Grandpa’s Bag of Stories by Sudha Murty – engaging collection of stories

Grandpa’s Bag of Stories by Sudha Murty is fast-paced, beautifully engaging collection of stories filled with morals that parents and grandparents will love sharing with their children of age 8 or more.

Synopsis

Join Anoushka, Krishna, Meenu and Raghu along with Ajja-Ajji on their adventure to Mayawati, a beautiful hilly region in Uttarakhand. Little do they know their trip will be filled with unexpected magic as, this time, their dear Ajja becomes their new storyteller. Amidst snow-capped mountains and towering deodar trees, Ajja weaves tales of kings and princesses, mermaids and bitter gourds, imparting wisdom and compassion along the way.

As the children explore the mountains, they make new friends, learn about Pahadi folk traditions, marvel at breathtaking sunsets and travel to various destinations.

From the bestselling author of Grandma’s Bag of Stories and Grandparents’ Bag of Stories, Sudha Murty, comes another collection of immersive, captivating and sensorial tales with an exciting new twist!

Review

Sudha Murty is a highly popular Indian author, but regrettably, I hadn’t read any of her books until now. After experiencing her writing in Grandpa’s Bag of Stories, I want to devour all her books now.

Grandpa’s Bag of Stories is a collection of stories within a story, beginning with Ajja and Ajji (Grandpa and Grandma) planning a vacation to visit Ajji’s brother in Mayawati, Uttarakhand. Just a week before their trip, their son and daughter ask them to take their grandchildren along, turning a trip planned for two into an adventure for six.

And so, their storytelling journey begins. The grandchildren, who love stories, are kept entertained throughout the trip—whether waiting at the airport, traveling through the hills, or staying in a place far different from the city, where their usual activities aren’t available. The stories not only keep them occupied but also provide plenty of food for thought.

Grandpa’s Bag of Stories is a follow-up to Grandma’s Bag of Stories, which I hope to read soon. However, it can be enjoyed independently as well. The writing is fast paced, vivid, and engaging, offering not just a collection of stories but also beautiful descriptions of Mayawati, Bhimtal, Lohaghat, and other areas nearby. Author also give a glimpse on the lifestyle of the Pahadis (people who live in the region), how farming is done in such hilly region, and their food.

Each chapter has two sections: the first describes their current experiences and how they spend their time in Mayawati, setting the scene for the second section, which introduces a story filled with valuable messages for both their grandchildren and readers. Each story and chapter is accompanied by a beautifully drawn black-and-white illustration that brings the narrative to life.

All 19 stories are well-written and impart valuable lessons, covering themes such as kindness, generosity, the importance of sibling bonds, learning from opportunities, the consequences of obsession and rumors, the need to correct children when necessary, the true meaning of immortality, taking right and honest path, and the power of unity.

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but here are the stories that will stay with me for a long time—
The Bitter Gourd
The Peepal Tree
Jalebi Teaches a Lesson
The Fruit of Immortality
The Royal Astrologer
Too Much is Too Bad

Overall, Grandpa’s Bag of Stories is fast-paced, beautifully engaging collection of stories filled with morals that parents and grandparents will love sharing with their children of age 8 or more.

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

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Just in Case You Missed,,,,

• The Talking Book by Jane De Suza – Fun and Informative Journey of Communication
• Kavithri by Aman J. Bedi – Indian-inspired steampunk fantasy
• Grandpa’s Bag of Stories by Sudha Murty – engaging collection of stories

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