Sandalwood’s Story: An endearing ecological story about self-esteem [Review]

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Title: Sandalwood’s Story
Written by: Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan
Illustrated by: Ishan Trivedi
Published by: Wonder House Books
Type: Hard Cover
Length: 32 pages
Age recommendation: 5 years and above

The annual ‘Trees and Plants Mega Sale’ at a plant nursery sparks an interesting discussion between the various tree saplings. The coconut and peepal saplings feel dwarfed in front of the larger banyan sapling and wonder if anyone will ever buy them at the sale!

Banyan boasts of his magnificent might further belittling the other saplings. To rescue the forlorn saplings, comes one of the most prized trees of the world, Sandalwood. What follows is an engaging and educational story.

I loved how the native Indian flora are introduced to the children. The author wonderfully enlists the qualities of each tree and emphasises on the importance of ecological connection. The scientific uses of trees are also enlisted. She also masterfully instills values of kindness, humility and self-worth using trees (in her own words, conceptually drawing inspiration from The Jataka Tales).

Another reason to pick up this book would be the emphasis on self esteem which is an important quality to imbibe in today’s generation. To be content with what we are and grow where we are planted is a wonderful message that was re-affirmed by Ms. Tharoor-Srinivasan’s wonderful words.

Complemented with vibrant illustrations, this story with its lucid words and deep message of staying grounded not matter how wide your canopy branches out.

My soon-to-be 4 year old son (he’s the elder one) enjoyed learning about the uses of the different trees, especially that of the coconut tree. I also tried to teach him a bit about empathy and how we should treat everyone the same – whether big or small.

You ‘wood’ not want to miss out on this ‘tree-tastic’ book for your own little ones! To order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),

CLICK & BUY NOW!

Disclaimer: Sowmya is a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.