Read and Reflect :: Book Reviews (10 Extended Reviews)
1. Tenali Rama Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Tenali Rama Stories
Author: Devika Rangachari (or retold edition)
Publisher: Children’s Book Trust
Genre: Folk Tales / Indian Stories
I read the book “Tenali Rama Stories”, and I liked it very much because it is full of funny and smart ideas. Tenali Rama works in the court of King Krishnadevaraya in Vijayanagara. Many people in the king’s court try to show they are great, but Tenali Rama uses his simple thinking to solve big problems. The book has many short stories, so it is easy for me to read them one by one. I usually read one story after school in our ZPHS library at Jagityal district. My favourite story is about how Tenali catches a thief. He uses a rope trick and makes the thief feel scared. I liked this story because it teaches that cleverness is more important than strength. The language of this book is simple and good for children like us. The pictures in the book also show how people looked in olden days. I could imagine the king’s palace, the clothes, and the marketplace. This book teaches us to think wisely and to help others when they are in trouble. Tenali Rama always uses his brain, and he never cheats innocent people. I enjoyed this book and I want to suggest it to my friends in school so that they can also have fun and learn good lessons.
2. Akbar and Birbal Tales
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Akbar and Birbal Tales
Author: Amar Chitra Katha / retold collection
Publisher: Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd.
Genre: Folk Tales / Indian Wisdom Stories
I read the book “Akbar and Birbal Tales”. It is a collection of short, interesting, and funny stories about Emperor Akbar and his wise minister Birbal. I liked the book because Birbal always gives smart answers in difficult situations. The stories are short, so I can finish one story quickly before going to tuition in the evening. The pictures in the book help me understand the old Mughal time. My favourite story is the one where Akbar asks Birbal to find the biggest fool in the kingdom. Birbal shows him two funny people and explains why their actions are foolish. Akbar laughs a lot and understands Birbal’s point. This story teaches us to think before we act. The book also teaches that we should speak politely and use our brain. The language in this book is easy. Even Class 6 students like me from Telangana can read it without any difficulty. I read this book during our English library period. Our teacher, Sita madam, told us that reading helps us learn new words. I learned words like “wisdom”, “kingdom”, and “minister”. I enjoyed this book because it mixes humour and learning. I feel this book is good for children who want simple stories with moral values. I will surely tell my classmates to read this book.
3. Panchatantra Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Panchatantra Stories
Author: Vishnu Sharma (retold by many authors)
Publisher: Children’s Book Trust / Various
Genre: Moral Stories / Animal Tales
I read the book “Panchatantra Stories”. This book has many animal stories with good morals. I like it because each story teaches a lesson about friendship, cleverness, honesty, and hard work. The stories are from ancient India, and they are written in very simple language, so Class 6 students like me can understand them easily. I enjoy animal stories because they make learning fun. My favourite story from the book is “The Monkey and the Crocodile”. In the story, the monkey lives happily on a tree near a river. A crocodile becomes his friend but later wants to cheat him. The monkey uses his brain and saves his life. This story teaches us not to trust people blindly and to think before making decisions. Another story I liked is “The Three Fishes”. It teaches us to act early when danger comes. The illustrations in the book are colourful and show the Indian villages, forests, and rivers. When I read the book, I feel like I am watching a small movie. I read this book during our morning reading period. Our teacher told us that Panchatantra stories help children become wise. I learned many new words and understood how animals are used as characters to teach moral lessons. I enjoyed this book and want to read more stories like this.
4. The Blue Umbrella
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Blue Umbrella
Author: Ruskin Bond
Publisher: Puffin Books / Penguin India
Genre: Indian Fiction / Short Story
I read the book “The Blue Umbrella” written by Ruskin Bond. It is a simple and touching story about a young girl named Binya who lives in a small mountain village. One day she gets a beautiful blue umbrella, and everyone in the village likes it. The shopkeeper Ram Bharosa wants it very badly. This creates a small conflict in the story. I liked the book because it shows village life, nature, and simple human emotions. The writer uses easy words, so I could read it without any difficulty. Binya is kind, simple, and honest. She never hurts anyone. Ram Bharosa also changes in the end and becomes a better person. The story teaches us kindness, forgiveness, and sharing. My favourite part is when Binya gives her umbrella to Ram Bharosa. She doesn’t do it because she is afraid; she gives it because she is a good-hearted girl. That moment made me feel happy because kindness wins. I also liked the description of mountains, trees, and animals. I imagined the cold weather and green hills. I read this book during the weekend at home in Nizamabad. My father also read some pages with me. He told me that Ruskin Bond writes beautiful stories about nature. I enjoyed this book, and I want to read more books by the same author.
5. Malgudi Days
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Malgudi Days
Author: R. K. Narayan
Publisher: Indian Thought Publications / Various
Genre: Indian Village Stories / Short Stories
I read the book “Malgudi Days” written by R.K. Narayan. The book has many short stories based in a small town called Malgudi. The characters in the book are simple people like postmen, teachers, students, and shopkeepers. I liked the book because the stories feel real, like they are happening in our towns in Telangana. My favourite story is “The Missing Mail”. It is about a postman who cares for the people in his area. He waits before delivering an important letter because he wants a family to stay happy for one more day. The story teaches us kindness and understanding. I felt connected with the story because in our village also, the postman knows everyone and talks nicely to us. I also liked the story “An Astrologer’s Day”, where an astrologer meets a man from his past. The stories are written in simple English, and I could understand them well. The book helped me learn new words and also showed how small incidents can become good stories. The pictures in the book help us imagine Malgudi town. I enjoyed reading these stories during the study hour at school. My teacher said this book is famous because it shows Indian life in a simple and clear way. I want to read more books by R.K. Narayan.
6. The Adventures of Toto
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Adventures of Toto
Author: Ruskin Bond
Publisher: Rupa Publications / Penguin India
Genre: Animal Story / Children’s Fiction
I read “The Adventures of Toto”, a funny and exciting story by Ruskin Bond. It is about a naughty baby monkey named Toto who comes to live with a family. The grandfather loves animals and brings Toto home. From that day, many funny incidents start happening because Toto is always curious and playful. My favourite part is when Toto steals food or breaks things without understanding. He pulls out the stuffing from pillows, tears clothes, and even takes a bath using cold and hot water like a human. These scenes made me laugh a lot. I could imagine Toto running around in our own house in Karimnagar. The story uses simple English, so children like me can read it easily. It teaches us that animals also have feelings and that we should take care of them with love. But it also shows that wild animals cannot always live in homes because they behave differently. The pictures of Toto and the family make the story more interesting. I enjoyed reading this book during our English reading hour. My teacher told us that Ruskin Bond writes many stories about animals, and this is one of the most popular ones. I want to read more stories like this.
7. The Magic Drum and Other Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Magic Drum and Other Stories
Author: Sudha Murthy
Publisher: Puffin Books
Genre: Folk Tales / Indian Stories
I read “The Magic Drum and Other Stories”, a collection of Indian folktales retold by Sudha Murthy. The book has many short stories about kings, queens, villagers, children, animals, and magical objects. I liked this book because the stories are simple and full of Indian culture. When I read them, I felt like my grandmother was telling me stories at night. My favourite story is “The Magic Drum”. It is about a poor boy who gets a drum that can give him food. But the magic works only when he hits the drum. The story teaches us not to be greedy. I also liked the story “The Princess Who Could Not Laugh”. It is funny and teaches us that happiness is important. The language in this book is very easy, and the chapters are short. I read two or three stories every night before sleeping. Sudha Murthy writes stories that children understand well. The pictures in the book show Indian villages, forests, and old houses. They remind me of my own village in Nizamabad district. This book taught me values like honesty, kindness, clever thinking, and helping others. I enjoyed reading it, and I want to read more books by Sudha Murthy.
8. The Jungle Book (Children's Version)
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Jungle Book
Author: Rudyard Kipling (children's edition)
Publisher: Rupa Publications / Various
Genre: Adventure / Animal Stories
I read “The Jungle Book” written by Rudyard Kipling. It is the story of Mowgli, a small boy who grows up in a jungle with animals. He is raised by wolves, and he learns jungle rules from Baloo the bear and Bagheera the black panther. I liked this book because it is full of adventure. My favourite part is when Mowgli faces Shere Khan, the dangerous tiger. Mowgli is brave and clever. He uses fire to protect himself and his friends. This shows that courage and intelligence help us face problems in life. I also liked the friendship between Mowgli and the animals. They help each other like a real family. The language in the book is simple in the children’s version, so I could understand it. The pictures of the jungle make the book exciting. I imagined the forests of Adilabad when I read it. I also liked the small moral messages given at the end of each story. This book taught me that we should respect nature and animals. It also shows that family is not only people who look like us, but also those who care for us. I really enjoyed this adventure book.
9. Grandma's Bag of Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Grandma's Bag of Stories
Author: Sudha Murthy
Publisher: Puffin Books
Genre: Family Stories / Indian Culture
I read “Grandma's Bag of Stories” written by Sudha Murthy. It is about a grandmother named Ajji who tells wonderful stories to her grandchildren during their holiday visit. I liked this book because it reminded me of my own grandmother in Siddipet who also tells lovely stories. The stories in the book are about kindness, honesty, hard work, and respect. My favourite story is “Kittur's Clever Boy”. It teaches us to use our intelligence in difficult times. I also liked “The Story of the Mangoes” because it shows the importance of sharing. The language is very simple and the chapters are short. I read the book every evening after homework. The pictures are colourful and show Indian homes, markets, and villages. I felt very happy while reading these stories because they felt familiar and close to our life. Sudha Murthy writes in a way that makes us feel like we are sitting next to Ajji and listening to her. This book taught me moral values and also improved my reading habit. I want to read more books like this.
10. Five on a Treasure Island (Famous Five)
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Five on a Treasure Island
Author: Enid Blyton
Publisher: Macmillan / Various
Genre: Adventure / Mystery
I read the book “Five on a Treasure Island” from the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. It is an adventure story about four children – Julian, Dick, Anne, and George – and their dog Timmy. They go to an island and find a hidden treasure. I liked this book because it is full of adventure, mystery, and teamwork. My favourite part is when the children explore the old castle ruins and find a secret door. They are brave and curious. They work together and do not give up even when they feel scared. I also liked Timmy the dog because he protects the children and helps them. The language of the book is easy in the children’s version, so I could read it without difficulty. The story is long, but it is interesting on every page. I read it during the weekend and also during our silent reading period in school. This book teaches us courage, friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving. I enjoyed this book very much and I want to read the next part of the Famous Five series.
Read and Reflect :: Book Reviews (10 Extended Reviews)
1. Tenali Rama Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Tenali Rama Stories
Author: Devika Rangachari (or retold edition)
Publisher: Children’s Book Trust
Genre: Folk Tales / Indian Stories
I read the book “Tenali Rama Stories”, and I liked it very much because it is full of funny and smart ideas. Tenali Rama works in the court of King Krishnadevaraya in Vijayanagara. Many people in the king’s court try to show they are great, but Tenali Rama uses his simple thinking to solve big problems. The book has many short stories, so it is easy for me to read them one by one. I usually read one story after school in our ZPHS library at Jagityal district. My favourite story is about how Tenali catches a thief. He uses a rope trick and makes the thief feel scared. I liked this story because it teaches that cleverness is more important than strength. The language of this book is simple and good for children like us. The pictures in the book also show how people looked in olden days. I could imagine the king’s palace, the clothes, and the marketplace. This book teaches us to think wisely and to help others when they are in trouble. Tenali Rama always uses his brain, and he never cheats innocent people. I enjoyed this book and I want to suggest it to my friends in school so that they can also have fun and learn good lessons.
2. Akbar and Birbal Tales
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Akbar and Birbal Tales
Author: Amar Chitra Katha / retold collection
Publisher: Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd.
Genre: Folk Tales / Indian Wisdom Stories
I read the book “Akbar and Birbal Tales”. It is a collection of short, interesting, and funny stories about Emperor Akbar and his wise minister Birbal. I liked the book because Birbal always gives smart answers in difficult situations. The stories are short, so I can finish one story quickly before going to tuition in the evening. The pictures in the book help me understand the old Mughal time. My favourite story is the one where Akbar asks Birbal to find the biggest fool in the kingdom. Birbal shows him two funny people and explains why their actions are foolish. Akbar laughs a lot and understands Birbal’s point. This story teaches us to think before we act. The book also teaches that we should speak politely and use our brain. The language in this book is easy. Even Class 6 students like me from Telangana can read it without any difficulty. I read this book during our English library period. Our teacher, Sita madam, told us that reading helps us learn new words. I learned words like “wisdom”, “kingdom”, and “minister”. I enjoyed this book because it mixes humour and learning. I feel this book is good for children who want simple stories with moral values. I will surely tell my classmates to read this book.
3. Panchatantra Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Panchatantra Stories
Author: Vishnu Sharma (retold by many authors)
Publisher: Children’s Book Trust / Various
Genre: Moral Stories / Animal Tales
I read the book “Panchatantra Stories”. This book has many animal stories with good morals. I like it because each story teaches a lesson about friendship, cleverness, honesty, and hard work. The stories are from ancient India, and they are written in very simple language, so Class 6 students like me can understand them easily. I enjoy animal stories because they make learning fun. My favourite story from the book is “The Monkey and the Crocodile”. In the story, the monkey lives happily on a tree near a river. A crocodile becomes his friend but later wants to cheat him. The monkey uses his brain and saves his life. This story teaches us not to trust people blindly and to think before making decisions. Another story I liked is “The Three Fishes”. It teaches us to act early when danger comes. The illustrations in the book are colourful and show the Indian villages, forests, and rivers. When I read the book, I feel like I am watching a small movie. I read this book during our morning reading period. Our teacher told us that Panchatantra stories help children become wise. I learned many new words and understood how animals are used as characters to teach moral lessons. I enjoyed this book and want to read more stories like this.
4. The Blue Umbrella
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Blue Umbrella
Author: Ruskin Bond
Publisher: Puffin Books / Penguin India
Genre: Indian Fiction / Short Story
I read the book “The Blue Umbrella” written by Ruskin Bond. It is a simple and touching story about a young girl named Binya who lives in a small mountain village. One day she gets a beautiful blue umbrella, and everyone in the village likes it. The shopkeeper Ram Bharosa wants it very badly. This creates a small conflict in the story. I liked the book because it shows village life, nature, and simple human emotions. The writer uses easy words, so I could read it without any difficulty. Binya is kind, simple, and honest. She never hurts anyone. Ram Bharosa also changes in the end and becomes a better person. The story teaches us kindness, forgiveness, and sharing. My favourite part is when Binya gives her umbrella to Ram Bharosa. She doesn’t do it because she is afraid; she gives it because she is a good-hearted girl. That moment made me feel happy because kindness wins. I also liked the description of mountains, trees, and animals. I imagined the cold weather and green hills. I read this book during the weekend at home in Nizamabad. My father also read some pages with me. He told me that Ruskin Bond writes beautiful stories about nature. I enjoyed this book, and I want to read more books by the same author.
5. Malgudi Days
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Malgudi Days
Author: R. K. Narayan
Publisher: Indian Thought Publications / Various
Genre: Indian Village Stories / Short Stories
I read the book “Malgudi Days” written by R.K. Narayan. The book has many short stories based in a small town called Malgudi. The characters in the book are simple people like postmen, teachers, students, and shopkeepers. I liked the book because the stories feel real, like they are happening in our towns in Telangana. My favourite story is “The Missing Mail”. It is about a postman who cares for the people in his area. He waits before delivering an important letter because he wants a family to stay happy for one more day. The story teaches us kindness and understanding. I felt connected with the story because in our village also, the postman knows everyone and talks nicely to us. I also liked the story “An Astrologer’s Day”, where an astrologer meets a man from his past. The stories are written in simple English, and I could understand them well. The book helped me learn new words and also showed how small incidents can become good stories. The pictures in the book help us imagine Malgudi town. I enjoyed reading these stories during the study hour at school. My teacher said this book is famous because it shows Indian life in a simple and clear way. I want to read more books by R.K. Narayan.
6. The Adventures of Toto
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Adventures of Toto
Author: Ruskin Bond
Publisher: Rupa Publications / Penguin India
Genre: Animal Story / Children’s Fiction
I read “The Adventures of Toto”, a funny and exciting story by Ruskin Bond. It is about a naughty baby monkey named Toto who comes to live with a family. The grandfather loves animals and brings Toto home. From that day, many funny incidents start happening because Toto is always curious and playful. My favourite part is when Toto steals food or breaks things without understanding. He pulls out the stuffing from pillows, tears clothes, and even takes a bath using cold and hot water like a human. These scenes made me laugh a lot. I could imagine Toto running around in our own house in Karimnagar. The story uses simple English, so children like me can read it easily. It teaches us that animals also have feelings and that we should take care of them with love. But it also shows that wild animals cannot always live in homes because they behave differently. The pictures of Toto and the family make the story more interesting. I enjoyed reading this book during our English reading hour. My teacher told us that Ruskin Bond writes many stories about animals, and this is one of the most popular ones. I want to read more stories like this.
7. The Magic Drum and Other Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Magic Drum and Other Stories
Author: Sudha Murthy
Publisher: Puffin Books
Genre: Folk Tales / Indian Stories
I read “The Magic Drum and Other Stories”, a collection of Indian folktales retold by Sudha Murthy. The book has many short stories about kings, queens, villagers, children, animals, and magical objects. I liked this book because the stories are simple and full of Indian culture. When I read them, I felt like my grandmother was telling me stories at night. My favourite story is “The Magic Drum”. It is about a poor boy who gets a drum that can give him food. But the magic works only when he hits the drum. The story teaches us not to be greedy. I also liked the story “The Princess Who Could Not Laugh”. It is funny and teaches us that happiness is important. The language in this book is very easy, and the chapters are short. I read two or three stories every night before sleeping. Sudha Murthy writes stories that children understand well. The pictures in the book show Indian villages, forests, and old houses. They remind me of my own village in Nizamabad district. This book taught me values like honesty, kindness, clever thinking, and helping others. I enjoyed reading it, and I want to read more books by Sudha Murthy.
8. The Jungle Book (Children's Version)
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: The Jungle Book
Author: Rudyard Kipling (children's edition)
Publisher: Rupa Publications / Various
Genre: Adventure / Animal Stories
I read “The Jungle Book” written by Rudyard Kipling. It is the story of Mowgli, a small boy who grows up in a jungle with animals. He is raised by wolves, and he learns jungle rules from Baloo the bear and Bagheera the black panther. I liked this book because it is full of adventure. My favourite part is when Mowgli faces Shere Khan, the dangerous tiger. Mowgli is brave and clever. He uses fire to protect himself and his friends. This shows that courage and intelligence help us face problems in life. I also liked the friendship between Mowgli and the animals. They help each other like a real family. The language in the book is simple in the children’s version, so I could understand it. The pictures of the jungle make the book exciting. I imagined the forests of Adilabad when I read it. I also liked the small moral messages given at the end of each story. This book taught me that we should respect nature and animals. It also shows that family is not only people who look like us, but also those who care for us. I really enjoyed this adventure book.
9. Grandma's Bag of Stories
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Grandma's Bag of Stories
Author: Sudha Murthy
Publisher: Puffin Books
Genre: Family Stories / Indian Culture
I read “Grandma's Bag of Stories” written by Sudha Murthy. It is about a grandmother named Ajji who tells wonderful stories to her grandchildren during their holiday visit. I liked this book because it reminded me of my own grandmother in Siddipet who also tells lovely stories. The stories in the book are about kindness, honesty, hard work, and respect. My favourite story is “Kittur's Clever Boy”. It teaches us to use our intelligence in difficult times. I also liked “The Story of the Mangoes” because it shows the importance of sharing. The language is very simple and the chapters are short. I read the book every evening after homework. The pictures are colourful and show Indian homes, markets, and villages. I felt very happy while reading these stories because they felt familiar and close to our life. Sudha Murthy writes in a way that makes us feel like we are sitting next to Ajji and listening to her. This book taught me moral values and also improved my reading habit. I want to read more books like this.
10. Five on a Treasure Island (Famous Five)
Name of the Student: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Title: Five on a Treasure Island
Author: Enid Blyton
Publisher: Macmillan / Various
Genre: Adventure / Mystery
I read the book “Five on a Treasure Island” from the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. It is an adventure story about four children – Julian, Dick, Anne, and George – and their dog Timmy. They go to an island and find a hidden treasure. I liked this book because it is full of adventure, mystery, and teamwork. My favourite part is when the children explore the old castle ruins and find a secret door. They are brave and curious. They work together and do not give up even when they feel scared. I also liked Timmy the dog because he protects the children and helps them. The language of the book is easy in the children’s version, so I could read it without difficulty. The story is long, but it is interesting on every page. I read it during the weekend and also during our silent reading period in school. This book teaches us courage, friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving. I enjoyed this book very much and I want to read the next part of the Famous Five series.
