OUR HOME LIBRARY - MALAYALAM BOOKS FOR TODDLERS-READ IT ALOUD GROUP

Read details at the post: 
http://shyamathanniyil.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-home-library-malayalam-collection.html 

VACATION PROGRAMS FOR KIDS IN KOZHIKODE- AN UPDATE

The following programmes have been announced for kids during this summer vacation in and around Calicut(Kozhikode).
{Continuation of blog post :http://shyamathanniyil.blogspot.com/2011/03/vacation-programs-for-kids-in-kozhikode.html }

 Vacation Utsav: COMPUTER COURSES FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

   
 Lot of programmes are announced by C-DIT. {Centre for Development of Imaging Technology} under Government of Kerala.

Courses are offered in Animation, Web designing, Office Automation, DTP, Graphic Designing, Hardware training, Programming in C, Tally and so on...Fees in Rs.600 to Rs.1500 per course.Its a Talent Hunt to identify interested school children. Early birds who register before 5th April are offered a school bag.


Information on centres in Kozhikode and its contact numbers are added in the side bar.For more specific details, please log on to www.tet.cdit.org.

 POONKAVANAM

This is the children's summer camp organised by Chinmaya Mission under the guidance of Swami Adtyatmananda.Children from 8 to 15years can participate in the camp being held from April 1st to 18th. Programme is proposed to span from 9.30am to 4pm every day, at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Thondayad. Fees @Rs.500 per child.

Contact Numbers are: 0495-2357429; 2357699,9847662588.

G.DEVARAJAN MASTER MUSIC ACADEMY

Classes announced for music by Smt.Bindu Suresh, Drawing and Painting by Shri.Paul Kallanode and Dance by Smt.K.Santhakumari at Police Club from 27th March 2011.

For further details contact: 0495-3196600 or 9387112511.


MAGIC WORLD, Kandamkulam Cross Road, Kallai, Kozhikode.

A theme based coaching on Magic is proposed by Magic World for 100 selected students from the district during the summer vacation. The program is led by magician Mr.Pradeep Hudino.(To know more about him, visit: http://magicweekly.blogspot.com/2011/01/magic-academy-award-for-pradeep-hodino.html)

For details of the program contact: 9847000102 or 0495- 2300062.

ROTARIAN CHEROOTY MEMORIAL SWIMMING POOL

Phone: 0495-2771641

Coaching classes are already in progress for swimming in this ozonised indoor class I swimming pool and continues till May31, 2011.Lady instructors are an available option for girls.

 HINDI MAHAVIDYALAYAM, Arts College.P.O., Calicut 18.
Phone: 0495- 2321521, 9388887206

Vacation classes are proposed to improve Hindi communication ability and grammar in children. Other classes on Hindi like Prathama, Madhyama and so on can also be opted by those who wish to learn the language more. To catch upon details visit: http://dbhpskerala.org/index.html

TALENT HUNT ON ANIMATION &VACATION COURSES

The KSRVC Multimedia Academy (part of Kerala State AudioVisual and Reprographic Centre; an autonomous body under Govt.of Kerala) is conducting an Animation talent hunt. The Junior group is for students from Class V to X and the senior group is for elders until age21 years.For registration call 9249999646 and for details visit http://www.ksavrcmultimedia.com/

Vacation Courses are for kids above Class V.

 SNES EUROKIDS- SUMMER CLUB 2011.
Phone: 9388006894, 0495-2770609

For kids from 3to 12 years, the Summer camp is at their campus at Cherooty Nagar, Calicut. The programme is from 10 am to 12.30noon for a period of 21days from April 4th to May4th(tentative); 2011. This years program is based on STORIES...vocabulary building, related craft activities and a mix of indoor games. The elder kids have resolution of puzzles and crosswords also. Transport facility is available from all areas of the city.

Be on the outlook for more additions as we catch up on the latest...

OUR HOME LIBRARY - MALAYALAM COLLECTION

ഒരു കുട്ടി ഏതു പ്രായത്തില്‍ നനായി വായിക്കും എന്നത് അവരെ നമ്മള്‍ ഏതു പ്രായം  മുതല്‍ ശീലിപ്പിക്കുന്നു എന്നത് പോലെ ആണെന്നു എനിക്ക് തോന്നിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. കേരളത്തിലെ പല ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് മീഡിയം വിദ്യാലയങ്ങളിലും സി. ബി.എസ്. ഈ. വിധ്യലയങ്ങളിലും മലയാളം ഭാഷ പഠനത്തിനുള്ള ശ്രദ്ധ തുലോം കുറവ് ആണ്. ഇത് നികത്താനുള്ള മാര്‍ഗങ്ങള്‍ രക്ഷിതാക്കള്‍ യഥാസമയം കണ്ടെത്തിയില്ലെങ്കില്‍ മക്കള്‍ക് സ്വന്തം മാതൃഭാഷ, സംസ്കാരം, സാഹിത്യം എല്ലാം അന്യമാകും. 

വീട്ടില്‍ ഒരു ഗ്രന്ഥശാല എന്നാ ആശയം ഇതില്‍ നിന്നാണ്  ഉധിച്ചതെന്നു പറയാം. ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് അക്ഷരങ്ങള്‍ പരിചിതമാകും മുന്‍പേ മക്കളെ ഭാഷ പഠിപിക്കാന്‍ ശ്രമിക്കയും തുടര്‍ന്ന് താല്പര്യം നിലനിര്‍ത്താന്‍ പാകത്തില്‍ അവര്ക് കുട്ടികളുടെ വാരികകള്‍ വാങ്ങി കൊടുക്കയും അവരോടൊപ്പം അത് വായിച്ചും, ചിത്രങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് ചായം നല്‍കിയും കഥകള്‍ പറഞ്ഞും തുടങ്ങിയാല്‍ അവരെ വളരെ വേഗം നല്ല വായിക്കുന്ന മക്കള്‍ ആക്കാമെന്ന് എനിക്ക് തോന്നുന്നു.

ഞങ്ങള്‍ ആദ്യം വാങ്ങി വായിച്ച പുസ്തകം കേരള കൌമുദിയുടെ ചെറു പദ്യ സമാഹാരം ആയിരുന്നു. സി. ഡി. രൂപത്തില്‍ ലഭിച്ച കവിത സമാഹാരത്തില്‍ ചെറുശ്ശേരിയുടെ കൃഷ്ണഗാഥയിലെ വരികള്‍ ആന്നു മക്കളെ ഏറെ ആകര്‍ഷിച്ചത്. (പേര് : തേന്‍ തുള്ളി കള്‍ )

"മണ്ണ് തിനീടിനന്‍ കണ്ണന്‍ എന്നിങ്ങനെ തിണ്ണം പോയി ചോന്നിട്ട ബാലകന്മാര്‍

മാതാവോടായിട്ടു ചൊല്ലി നിനീടിനന്‍ മാതാവ്‌ തനതു കേട്ട നേരം 

ഓടിചെന്നങ്ങവാന്‍ ചാരത് ചെഞ്ചെമ്മെ പേടിപിചീടുവാനായി  ചൊന്നാല്‍  ..."

തുടര്‍ന്ന് ഞങ്ങള്‍ പട്ടണം മുഴുവന്‍ നടന്നു കൃഷ്ണഗാഥയുടെ പൂര്‍ണ രൂപം സന്ഘടിപിച്ചു.

ഇതേ സമാഹാരത്തിലെ കുഞ്ചന്‍ നമ്ബിയരുടെ കവിതയാണ്‌ അടുത്ത ആകര്‍ഷണം ആയി കുട്ടികള്ക് തോന്നിയത്. തുള്ളല്‍ പാട്ടുകള്‍ തേടി ആയി അടുത്ത യാത്ര.പൂതപ്പാട്ടും കുട്ടികള്ക് അങ്ങനെ പരിചയമായി.

തുടര്‍ന്ന് താല്പര്യം തോന്നിയത്  വന്ച്ജി പാട്ടുകലോട്ടന്നു. ഈണത്തില്‍ പദ്യം ചൊല്ലുനത്തോടെ ഭാശയോടെ സ്നേഹംയെന്നു പ്രത്യേകം പറയേണ്ടല്ലോ !

മലയാള മനോരമയുടെ കളികുടുക്കയന്നു അടുത്ത പടിയായി ഉപയോഗിച്ചത്. അതിലെ ചിത്ര രചനയും, ചായം കൊടുകളും കുട്ടികള്ക് ഏറെ ഇഷ്ടം ആയിരുന്നു. 

ഇതിനു ശേഷമാണ് ഞങ്ങള്‍ ഗ്രന്ഥശഅലയുടെ ഘട്ടത്തിലേക്ക് കടന്നത്‌. ഞങ്ങളുടെ മലയാളം പുസ്തകങ്ങളില്‍ മൂന്നു വിഭാഗങ്ങള്‍ ഉണ്ട്. ആധ്യതെതില്‍ ഏറ്റവും ചെറിയ കുട്ടികള്ക് വായിച്ചു കൊടുക്കാന്‍ കഴിയുന്ന , അവര്ക് രസിക്കാന്‍ കഴിയുന്ന കഥകളും പദ്യങ്ങളും ആണുള്ളത്. രണ്ടാമത്തെ വിഭാഗത്തില്‍ ചെറിയ കുട്ടികള്ക് തനിച്ചു വായിക്കാന്‍ കസിയുന സ്വയം കുറെ ഒക്കെ മനസിലകാനും സാധിക്കുന്ന തരത്തിലുള്ള പുസ്തകങ്ങളാണ് ചേര്‍ത്തിട്ടുള്ളത്. മൂനാമത്തെ വിഭാഗം സ്വയം വായിച്ചു മനസിലകാന്‍ കസിയുന കൊച്ചു മക്കള്‍ക്കുള്ളതാന്നു.

എല്ലാ വര്‍ഷവും ബാലസാഹിത്യം എന്നാ വിഭാഗത്തില്‍ അനേകം പുതിയ പുസ്തകങ്ങള്‍ ഇറങ്ങുനുണ്ട്. കേരള സംസ്ഥാന ബാലാ സാഹിത്യ ഇന്‍സ്റ്റിറ്റ്യൂട്ട്, ഉള്ളൂര്‍ പ്രസിദ്ധീകരണങ്ങള്‍, ലിപി, തൂലിക, കേരള ശാസ്ത്ര സാഹിത്യ പരിഷദ്, ഹെട്ച് & സി, യുവത, കറന്റ്‌ ബുക്സ്, പൂര്‍ണ, ഹരിതം ബുക്സ്, ഒരയാന്റ്റ്, പാപ്പിയ്യോന്‍, ബട്റെര്ഫ്ല്യ്, ഒലിവെ, തുടങ്ങി അനേകം പ്രസിധീകാരങ്ങള്‍ ഉണ്ട്. ഇതില്‍ ഡോക്ടര്‍.കെ. ശ്രീകുമാര്‍, സിപ്പി പള്ളിപ്പുറം എന്നിവരാണ്‌ കുട്ടികല്കായി കൂടുതല്‍ എഴുതിയതെന്നു തോന്നുന്നു. 

ആദ്യ വിഭാഗത്തിലെ പുസ്തകങ്ങളുടെ വിവരങ്ങളാണ് താഴെ ചേര്‍ത്തിട്ടുള്ളത്.

1 . കൊച്ചുകുട്ടികള്‍ക് തനിയെ വായിക്കാന്‍ - സന്തോഷ്‌ വള്ളിക്കോട്ട് 

2 . ഭൂതത്താന്‍ കുന്നിലെ കുന്ത്രണ്ടി രാക്ഷസന്‍ - സിപ്പി പള്ളിപുരം

3  ആരും പറയാത്ത കഥ - കെ. ശ്രീകുമാര്‍

4 . കിളിയുടെ ന്യായം - ചെറിയമുണ്ടം അബ്ദുര്‍ റസാക്ക് 

5. ഉണ്ണിയും അമ്പിളിയും - സതിഷ് മലപ്പുറം 

6 തിരുമധുരം - ഓ. ദിവാകരന്‍

7 ഉണ്ണി കഥകളും കവിത കളും - ലിന്‍ പീറ്റര്‍ & തെരേസ പീറ്റര്‍

8 കുസൃതി കുരുന്നുകള്‍ - മുരളീധരന്‍ ആനപ്പുഴ 

9 ഞാന്‍ ഇവിടെ ഉണ്ട് - പ. മധുസൂദനന്‍

10 അമ്മിഞ്ഞപ്പാല്‍ - അക്കിത്തം 

11 ഇല്ലം കഥകള്‍ - പി.കെ. നമ്പൂതിരി 

12അമ്പതു കുട്ടികവിതകള്‍ - എ. വിജയന്‍

 13 കേരള ചരിത്രം കുട്ടികള്‍ക്ക് - പി.ടി. ഭാസ്കര പണിക്കര്‍ 

14 നൂറു നഴ്സറി പാട്ടുകള്‍ - സിപ്പി പള്ളിപ്പുറം

15 ANARAKANNAN - മലയത് അപ്പുണ്ണി

16   കംബിളികുപ്പയം - മലയത് അപ്പുണ്ണി

17പക്ഷികളുടെ കഥ കേള്‍ക്കാം - സ്വയ നാസര്‍ 

18ഊണൂണ്ണീ ഉടെ കുഞ്ഞികവിതകള്‍- കുഞ്ഞുണ്ണി

 19 കോഴിയും കുറുക്കനും 

 20തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത കടംകഥകള്‍ - എം.എസ. ഗിരിഷ് 

21 തത്തമ്മേ പൂച്ച പൂച്ച -കെ.കെ. പടിഞ്ഞരെപുരം

22 വേഷം മാറിയ കാക്ക 

23 ഉള്ളൂരിന്റെ ബാലകവിതകള്‍ - ഉള്ളൂര്‍

24 മയില്‍‌പീലി - കെ ശ്രീ കുമാര്‍

25 തലകുലുക്കും ബോംമ - രാധാകൃഷ്ണന്‍ അടുത്തില 

26 ഒരു കുമിലകഥ - കെ കെ കൃഷ്ണകുമാര്‍

27 മസൂ മസൂ - സന്ധ്യ റാവു 

28 കൂലഭ - സന്ധ്യ റാവു

29 ചീരാം സ്നേഹിതാ കടിക്കരുത് - വായു നയിസ്

30 മാണിക്യ ചെമ്ബരുക്ക - ശാന്ധകുമാര്‍ 

31 PALKINNAM - സിപ്പി പള്ളിപുരം 

32 പൂമ്പാറ്റ - എം പി അപ്പന്‍ 

33 ഒളിച്ചോട്ടം - രാജിവ് 

34 മയില്‍ പീലി കണ്ണുകള്‍ - വായു നയിസ്

35 നരുമൊഴി - ഓ എന്‍ വി കുറുപ് 

36 കാക്കകള്‍ വീണ്ടും കാക്കകള്‍ ആയി - ലോരെന്‍സെ 

37 ഓടി വാ തുമ്പീ - മുത്തലപുരം മോഹന്‍ദാസ്‌ 

38 വേലുവും മാളുവും - ജോര്‍ജ് ഇമ്മട്ടി 

39 മാന്ധ്രിക പാത്രങ്ങള്‍ - വായു നയിസ്

40 എല്ലാം സൌജന്യം - മമത പണ്ടയ 

41 മല്ലയുധ ഭ്രമം - സന്ധ്യ റാവു 

42 ഉപ്പും മധുരവും - സന്ധ്യ റാവു

43 കുഴിയാന - മുത്തലപുരം മോഹന്‍ദാസ്‌ 

44 കടല്‍ - ലളിത ലെനിന 

45 പധ്മാക്ഷനും കുജുക്കിളിയും - മോഹന്‍ദാസ്‌ അമ്പാട്ട്

46 മാരിമുതും മനിമുതും - സജിനി പവിത്രന്‍

47 എലികുഞ്ഞുങ്ങളും പൂച്ചയും - ബി ഇന്ദിര 

48 അമ്മയെകനാന്‍ - അബിത യുസഫ് 

49 ആരോഗ്യ പാഠങ്ങള്‍ - ഉഷ എസ് നായര്‍ 

50 ഒരു ചുരുളിന്റെ കഥ - വായു നയിസ്

51 തിരകള്‍ - സുഗതകുമാരി 

52 കലവറ - മലയത് അപ്പുണ്ണി

53 മഴ തുള്ളിയുടെ വീര കൃത്യങ്ങള്‍ - ജേക്കബ്‌ സാംസണ്‍ മുട്ടട 

54 പൂക്കുട - ആനന്ദ കുട്ടന്‍ 

55 കളിപന്ധല്‍ - തിരുനല്ലൂര്‍ കരുണാകരന്‍

     

OUR HOME LIBRARY - KIDS AND SOUTH INDIAN MOVIES

..............

SOUTH INDIAN MOVIES- MALAYALAM AND TAMIL- KIDS CHOICE

This is exclusively our personal picks. Watching movies is a family pastime for us and hence naturally the list is exhaustive. Though my kids regularly watch other popular movies and even cherish some of them, some of them have been purposefully omitted from this index, since they felt its not an appropriate choice for inclusion here for various reasons! Some others are pending their re-appraisal and shall be uploaded in due course. 

Most video clips here have attractive songs and none are links to the full movie as noted in my earlier post...

Vacation is a time for kids to enjoy and good movies in fact screw them down to their seats! 

Everything in a judicious proportion, in a well managed and monitored dose is an excellent supplement for personal development...

So I prefer utilizing the positive impact of media.

ANJALI

KANNATHIL MUTHAMITTAL

ROJA

BOMBAY

KESU

CHITRASALABHANGALUDE VEEDU

DADDY COOL 

MAKALKU

ATHISAYAN

 MAKANTE ACHAN

KAKOTHIKAVILE APPOOPPAN THADIKAL

MANU UNCLE

ENTE MAMATTY KUTTY AMMAKKU

MY DEAR KUTTICHATHAN

UNCLE BUN

ENTE VEEDU APPOONTEYUM

KOODEVIDE

PRIYAM

NIRAM

NAMMAL

PATTANATHIL BHOOTHAM

MOZ AND CAT

LOUDSPEAKER

VELLINAKSHATHRAM

NOTEBOOK

KAZHCHA

PAPPAYUDE SWANTHAM APPOOS

POOVINU PUTHIYA POOONTHENNAL

ACHANEYAANENIKKISTAM

OUR HOME LIBRARY - PART V- KIDS AND HINDI MOVIES

Some of the most popular picks that kids enjoyed are listed in this collection. Please note that none of the clips here are that of the full movie; but only glimpses to let you get to know or recollect or verify the film. Most of the full movie are available both on youtube or metcafe for online view or can be rented out from video shops or purchased from Moser baer home collection, readily.

My kids are regular visitors at film festivals organised for children at Kozhikode and they enjoy those movies also well. Elders should definitely help them to choose movies that suit their taste by going through the synopsis of each movie and narrating the same to them, before hand.They can't watch all movies and selection is a must. Its not easy for children to watch the movie and follow subtitles,either. Especially for films that have serious themes, they need help from elders. So, in such cases, its always better that elders accompany kids and facilitate them to participate in the following discussions also. They are sure to develop their observation skills and the diversity in movies of different language as well.

Some movies are in languages other than mother tongue.Hindi or Tamil and in these situations, we had to pause it occasionally to narrate the story and dialogues to children.We may have to repeat this with elementary level kids for one or two times in every movie; but they pick up the story far better, later when they watch it by themselves. They learn to appreciate art better.

In my personal view movies are an easy way to create awareness and instill the issues in and around us, the social matrix into children.The list here is quite personal without any order of preference whatsoever. It includes those that were pure entertainers and those which I used to communicate values or trigger certain specific thoughts or used to explain certain life situations or sensitive aspects that can't be depicted otherwise.

How genuinely children respond, their attitudes, emotions and reactions are worth a watch. When some aspects touch or pierce their sensitive minds, I have seen them discussing probable solutions over a long time. At times, we can also learn from kids.

I have added descriptions for Hindi movies and skipped that for Tamil and Malayalam Movies. In case anybody feels it essential, please be free to drop a mail or a note.

TAARE ZAMEEN PAR - Every child is special

Eight year old Ishaan's world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate. Adults are more interested in things like homework and marks. And Ishaan just can't seem to get anything right in class. When he gets into more trouble than his parents can handle, he is packed off to boarding school to be "disciplined"...

New Art teacher Nikumbh, soon realises that something is wrong and sets out to discover why. With time, patience and care he ultimately helps Ishaan find himself.

CHAK DE INDIA

Chak De India is the story of a coach's fight of making his team, Team India, by overcoming their diverse backgrounds, by learning to use everything that life hurls on them as a secret weapon. It's a story about honesty, sincerity and integrity. A story to remind the Nation of its National Sport...

HANUMAN - India's first 2d Animation film

Hanuman was born to Anjana, female Apsara and Vayu, the Wind God. He was blessed with supreme intelligence, strength and divine power. As a baby, Hanuman was quite naughty and used his powers to pester the saints living in the nearby forest.Once when he was he was hungry he leaped to catch the sun thinking it was a fruit. On the instance, Vayu, Indra and other Gods came together to bless baby Hanuman of immortal life. Blessed with divine powers, Hanuman grew up to be powerful and mighty. No harm could befall him from any weapons. Fire and water couldnot harm him. He could overcome death and above all he could transform his body to take the smallest form or attain the biggest form of life. He befriended Lord Ram and Lakshman in their search for Sita. Hanuman with his super powers help Lord Ram and Lakshman. Seeing Hanuman's devotion and love towards Him, Lord ram blessed hanuman with the boon of immortality.

  
My friend GANESHA 1,2: Go on a fun filled ride

A composite animation film by Rajiv S Ruia and distributed by Moser baer. The story revolves around a family of 4 members, Aaditya (Father), Aarti (Mother), Ashu (8 year old son), Aditi (paternal Aunt) and a maid (Gangu bai).

The parents of the boy are too involved in their daily lives and hence cannot give much time to the boy who always feels lonely. He would only get to be with the maid.

On one rainy day the boy saves a mouse from drowning and saves his life. He brings the small mouse home and tells the maid about it. She is very happy and tells the boy that he has saved Lord Ganesha's pet ride.

Gangubhai inspires Ashu to make Ganesha his friend and how he goes about it, they fun they jointly enjoy and how Ganesha comes in their home and problems are resolved in their family, is the script in brief.

In Part 2, the plot is laid thus. Vashu is the only child of brilliant parents - Airhostess Anita and Dr. Amit. But Vashu is also an extremely unhappy child. Because he has this funny habit of covering his ears all the time, everybody in school teases him and calls him 'Gandhiji's monkey'. While others laugh at him, his friend Tanya is the only person who bothers to find out why he's doing this. Vashu helplessly confesses that the moment he removes his fingers, he starts hearing his parents fighting and the noise is unbearable. Besides Tanya, Vashu's only other friend and ally is his new maid, Gangu Tai.How the maid helps him perform in the dance competition at school and how he befriends Ganesha and solves his problems is the thread of the story.

AVATAR

Jurassic Park and Harry Porter are good options for kids who prefer them ...

OUR HOME LIBRARY- PART IV- KIDS AND ENGLISH MOVIES

The taste of movies varies with children. They always enjoy those in their mother tongue. Kids may sometimes watch the same movie many times repeatedly; unlike adults. Thats their way of grasping the story all by themselves. At times certain portions may warrant help or explanation from elders; so as to help them understand perfectly.

Kids who are interested in movies are those who enjoy stories, photography, acting or performing arts and another category are those who look out for the technicalities as well. Whatever the situation, picking movies that are child friendly and useful is a true form of enjoyment and entertainment.It also helps kids to understand about the social fabric if we take effort to communicate the extent of exaggerations effectively.

Our personal pick of movies are listed here.

Baby's Day Out

A simply wonderful movie that kids watched innumerable times...

Baby Bink couldn't ask for more; he has adoring parents; he lives in a huge mansion, and he's just about to appear in the social pages of the paper. Unfortunately, not everyone in the world is as nice as Baby Bink's parents; especially the three enterprising kidnapers who pretend to be photographers from the newspaper. Successfully kidnapping Baby Bink, they have a harder time keeping hold of the babe, who not only keeps one step ahead of them, but seems to be more than a little bit smarter than the three bumbling criminals!!!


Walt Disney's The Jungle Book

This is based on the adaptation from Rudyard Kipling's classic novel. This is the 40th anniversary platinum edition, brilliantly restored with enhanced pictures and sound. Experience the song- filled celebration of friendship, fun and adventure that was the last animated film to receive Walt Disney's personal touch.

Embark on a thrilling, adventure- filled journey with the boy Mowgli as he makes his  way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets Jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable  , happy-go-lucky-bear Baloo; who teaches Mowgli " the bare necessities" of life and true meanings of friendship.

Swing into a jungle of fun and meet the long lost character, Rocky the Rhino and experience never- before- heard deleted songs!

Watch the trailer at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ker49kN5Agk

Shemaroo entertainment's GHATOTHKACH- Master of magic; a film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao.

Ghatothkach, lovingly called "Ghattu" is the prince of the forest and is blessed with extra ordinary powers. He has loads of fun with his magical powers, but also uses them to protect every one around him. As a five year old, he rescues " Gajju" - a baby elephant which leads to a lifelong friendship. The film is the journey of a prince and his elephant friend- full of magic, fun and adventure. When challenged by evil forces, that are out to destroy him and to stop him from fulfilling his destiny, Ghattu and Gajju form an invincible team to fight them. Together they unite two soul mates - against all odds; in their own unique funny way.

The Sound of Music- a timeless classic for every family.

Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, the spirited young woman who leaves the Convent to become governess to the 7 children of Captain Von Trapp, an autocratic widower whose strict household leaves no room ofr music and merriment.Winner of 5 academy awards, including best picture, this timeless classic features some of the worlds best loved songs.


Slum Dog Millionnaire by Danny Boyle that won AR Rahman, the Oscar for music...

Jaiho the song has become so popular in schools that kids become more familiar as they watch the movie.

It is an adaptation of the novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup. Set and filmed in India, the film tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the Juhu slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Kaun Banega Crorepati in the Hindi version) and exceeds people's expectations, thereby arousing the suspicions of the game show host and of law enforcement officials.

AMU by Shonali Bose

Kaju, a 21 year old Indian American woman is visiting her family in India. In wandering around Delhi, she is overcome by dejavu and stumbles upon secrets and lies from her past. Aided by Kabir, a young man who is deeply attracted to her and her quest, she embarks on an unstoppable journey that uncovers the suppressed history of the 1984 genocide in Delhi. How does this past event affect the two young people in the present?Why are they blocked at every turn and will they ever find the truth?

The Indian Censor Board cut crucial line sof dialogue from the film all indicting the governemnt's complicity in the genocide and gave it an "A" certificate on the grounds that "why should young people know a history that is better buried and forgotten."

Ironically, in its theatrical release in India, USA and Canada, the film won the hearts of youth of all nationalities. This film is one among the 50 International film festivals and has 10awards to its credit.

Water is a 2007 film by Deepa Mehta, it had the Oscar nomination for best foreign language film.

The year is 1938. India is ruled by the British. Around this time Gandhi has arrived from Africa and to begin his tryst with the British as well as battle the traditions that bind Hindus. Not yet in her teens, Chuyia is married to a much older and sickly male, who shortly after the marriage passes away. From there she is taken to the Holy city of Banaras, and left in the care of a wide assortment of widows, who live at the "widows house"  shunned by the rest of the community. Her life there and her fellow beings is the thread of the story.

Air Buddies - they shoot, they score, they talk !

Here is a delightful tale of teamwork and adventure. Air Bud is the proud father of 5 adorable puppies, with an unbelievable secret - they can talk!The hilarious hair-rising exploits of these barking, talking, ball playing, pups have us cheering as they run off on a daring rescue mission to save their parents. .. The pups are simply cute and kids love them...

The blue umbrella by Vishal Bharadwaj

National Award for best children's film, this is based on the novella by Ruskin Bond. It is a desire about the zealous attempt to fulfill and finally its conquest. The story unfurls with the discovery of a vibrant blue umbrella by Biniya an 11 year old girl from an idyllic mountain village in North India. She has never seen anything more striking and beautiful. Neither has Nandkishore khatri. ... read the story and watch the movie...it will let you thinking about the concept of material happiness and futility of the whole process...

Kungfu panda

Kung Fu Panda is a 2008 American computer-animated action comedy fiilm produced by DreamWorks Animation.Set in a version of ancient China populated by anthropomorphic animals, the plot revolves around a bumbling panda named Po who aspires to be a kung fu master. When an evil kung fu warrior is foretold to escape from prison, Po is unwittingly named the chosen one destined to bring peace to the land, much to the chagrin of the resident kung fu warriors...

The part 2 of the movie is to be launched next month. Watch that trailer also.

In KUNG FU PANDA 2, Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will Po be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.

OUR HOME LIBRARY (PART III)

Books for elementary group are those that which children can read and understand by themselves. The range of authors and classics are quite vast. Biographies prepared in picture story formats can also be introduced and mixed in an acceptable ratio for kids. 

Some excellent books my daughter picked this year for reading from our adjacent public library includes Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling; The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond; The Mermaids Cap by Margaret. Wetterer; Indian Tales and folk tales, a compilation published by National Book Trust etc. From Chavara Public Library they enjoyed reading  A Meow from the Heart by Rini Mary Varghese; Up Close, a compilation of short stories by Leo Fay; by the Riverside Publishing Company, Chicago;  and few others in English; Chilapathikaram; Unniyum urumbu Rajavum by Joseph Narimattom; Shirdi Sai Baba, Swami Vivekananda, etc in Malayalam from Vagbadananda Library …

Our domestic collection for this group is from the following list.

An important and versatile set for this group of kids are those by Enid Blyton.

AWARD PUBLICATIONS LIMITED (www.blyton.com)

·         The greedy rabbit

·         The little brown bear

·         The magic brush

·         Snicker the brownie

·         Big Eyes – the enchanter

·         The twelve silver cups

·         The teddy bears tale

·         A hole in her pocket

·         The gobbling hat

·         The banana robber

·         The rabbit’s whiskers

·         The fairies shoe maker

·         The Magic snow bird

·         The strange umbrella

·         Pretty Star the pony

·         The tower in Hohowood

·         The little toy engine

·         The ugly old scare crow

·         The sneezing dog

·         Look out for the elephant

·         Mr. Icy cold

·         The wishing wand

·         The fly away cottage

·         The brave little puppy

·         The cat with a feathery tail

·         The pig with green spots

·         The little lost hen

·         The secret door

·         The magic clock

·         The little brownie house

·         The goblin’s toy shop

·         Bicycle magic

·         Christina’s kite

·         The very peculiar cow

·         The cuckoo in the clock

·         Three bold pixies

·         The donkey on the sands

·         The little witch dog

·         The enchanted bellows

·         The wishing jug

·         The little white rabbit

·         The brave toy soldier

·         The walk away shoes

·         Sneezing powder

·         The little old toy maker

·         The enchanted table

·         The magic mirror

·         The flyaway money

·         The magic ice cream

·         The house with six legs

·         The bed that ran away

·         Giant’s round the corner

·         The tale of bushy the fox

·         The three strange travelers

·         The magic watering can

·         The astonishing ladder

·         The magic needle

·         Mr. Meddle’s bicycle

·         The Smickle Smockle

·         Six red wizards

·         Mr. Wumble and the dragon

·         The fairy kitten

·         The flopperty bird

·         The enchanted shoes

·         Peronel’s magic polish

·         The wonderful torch

·         Mr.Pink whistle’s stories

·         Mighty-One the wizard

·         Benny and the giants

·         Mr. Twiddle fetches polly

·         Peter and the magic shadow

·         The wishing spells

 

SCHOLASTIC (www.scholasticindia.com)

• 1.       Best of Tagore, 12 short stories; translated and compiled by Jharna Basu
• 2.       Living in Space by Sharon Dalgleish
• 3.       Diwali Stories compilation by various authors.
• 4.       Get the facts- Space by Biman Basu
• 5.       Get the facts- Maths by Bal Phondke
• 6.       Brain teasers – Puzzles and Games (level-1) by Peter Clutterbuck
• 7.       Glow in the dark –Planets by John Starke
• 8.       Incredible Quotations – by Jacqueline Sweeney
• 9.       Puzzles, Mazes and games by Radha.S.
• 10.   The best days of my life- childhood stories of famous people; by Scharada Dubey.

THE BOOK PARADISE (Email: book paradise @hotmail.com)

Junior Encyclopedia – Awesome facts

This is a series of books published in association with Macbeth Books Limited, Moscow, Russia.

The topics covered are: 

1.          The Universe
2. ·         Computers
3. ·         Animals
4. ·         Plants
5. ·         The Human body
6. ·         Science
7. ·         Our Environment
8. ·         History
9. ·         History of India
10. ·         Nations of the world
11. ·         Inventors and Inventions
12. ·         Science Projects
13. ·         Birds
14. ·         Earth and Space
15. ·         Wonders of the world
16. ·         Amazing records

A comprehensive reference book that introduces young readers to various topics noted here. Richly illustrated, fun-to-read book encourages children to really think about the world them and discover the pleasure of learning. Complex subjects are introduced with care in an easy to understand manner. A ideal compilation to possess.

ROHAN BOOK COMPANY (www.rohanbooks.com)

A series of modern illustrated world classics are being made handy to the convenience of young readers to cultivate reading habit, improve word power and strengthen their language.

• ·         Tales from Shakespeare; Charles and Mary Lamb
• ·         Bible Stories
• ·         As You Like It, William Shakespeare
• ·         The Tempest, William Shakespeare

And many more…

RAINBOW BOOKS (rainbowbooks@rediffmail.com)

In a set titled the big book; the compilations are from Fairy Tales, Jataka tales, Classic tales and Tenali Raman.

APPLE BOOKS (www.applebooks.org)

They have released many series. Titles available in the different series are as follows.

Series1: My Most Loved

·         Stories from around the world.

·         Bedtime tales

·         Grandpa tales

·         Grandma tales

Series2: Most popular

·         Aesops fables

·         Classics

·         Jataka tales

·         Panchatantra

Series 3: Famous tales

·         Tenali raman

·         Arabian Nights

·         Akbar & Birbal

·         Vikram & Betal

Series 4: My best loved

·         Moonlight stories

·         Goodnight Stories

STERLING PRESS PRIVATE LIMITED (www.sterling publishers.com)

Their series Shakespeare for everyone is a simple version that kids adored. The titles are:

1. ·         As You Like It
2. ·         Twelfth night
3. ·         The tempest
4. ·         The taming of the Shrew
5. ·         Romeo and Juliet
6. ·         Antony and Cleopatra
7. ·         Hamlet
8. ·         Henry V
9. ·         Julius Caesar
10. ·         King Lear
11. ·         Macbeth
12. ·         The Merchant of Venice
13. ·         Much Ado about Nothing
14. ·         A Midsummer nights dream
15. ·         Othello
16. ·         Richard III

HELLO FRIEND (hellofriend@brijbasiartpress.com)

Their series classic tales has the following titles.

• ·         Gulliver’s Travels
• ·         Black Beauty
• ·         Heidi
• ·         The Wizard of Oz
• ·         Tom Sawyer
• ·         Oliver Twist
• ·         Little Mermaid
• ·         The Selfish Giant
• ·         Sleeping Beauty
• ·         Goldilocks and the three bears
• ·         Bambi
• ·         The Bremen Musicians
• ·         Ali Baba and 40 thieves
• ·         Tom thumb
• ·         Rapunzel
• ·         Beauty and the Beast
• ·         Jack and the beanstalk
•  

SHREE BOOK CENTRE (shreebk@vsnl.com)

Illustrated Classics has a set of 8 titles.

• ·         Black beauty
• ·         David Copperfield
• ·         Gulliver’s Travels
• ·         Huckleberry Finn
• ·         Kidnapped
• ·         Tom Sawyer
• ·         Treasure Island
• ·         Oliver Twist
•  

PUSTAK MAHAL (www.pustakmahal.com)

Stories from Panchatantra are retold by Mahesh Chandra Bhargava. Panchatantra is a collection of fables mostly through the animal-characters which has exerted considerable influence on mankind, the world over. The stories are divided here into five sections on worldly wisdom. It helps us to reinforce morals in kids; it helps them differentiate between good and bad; to learn the rules of social limitation and many more.

50Wittiest Tales of Birbal is a compilation retold by Clifford Sawhney. Birbal’s tales of wit and wisdom make lively reading for children.  Legendary stories are narrated in a simple lucid manner.

OM BOOKS INTERNATIONAL (www.ombooks.com)

Unlike the above books, each book in this set is a collection of small stories of half a page to 2 pages and is titled 365!

There are different compilations named as follows.

• ·         365 Tales of Indian Mythology
• ·         365 Animal tales
• ·         365 fairy Tales
• ·         365 Bedtime Stories
• ·         365 Jataka tales
• ·         365 Folk Tales
• ·         365 Questions and Answers
• ·         365 inventions and Discoveries
• ·         365 Stories from around the world

PETER HADDOCK PUBLISHING (UNITED KINGDOM, YO16 6BT).

 Stories of Adventure is an exciting collection of adventurous stories for kids; sure to entertain and delight them.

Content include14 stories.

• ·         Jack the Giant Killer
• ·         Ali Baba and the forty thieves
• ·         Treasure Island
• ·         Gawain and the Green Knight
• ·         Sindbad the Sailor
• ·         The Rock of the Caribbean
• ·         Jack and the Beanstalk
• ·         The Hare and the Tortoise
• ·         Arabian Nights
• ·         The Sword in the stone
• ·         Puss in Boots
• ·         The three brothers
• ·         Dick Whittington
• ·          Aladdin

KIDDZ BOOKS (bplindia@vsnl.com; bplindia@airtelbroadband.in)

There is a delightful series of classic stories that keeps kids spell bound until the very last page. Each story has been rewritten to suit the reading standards of this age group. With single page Van Gool illustrations, this book was first published by Creations for Children International, Belgium(www.c4ci.com).

Titles in the Junior Classic series are:

• ·         Heidi
• ·         White Fang
• ·         Robinson Crusoe
• ·         Treasure Island
• ·         Tom Sawyer
• ·         Robin Hood
• ·         Pocahontas
• ·         Gulliver’s Travels
• ·         A Christmas carol
• ·         Black Beauty
• ·         The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• ·         Huckleberry Finn

MANOJ PUBLICATIONS (manojpublication@mantraonline.com)

Ramayana, each volume depicts the various chapters in a comprehensive manner easily picked by kids. Illustrations are also good. 

Sage Valmiki created the greatest epic “Ramayana”. Saint Tulsidas redrafted the epic to layman’s language in Ram Charitha Manas. It communicates messages of sacrifice, righteousness and love. Such stories are sure to uplift youngsters morally and spiritually.

101 Stories from Panchatantra is another unique contribution in fiction literature. Said to be a branch of Indian Nitishastra, these stories keep the readers spell bound throughout. It shows kids the right path for wise conduct in our daily life through simple morals. 

TICKTOCK MEDIA LTD (Unit2, Tunbridge wells, Kent, TN2 3XF, Great Britain)

They have a good collection of kid’s books. From the series on Animal Puzzlers we picked WHY DON’T ELEPHANTS LIVE IN THE CITY? An interesting good read that amazes toddlers and self readers alike.