When Gopu's father (Baba) falls sick, the visually impaired Gopu knows he would have to step out alone. He negotiates the crowds, the markets and the traffic of the city of Calcutta, all by himself, to reach his grandma's house to get her to cook Baba's favourite fish curry. Does he succeed in bringing it home to him? In this book, Richa Jha writes as much about the courage of Gopu as she does about the sounds and smells of a bustling metropolis. Sumanta Dey brings alive the city of Calcutta between the covers of this book and makes the readers feel they are walking alongside Gopu.
ISBN: 9789353213121
Pages: 40
Avg Reading Time: 1 hrs
Age: 0-11
Country of Origin: India
Kitten Trouble
- Author Name:
Bijal Vachharajani
- Rating:
- Book Type:
- Description: Sani is terrified of animals-dogs, cats, cows. But her mother has just brought home an orange-white furball. What is Sani to do? About the Hook Book Series In a world where children’s books often feel cut from the same cloth, Hook Books stand out as a vibrant blend of imagination, humour, and heart. Crafted as a bridge between picture books and early chapter books, this series delivers stories that spark joy and wonder, while remaining rooted in age-appropriate learning. Hook Books keep the fun going with: Short, digestible bits of text (perfect for budding readers) Bright colour illustrations that pull kids into the story Themes that speak to the everyday lives of children—plus a sprinkle of whimsy! From fantasy tales to those that touch on more advanced ideas, Hook Books ensure that young readers are always in for a treat, no matter their reading level. Even better, these books take children on journeys through different parts of India, giving them a taste of the rich diversity of our world through local flavours, landscapes, and cultures. Whether the story takes place in bustling cities or quiet villages, Hook Books make every setting feel like home.
Chintu Loses a Continent
- Author Name:
Vrinda Baliga
- Book Type:
- Description: It’s Monday morning. Time for school. And his model of the earth…? Chintu Chitnis suddenly remembers he hasn’t made it! There’s a last-minute scramble to finish the project, with his little sister Pihu pitching in not very helpfully. And then, in school, Chintu finds an entire continent missing! Where did it go? Set in a Konkani household, this light and humorous story with playful pictures is a quick first introduction to the continents of the world.
Boli Rangoli
- Author Name:
Gulzar +1
- Rating:
- Book Type:
- Description: Awaiting Description
I Am Better Than You - Tamil - English - Bilingual
- Author Name:
Sigrun Srivastav
- Book Type:
- Description: Skillfully written and beautifully illustrated in four colours by the author herself, this story is about sibling rivalry and common gender attitudes. Who is better? The truth is they share a solid and emotional relationship.
Everything is Ups!de Down
- Author Name:
Jane De Suza
- Rating:
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- Description: Details awaited
Dungi Dance
- Author Name:
Bhavna Jain Bhuta
- Book Type:
- Description: Dhum Dhum Dhum… dhup dhup dhup… Dungi dances to a dhinchak beat in this foot-tapping story that will make young readers move and groove, clap and tap! Big sheep, small sheep, bored sheep, happy sheep… eye-catching visuals bring to life the dance and drama in a woolly world.
Gajapati Kulapati-Dhoomdamadam Dhapaak Dhoom!
- Author Name:
Ashok Rajagopalan
- Book Type:
- Description: After his big-big sneeze, Gajapati Kulapati is back with a SPLASH! Like the very popular first book, sounds, rhythm, and repetition make this too a perfect read aloud for little ones.
The Glass Tree
- Author Name:
M Mukundan +1
- Rating:
- Book Type:
- Description: Unni has lots and lots of stories to tell. And his grandmother cannot go to sleep without one of little Unniís colourful tales. A delightful retelling of the original prize-winning story by one of the best Malayalam writers today to inspire all storytellers!
AMMACHI'S GLASSES
- Author Name:
Priya Kuriyan
- Rating:
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- Description: Ammachi can’t find her glasses one morning and everything goes topsy-turvy! Page after page spills with drama, humour, detail and local flavour as Priya Kuriyan spins a hilarious tale about a crazy day with unforgettable Ammachi — “the archetypal grandmother from memories of my own childhood in Kerala,” as Priya says. The celebrated illustrator is at her best in her first wordless picture book.
Secret Wild Vet Kalyani
- Author Name:
Geeta Dharmarajan +1
- Rating:
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- Description: Secret Wild Vet Kalyani is a book inspired by N Kalyani, Tamil Nadu’s first woman veterinarian who graduated from Madras Veterinary College in 1952, challenging gender norms within the profession. Through a cheerful poem set in the Nilgiri hills, the author and Katha’s Founder President Geeta Dharmarajan imagines her Irular protagonist as a kind of superwoman who helps rescue animals, birds and reptiles in danger. Filled with everything from guns to ropes and jungle antics, this adventure story truly comes alive with the help of lively illustrations by designer Boski Jain. According to the book, the DNA analysis (2018) of a skeleton from the Indus Valley Civilisation found in Rakhigarhi showed greater affinity with the Irula people than any other ethnic group in India. “A study by Yelmen et al (2019) found that the Irula were the closest likely proxy for the indigenous “AASI”, or Ancient Ancestral South Indian, one of the presumed founders and autochthonous original populations,” informs the book.
Gajapati Kulapati
- Author Name:
Ashok Rajagopalan
- Book Type:
- Description: Small noses catch small colds. Big noses catch big colds. Gajapati Kulapati the elephant has a big nose and catches a great, big, mighty cold! And what happens when he sneezes – Aaaaachoooo….? With repetitive sounds and words that roll rhythmically through the pages, this bestselling series about the adorable elephant puts the zing back into storytelling and reading aloud. Bright, zestful pictures and dynamic visual text echo the lilt, making these big, happy books of fun.
Can and Can't
- Author Name:
Radha HS +1
- Rating:
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- Description: You CAN read this little book, but you CAN’T dislike it! And if little children CAN’T read it, they CAN enjoy the charming illustrations! Level 1:for very young children who are eager to begin reading and listening to stories
The Pet Pell-Mell
- Author Name:
Richa Jha +1
- Book Type:
- Description: So you want a pet – any pet – and your mommy says NO. And so, you try your luck with Daddy, but dear, oh dear, he gets it all wrong! What will you do?
The Night Sky/Raatnu Aakaash
- Author Name:
Samina Mishra
- Book Type:
- Description: It’s late at night. Tipu is fast asleep when his two black puppies, Layla and Jugnoo, bound into his room. Down comes his star-filled quilt – and it becomes a cosmic playground for the three of them. Anything is possible, even flying to the moon! With illustrations that reflect the blending of reality and fantasy, this is a story about the sheer joy of imagination, and the wonder of play.
Why Always
- Author Name:
Michio Mado +1
- Book Type:
- Description: Can nature ever be old? Find out in this poem!
Goondi Bari Aashbe?
- Author Name:
Adithi Rao
- Book Type:
- Description: Muthu’s constant companion is a rooster called Goondi. But her grandfather tells her not to get too attached to Goondi, since he belongs to Selvi Paati. And the village head wants to buy him for his son’s wedding feast… Muthu can’t bear the thought! So, she makes her move and Thatha makes his, in this tender story about what a dear friend is worth. Pictures add richness and depth to this layered narrative set in an Irula fishing village in Tamil Nadu. Their varying tones and textures capture the setting, the people and the moments.
Blue And Other Stories
- Author Name:
Suniti Namjoshi
- Rating:
- Book Type:
- Description: Five timeless stories from an internationally acclaimed fabulist and poet. Playful and gentle, they traverse layers of myth with ease to speak to readers of all ages. Well-known artist Nilima Sheikh's colours and delicate textures enhance the nuanced writing. This is the coming together of two fine minds to create a contemporary classic.
Ammachi’s Incredible Investigation
- Author Name:
Vinayak Varma +1
- Rating:
- Book Type:
- Description: Someones been stealing all the unniappams. Help detectives Ammachi and Sooraj as they look for clues, set traps, and catch the thief.Written by Vinayak Varma and Illustrated by Rajiv Eipe.The development of this book has been supported by Oracle.
Ayyo… That Parrot!
- Author Name:
Abhi Krish
- Book Type:
- Description: Murali is being chased… by a parrot! Like all parrots this one keeps repeating what he says, but also keeps copying what he DOES. What kind of a bothersome bird is this that has Murali in a flap? Find out in this charming caper of a story! Adding whimsy to the chase is the fun-filled use of different languages. Playful pictures capture what it means to be followed by a pesky parrot most children will recognise.
Avakhala Dukaru
- Author Name:
Rohit Kulkarni +1
- Rating:
- Book Type:
- Description: Lalita is the pet pig of Mini Singh, the potter. She is a naughty pig and is always in trouble. One day, Mini finds all his beautiful pots broken and blames Lalita. Could you find out what happens next? This story is inspired by a real-life pig who lives in Pune with a real-life potter. Written by Rohit Kulkarni, Illustrated by Priya Kuriyan
Customer Reviews
October 24, 2024, 1:04 pm
Awantika Singh
nice one
What is Machher Jhol about?
Machher Jhol follows a young boy in Kolkata as he journeys across the city to get fresh fish for his father’s favourite dish. What begins as a simple errand turns into a sensory adventure filled with sounds, colours, street corners, and the pulse of Bengal. The book blends food, family, and city life into a heartfelt story that feels both local and universal.
Why should readers pick up Machher Jhol?
It’s a rich picture book that brings Indian food culture to children in a way that feels real and full of life. The illustrations capture Kolkata beautifully, and the story gently shows love expressed through everyday acts — in this case, cooking someone’s favourite meal.
Who is Machher Jhol ideal for?
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Kids aged 4–8
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Families who enjoy food-themed stories
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Classrooms exploring Indian culture, cities, or traditions
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Libraries building multicultural picture book collections
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Read-aloud sessions with sensory storytelling
Key Themes
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Family and caregiving
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Food culture (Bengali cuisine)
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City life and exploration
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Love expressed through everyday gestures
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Tradition and belonging
Where to read or buy Machher Jhol?
Here’s the link: https://rachnaye.com/books/picture-books/machher-jhol-english-by-pickle-yolk-books
