Hi everyone, once a month I do a round-up of the books I have read and reviewed recently. You can read the previous months’ posts here and here. The books I’m reviewing today are meant for children 7 and up. Read on to know my honest thoughts:
- FLYAWAY BOY by JANE DE SUZA:
This heartwarming book should be required reading for every child. Kabir, a naughty yet creative and imaginative boy has a tough time fitting into “boxes” prescribed by society and school. When he runs away, his family and peers are forced to view the world through his eyes, and life is a lot better when you think out of the box!
The story line is wonderful, and the easy readability and timely use of illustrations and poetry make it even more interesting.
It is a must-read for all children but especially for those considered “troublesome” or those who find it difficult to fit in.
Rating: 5/5
Buy the book here
2. SHRILOK HOMELESS: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURES VOLUME 2 by PIKA NANI
Clearly modelled on the Sherlock Holmes series, this Mumbai based teen detective is a captivating character.
The stories are innovative and well-written. Pika Nani (Deepika Murthy) has done a good job of incorporating the iconic traits of the original detective in a contemporary Indian context.
Unfortunately, I feel the stories are too short and move too fast, making the plots seem implausible and over the top. Nevertheless, it’s a good introduction to detective fiction for children ages 7 and up.
Rating: 3/5
Buy the book here
3. MIDDLE SCHOOL: BORN TO ROCK by JAMES PATTERSON AND CHRIS TEBBETTS
The protagonist is an endearing girl called Georgia, and the story revolves around her life in middle school. This includes a troublemaker of a brother, her best friends and band mates, her crush as well as her arch enemy- the super popular Missy.
The story is a typical American school drama, similar to the Sweet Valley’s I read at a young age. However, this is more contemporary in its handling and funnier too. The awesome illustrations enhance the reading experience. Even if your child hasn’t read the other books in the “Middle School” series, they will find this easy to read.
It’s written for both girls and boys and I appreciate that it doesn’t fall into a stereotype. The book is entertaining and engaging and will appeal to young minds.
Rating: 4/5
Buy the book here
4. HOW THE SEA BECAME SALTY by SUDHA MURTHY:
Murthy’s strength as an author lies in her simple and relatable writing style. She has a lovely way with words as well as the ability to create a credible atmosphere.
The story itself is very similar to the classic children’s tale, “The Magic Porridge Pot”. I was a bit disappointed to see an old story simply rehashed in a different context, but perhaps most of her readership hasn’t read the original version.
The illustrations are nice and complementary to the storyline. However, it is well-written and readable.
Rating: 3/5
Buy the book here
5. THE INDIAN MILITARY SERVICES SERIES by ARTHY MUTHANNA SINGH AND MAMTA NAINY:
The books are written from the perspective of people enlisted in the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. Each story talks about the lives and duties of military officers, and how their families feel about these honourable yet dangerous jobs.
These books are great for children of parents who are in the military services, and also for children who have no idea about our country’s protecters. I highly recommend each of these books. They are well-written with a wealth of information and lovely illustrations.
I do however, feel that the books would have been even more engaging in a comic/graphic novel format.
Rating: 4/5
Buy the books here
I hope you enjoyed these mini-reviews. Let me know in the comments what your children have enjoyed reading recently!
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*This is not a sponsored post, however it contains affiliate links. When you buy a book using my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would be very grateful if you helped support my blog by using my link to buy books.
**Copyright in content and pictures belongs to nooranandchawla and cannot be republished or repurposed without permission from the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.
This is an informative list of books for kids. I am definitely taking tpa from this before the next buy n will definitely use ur links.
Thank you Supriti!
These books sound really good for children. I however love Enid Blyton classics so much as well as comics like tinkle and Adventures of Tintin.
Of course! Those are my favourites too!
I am not married so I don’t know about the best books for children but some look great like first and last one.
I really liked the last one I must say because The books are written from the perspective of people enlisted in the Indian Army.
Yes they are really nice!
This is a great list, my son has a collection of Sudha Murthy books which includes this one too. I am going to make him read your reviews and choose from the list.
Thank you Ujjwal! Glad you liked them!
A good list useful for the parents of young children:)
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This is really a informative post. Will surely be keeping this books in mind when i m planning to buy some books for my kiddo.
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Wow thanx for these amazing list of books will surely look into it and buy 1 to read
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My son needs a new bedtime story everyday!! Will buy something from your recommended list now 🙂
Great!
What fun Noor…Short crisp and to the point… Am sure to pick MIDDLE SCHOOL: BORN TO ROCK & FLYAWAY BOY…
Thank you!
Sudha Murthy is still my favourite.Happy to get some good reviews on books.Will try some of them for my daughter.I always believe that ‘once a reader,always a leader’. Children should be encouraged to read and parents should read aloud to little ones.Here is a post that talks about the importance of reading aloud to children https://www.mommysmagazine.com/2019/02/reading-aloud-children-7-powerful-benefits/
Hope you like it.
Hey thanks! I have read aloud to my little one since he was in my womb!
This roundup is definitely helpful, I have to say. Specifically helpful for me to pick some books for my niece. Reading is a great habit to catch early on in life.
Yes I agree
These are some great recommendations Noor. Thank you for sharing Amazon link as well.
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Interesting list to be added to TBR for my kids, Noor. And I always love your reviews, for they are always honest so I know I would not be going wrong if I pick from your recommendation.
Thank you Vartika!
I am skeptical about Sudha Murthy and reading your review of ‘How the Sea became Salty’, I guess I will keep it aside from my son’s TBR. Nice that you have put mini reviews of so many children’s books. #thatchedroofreads
Thank you!
I have read few out of these books but would love to get my hands on flyaway boy for my kids. Very nice mini reviews. Loved your take on the books.
Thank you!
All the books seem good but I seriously want to buy the first one… Oh, it resonates with me so much… Will gift it to my cousin… Thank you for sharing about these!
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Lovely compilation and the books look really must read for all the kids. It’s time that I get them for my boy too.
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I am always on lookout for new books for my kid as he loves reading. Your book recommendations sound great and I would definitely check them out.
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This is a useful list. I am going to refer to it for sure. I like your honest reviews and interesting writing style!
Thank you Prerna!
The list is really amazing. The books are looking quite informative and interested. I’m definitely going to buy them for Ahaan
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My daughter is crazy for.books I will sure check these too …thanks for sharing as I to believe that books can be only best friend to your kids
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I have read and liked many books from your list. Agree with your reviews too.
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These are some great recommendations with reviews. My daughter is a fan of listening and telling stories. Useful post for me. Thanks for sharing.
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Nice list. Will buy the defence books now, as my kid has lot of questions post Independance day and Uri movie
Yes he will enjoy!
These are great books for kids. My son and I have read many books from Sudha Murthy, though havent read ‘How the Sea became Salty’. Would love to read it, I am intrigued by Shirlok Homeless. Thanks for your recommendation, Noor, will pick a few titles from your list for my nephew and niece.
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These are lovely list of books you have mentioned for kids. I will check them out
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This is a great list of books for kids of varied age gaps. I am definitely getting these for daughter who has started showing love towards reading interesting books.
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Great list! My kids are young and so far only enjoy Donaldson books. This list will come handy once they grow up a little
I loved these mini book reviews.Its good to have a list to shop for kids.
These are some great picks for the children. I would like to go for Flyaway Boy book for my child next read.
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My son is a avid reader Noor and I keep picking good books for him, thank you so much for your recommendations and earnest reviews in this post
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This is really a interested book list and some read by my daughter and me. And will read next few left in list.
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These are some valuable books and atleast must read once for kids to understand the values of life. Thnks for introducing to me
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I’m always on the lookout for interesting books for kids. These are some good recommendations. Will surely give few of them a try.
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I like the list that you have curated with these books. I would get two of them to read it to my nephew.
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Noor Ma’am as always high class write up and my dausghter is still trying to learn words but i will make she will read every book
I m saving this post for future references
Thank you dear Anurag 🙂
Wow lovely collection noor… Bookmarking it for reference..
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Lovely reviews of each and every book. The rating helps me to choose the book or not. I am forwarding this link to my friends who always looks out for reviews before buying a book. Useful read.
Thank you!
I’m in the midst of creating a storybook myself. In the midst of reading your blog I wondered what readers enjoy, or would like to see the most out of a book. What makes them want to pick it up, keep reading, and not want to put it down.
Nicely written and thought provoking !
I’m glad I could give you some pointers! Thank you for reading the post 🙂