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Book Review: Tales from my Heart by Ruskin Bond.

 


Book: Tales from My Heart 

Author: Ruskin Bond 

Illustrator: Sumouli Dutta

Pages: 120 

Publisher: Red Panda (Westland Books) 

How Long it Took Me To Read: A couple of hours 

Plot Summary: Miss Kellner has a tin of biscuits that fascinates little Ruskin. And granny’s cat is just so full of attitude. Oh, and have you heard about the famous playback singer from Mumbai who sang for the ghost of the maestro Tansen?

Ruskin Bond’s charming life has been anything but ordinary. In this wonderful collection, he scours through his memories to come away with tales that celebrate life, its myriad splendours and many lessons; spectacular wonders of nature; stories of ghosts; and the surprising friendships between animals and people. Tales From My Heart, written in Bond’s inimitable style, is peppered with his trademark warmth and wit. Vividly illustrated by Sumouli Dutta, this is a gift for all readers, big and small—a family treasure to return to with joy and affection over the years.


Things I Liked:

1. This is such a heartwarming book filled with sweet anecdotes from Ruskin Bond's life coupled with beautiful illustrations and nuggets of wisdom. Highly recommended for readers of all ages. 

2. If you have read a lot of Ruskin Bond, which I have, you'll know some of the characters he refers to or revisits in this book. For instance, his Grandma, her maali, Miss Kellner, Aunt Emily etc. It is like visiting with old friends and stories about these beloved characters made me smile. 

3. Have I already mentioned how lovely the illustrations in this book are? I have? Okay, let me mention it once again and offer some visual proof. 




Isn't it lovely? Each little story has an illustration or two and I loved all of them! 


4. Ruskin Bond is a very wise man, who has lived an interesting life where he walked his own path and did what brought him joy. So, when he offers some advice, we must take it! This book contains some wonderful words of advice, which comes from having lived the kind of life he has. 


Rating: 5/5 

Highly recommended for kids of all ages- 9 to 90! :) 
 

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