for young readers. The story flows well and keeps the reader interested from start to finish.

Conclusion

“The Tiffin Gang” teaches valuable lessons about sharing, diversity, and the joy of trying new things. The engaging story, vibrant illustrations, and relatable characters make it a must-read.

The post Book Review: The Tiffin Gang by Shweta Ganesh Kumar appeared first on BookGuru.

Book Details

Title: A Piglet Named Mercy

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Genre/Topics: Animals – Babies/Infants, People – Family

Grade Recommendation: Grade 2

Series: No

Page Count: Approx. 32

Word Count: Approx. 465

Book Link: Click Here to Listen/Read Book!

The book is available in audio and video format. Should you wish, you can switch off the audio and read the book (pausing the video when/if needed).

Comprehension Quiz: Click Here for the Quiz!

Book Review

Mr. and Mrs. Watson do everything in predictable ways. One day, Mrs. Watson wonders if their life is a bit too predictable. Mr. Watson disagrees and thinks everything is fine. But Mrs. Watson wishes for something different to happen.

Something different does happen. One morning, Mr. Watson finds a small piglet at their door. He calls for Mrs. Watson to come and see. The piglet is cute and makes an oink sound. Mrs. Watson thinks the piglet is hungry. Their neighbor, Eugenia Lincoln, does not like surprises and thinks the piglet is not lucky. But her sister, Baby Lincoln, loves surprises and suggests giving the piglet some warm milk.

The piglet drinks the whole bottle of milk and burps. She then goes looking for more food. Mrs. Watson thinks the piglet is adorable. Baby Lincoln sees that the piglet likes toast. Eugenia thinks the whole situation is absurd.

Mr. Watson holds the piglet and rocks her. He calls her a porcine wonder. Mrs. Watson says the piglet is a wish come true. Baby Lincoln calls her a mercy. Mr. Watson decides to name her Mercy.

Eugenia does not approve and says you cannot name a pig Mercy. But they do. Mercy becomes a loved and important part of the Watsons’ lives. She is not ordinary and brings joy and excitement.

Book Analysis

“A Piglet Named Mercy” is a delightful story that shows how a small change can bring great joy. The writing is simple, making it perfect for young readers. The story teaches children about the joy of unexpected surprises and the importance of love.

The illustrations by Chris Van Dusen are colorful and fun. They add to the story and show Mercy’s playful nature. The pictures help bring the characters to life and make the book enjoyable to read.

Kate DiCamillo’s storytelling is engaging. She creates lovable characters that children can relate to. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are kind and caring. Eugenia is strict but adds humor to the story. Baby Lincoln is sweet and loves surprises. And Mercy is the star, bringing happiness wherever she goes.

The book also teaches children about acceptance. Even though Eugenia does not like Mercy at first, the Watsons show that love and care can make a big difference. Mercy, the piglet, becomes a part of their family despite being different.

Book Conclusion

“A Piglet Named Mercy” by Kate DiCamillo is a story that will make children smile. It shows that sometimes, the most unexpected things can bring the most joy. With its simple words and lovely illustrations, this book is perfect for young readers. Mercy, the piglet, teaches us that life is full of wonderful surprises. This book is a great read, bringing joy and laughter with every page.

The post A Piglet Named Mercy Book Review: Kate DiCamillo’s Delightful Tale of an Unpredictable Piglet appeared first on BookGuru.

Title: The Twits

Author: Roald Dahl

Genre: Humour

Grade Recommendation: Grade 3 & 4

The Twits is a classic children’s book by the renowned British author, Roald Dahl. Originally published in 1980, this humorous and entertaining tale is still loved by children and adults alike today. In this book review, we will explore what makes The Twits such a delightful read and why it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh.

Plot Summary

The Twits tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a vile and unpleasant couple who take pleasure in tormenting each other and innocent animals. Mr. Twit has a long, straggly beard that he never washes, while Mrs. Twit has a glass eye that she uses to scare birds away from their garden. They both enjoy playing mean-spirited tricks on each other and anyone else they can think of.

However, their cruel behavior soon catches up with them when the monkeys they keep as pets decide to exact revenge. With the help of some clever planning and a bit of magic, the monkeys manage to turn the tables on the Twits, and the couple gets exactly what they deserve.

Writing Style

Roald Dahl’s writing style is one of the things that makes this book so enjoyable. He has a way of painting vivid and hilarious pictures with his words, making it easy for readers to visualize the absurd and outrageous antics of the Twits. His use of descriptive language and clever wordplay adds to the whimsical nature of the story and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

One of the most entertaining aspects of The Twits is the way in which Dahl plays with language. He uses puns, alliteration, and other literary devices to create a story that is both amusing and memorable. Dahl also has a talent for creating characters that are larger than life, yet still relatable. Even though the Twits are terrible people, readers can’t help but be drawn into their world and root for the monkeys to get their revenge.

Themes and Lessons

The Twits is not just a fun and entertaining read; it also teaches some important lessons. One of the main themes of the book is the idea that cruelty and meanness will eventually catch up with you. The Twits are so focused on causing trouble and making each other miserable that they don’t realize the harm they are doing. However, their actions have consequences, and they ultimately have to face the music.

Another important lesson in The Twits is the power of teamwork. The monkeys in the story are able to overcome the Twits by working together and using their individual strengths to achieve a common goal. This message is especially important for children, who can learn the value of cooperation and collaboration through the adventures of the monkeys.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Twits is a delightful and entertaining book that is sure to make readers of all ages laugh out loud. Roald Dahl’s clever writing style and witty humor make this story a joy to read, while the important lessons it teaches about the consequences of cruelty and the power of teamwork make it a valuable addition to any child’s reading list.

The characters in The Twits are unforgettable, from the vile and repulsive Twits to the mischievous and resourceful monkeys. Dahl’s ability to create such vivid and memorable characters is a testament to his skill as a writer.

Overall, The Twits is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a fun-filled adventure. It is a timeless classic that continues to captivate and entertain readers of all generations. Whether you are a child or an adult, this book is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the power of kindness and teamwork.

Vocabulary Boost

Fifteen vocabulary words from the book which are appropriate for grades 3 and 4 readers.

1. Vile – extremely unpleasant or disgusting

2. Mischievous – causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way

3. Straggly – thin and untidy

4. Scrumptious – extremely delicious or appetizing

5. Miserable – wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable

6. Rancid – smelling or tasting unpleasant as a result of being old and stale

7. Mutter – speak or say something in a low or barely audible voice

8. Cackle – laugh in a harsh, raucous manner

9. Deceive – cause to believe something that is not true

10. Gruesome – causing repulsion or horror; grisly

11. Dastardly – wicked and cruel

12. Oafish – clumsy and stupid

13. Gloat – contemplate or dwell on one’s own success or another’s misfortune with smugness or malignant pleasure

14. Impish – inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous

15. Peculiar – strange or odd; unusual

Multiple Choice Comprehension Quiz

Ten multiple-choice questions and answers for “The Twits” by Roald Dahl

1. What is the name so the couple in “The Twits”?

a. Mr. and Mrs. Smith

b. Mr. and Mrs. Brown

c. Mr. and Mrs. Twit

Answer: c. Mr. and Mrs. Twit

2. What do the Twits like to do to each other?

a. Give each other presents

b. Play mean-spirited tricks

c. Go on walks together

Answer: b. Play mean-spirited tricks

3. What is Mr. Twit’s beard like?

a. Short and neatly trimmed

b. Long and straggly

c. Bald

Answer: b. Long and straggly

4. What does Mrs. Twit use her glass eye for?

a. To scare birds away from the garden

b. To spy on her neighbors

c. To see better in the dark

Answer: a. To scare birds away from the garden

5. What kind of animals do the Twits keep as pets?

a. Monkeys

b. Dogs

c. Cats

Answer: a. Monkeys

6. What do the monkeys do to get revenge on the Twits?

a. They run away

b. They play mean tricks on them

c. They turn the furniture upside down

Answer: c. They turn the furniture upside down

The post Book Review: The Twits by Roald Dahl – A Hilarious Tale of Mischief and Revenge appeared first on BookGuru.

Title: The Girl Who Drank the Moon

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Genre: Fantasy

Grade Recommendation: Grade 5 & Above

Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a captivating and enchanting novel that is sure to capture the hearts of young and old readers alike. This book tells the story of a young girl named Luna, who is raised by a witch and a swamp monster in a world filled with magic and wonder.

The book is a delightful combination of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, which makes it a perfect read for readers of all ages. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is intricate and engaging.

One of the strengths of this book is the author’s ability to create a vivid and immersive world that readers can easily get lost in. From the magical forest to the mysterious and foreboding Tower, every detail is carefully crafted to create a sense of wonder and intrigue.

The narrative structure of the book is also noteworthy, as it is told from multiple perspectives. This allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, as well as the world they inhabit.

The book’s central conflict revolves around the idea of sacrifice and the lengths that people will go to protect those they love. This theme is explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way, making the book much more than just a simple fairy tale.

Another aspect of the book that makes it stand out is its prose. Barnhill’s writing is lyrical and poetic, and she has a talent for using language to create vivid and evocative imagery. This makes the book a joy to read, even for those who are not typically fans of the fantasy genre.

Overall, The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a beautifully crafted novel that is sure to delight readers of all ages. Its engaging characters, intricate plot, and immersive world-building make it a must-read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales.

Pick from this and many more wonderful reads at the BookGuru Library. Offer your kids a rich reading experience.

Vocabulary Boost:

10 words from the book “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill

1. Abomination – something that is hated or loathed

2. Befuddle – to confuse or perplex

3. Citadel – a fortress or stronghold, usually on a high hill

4. Coven – a group of witches who meet regularly to practice magic

5. Cryptic – mysterious or obscure in meaning

6. Deluge – a great flood or heavy downpour of rain

7. Inscrutable – impossible to understand or interpret

8. Luminous – emitting or reflecting light; shining brightly

9. Malevolent – having or showing a wish to do evil to others

10. Quaint – attractively old-fashioned or unusual

The post Book Review: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill appeared first on BookGuru.