A Nostalgic Journey with Champak: Still Captivating After All These Years! [Review]

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Title: The Greatest Champak Stories : The Ultimate Collection of Best-Loved Classics (Volume 1)
Written by: It’s a Collection of Short Shorties by different authors.
Published by: Puffin Books
Type: Paperback
Length: 140 Pages
Recommended Age Group: 5-8 years (and for adults who’d like to re-live their childhood!)

Opening ‘The Greatest Champak Stories: Volume 1’ was like stepping into a time machine. The vibrant yellow cover, the familiar font, and the promise of heartwarming tales instantly transported me back to my childhood. I remember eagerly awaiting each issue of Champak, devouring the stories and learning valuable lessons alongside my favorite animal characters. Now, seeing my six-year-old son equally enthralled by this collection fills me with joy.

The stories, a carefully curated selection of ‘best-loved classics,’ are as engaging and relevant today as they were years ago. Within these pages, 21 enchanting short stories, crafted by a diverse group of authors, unfold in bite-sized adventures, perfectly tailored to hold a child’s attention, whether shared during a cozy bedtime read or enjoyed independently.

From lighthearted tales about monsoon fun and yummy snacks to thrilling adventures and spooky mysteries, Avi was captivated by the variety. He was particularly fond of the stories of the playful Ganeshan, the elephant in Monsoon Mischief and jiggy, the chipmunk in Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of life, perfectly complementing the simple yet impactful narratives.

Through its tales, Champak gently encourages children to be kind, respectful, and sensitive towards others, all through entertaining and relatable scenarios.

We loved reading each story together and knowing that Avi is experiencing the same positive influence that I did as a child makes sharing Champak with him even more meaningful. If you, like me, grew up with Champak or are looking for wholesome, engaging stories for your children, this collection is a must-have.

If you enjoyed this review then please buy the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),

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Disclaimer: Achu and her son Avi are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received these books as review copies from the publisher via kbc.

ADDED BY ASHA:
The Greatest Champak Stories : The Ultimate Collection of Best-Loved Classics (Volume 2) [review copy] was reviewed by Sindhuja. She has shared a review and inside pages here in the kbc fb group. Excerpts from her review:

“Growing up, Champak comics were a cherished part of my childhood book collection. So, when I received this book and saw its title, I was absolutely thrilled!

This collection brings together 21 delightful short stories by various authors, each spanning just 5 to 6 pages—perfect for capturing a child’s attention, whether they are being read to or reading independently. The book covers a wide range of genres, including animal stories, moral tales, fantasy, comedy, feel-good narratives, spooky adventures, and even fascinating facts woven into fiction. Whatever you’re looking for—this book has it!

The illustrations are also beautiful and intuitive. The kids can follow the story well with the illustrations.

 A Sneak Peek Into the Stories:

Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? – A heartwarming tale that teaches children how nature equips every creature with a purpose and why we should be grateful for it.

Dog Sledding in Kulusuk – Experience the thrill of a dog sledding race through snow-covered landscapes and steep inclines in a small Greenlandic village.

Understanding Republic Day – A beautifully written story where a little girl explains the essence of Republic Day in a way that’s easy for kids to grasp.

Wings to Fly – Follow the journey of a shy, introverted girl who, with the support of her teacher, overcomes her inhibitions to make friends, speak up, and shine on stage.

The Origins of Coffee – Did you know goats played a key role in discovering coffee? This fascinating story set in Coorg’s coffee estates tells the tale of how a few goats accidental encounter with coffee beans led to one of the world’s favorite beverages!

From meeting aliens to learning self-love, and from understanding values like honesty, patience, and gratitude, to thrilling adventures—you’ll find something for every young reader in this book!

As a mom, I really enjoyed how some of the stories seamlessly wove fascinating facts into engaging fiction. My child usually prefers very girly stories and doesn’t always show interest in others. However, this collection was perfect for her—she enjoyed every single story! My child is a bit shy when it comes to being on stage, so she really connected with the story Wings to Fly. I hope it inspires her in a positive way!”

Should you wish to order this VOL 2 from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),

CLICK & BUY NOW!