Your first set of books !

Anisha, I am very happy to buy you two books - The going to bed book and Good night moon. I have little idea about books for children as young as you are. I searched in Google and found these books.They are perfect for your age - they have simple words, repetitive texts and attractive colours and pictures. They are sure to stimulate your imagination as you grow older. Now, when I read them aloud to you, it gives me much joy. We both sit infront of the book - you inbetween my legs; as I read aloud, you look at the book and then turn back and look at me. When I read, "the old lady whispering hush, hush, hush", you start to smile because of the hush sound. Reading books to you, before sleep, has now become our special moment - a special time which strengthens our bond !

Books are very good companions. The joy of reading a good book cannot be equated to anything else. I have spent  considerable amount of my childhood reading books. I read a lot of books in my mother tongue, and as well as in English. I wouldn't say everything I read are children books; I wouldn't say all that I read are intellectually stimulating ones. But, I read everything - everything I could lay my hands on - good, bad and worse ones ! I loved reading story books and comics for children. Some books were published monthly once, and the thrill of waiting to read them, and the happiness I got when they were finally in my hands cannot be explained in words.  I also read weekly magazines, novels and even the writings in pieces of paper that came as a wrapping during grocery shopping. I started reading very early, as early as five years old.  I remember my parents getting worried about the things I read. But, anyway I read - with or without their knowledge ! I don't have any regrets, because, such voracious, unprincipled reading is what which helps me to put my thoughts into words much efficiently, now.

My dad, made sure to buy me good books, books which were interesting for my age. Most of the gifts I got from him were books. He introduced me to Reader's digest. He got me old Reader's digest from platform vendors. Oh, what a joy it was to read reader's digest - the language was simple, the content was heart-capturing, especially, the old editions of Reader's digests were awesome. I wish I could get some old editions of it now !

When I was young, we went on a trip to Bangalore, with our relatives. There were children of my age in that group. When we went through a shopping area, other children were very eager to buy things which my dad couldn't afford to buy for us. I still remember a guitar, which is meant for children, in the display. It was very costly too. While others were buying such things for their children, my dad vanished from that place. When I was oggling at that guitar, my dad came back with a set of books in his hands. He bought for me Robinson Crusoe, Huckleberry Finn and Alice in wonderland. Although, the guitar was very attractive, the books that were in my hands did satisfy my little heart. I was so proud to hold them. They looked and smelled great. My dad has taught me many life lessons, the most important thing I learned from him was, to find happiness in little things - from books, from growing plants, from a hearty conversation - all small, small pleasures, but which gives immense happiness - a guilt-free happiness ! And, he also taught me the joy of giving gifts, especially, giving books as gifts.

To give you the happiness I got as a kid, to teach you the pleasure I enjoyed, I wanted to buy you lots of books, too. That was my dream even before you were born. Anisha, nothing else in this world could enlighten you, like books. They give you wings to fly- you can escape into an amazing, imaginary world;  they give you companionship; they give you joy; they give you moral strength during times of despair, they imbibe you with knowledge and wisdom; they make you laugh; they make you cry and most of all they make you think ! Good books will teach you empathy too - for sure good books will make you a better human. I sincerely hope you turn out to be a voracious reader.

So, little one, do you want to see whether you enjoyed your first set of books ? Yes, you did, see the pictures below ! Don't mind your grumpy dad, he was tired and was angry that I was taking photos of you, when it was time to sleep :) He was really tired after a long day of work, and we disturb his precious sleep nowadays, too often. That's not very kind of us :(

Love,
Amma