Stories have always been an important part of every child’s upbringing. At times we learn morals through them, at other times their purpose is just to take us to different fantasy worlds. Whatever their role may be, one thing is for sure, a good story has the power to captivate its readers and it never lets them want to put the book down.

The books under review fall under the same category and I vouch for them to be a good introduction to stories in Urdu for children.

Kitabon ki kehkishan — Ulloo Aur Kawwa

Kitabon ki kehkishan — Ulloo Aur Kawwa, written by renowned writer and literary figure Intizaar Hussain and published by Oxford University Press, is a hard cover, colourfully illustrated and simple, yet interesting, book. The writer has skilfully weaved a story which not only entertains its readers, but also inculcates meaningful lessons in their young minds. Added to this, the book contains a list of word meanings too, which improves the vocabulary as well as makes the experience of reading more easy and enjoyable.

The story starts with the unanimous decision of the animals of the jungle to crown the owl as their king so as to bring harmony to the place. The crow, being clever and intelligent, had been consulted for the decision.

Now this is where the most interesting part of the story begins but I am not going to spoil the fun of reading such a gripping story by giving away the rest. You have to read it yourself and find out what’s next!

Kitabon Ki Kehkashan, Maiku Mian School Gaye

Another fantastic book of the children series Kitabon Ki Kehkashan, Maiku Mian School Gaye is written by Humaira Kazmi, published again by OUP. Written in easy-to-understand Urdu, the book is a compilation of two short stories namely Maiku Mian School Gaye and Roti Ki Kahaani, featuring various exciting episodes ranging from the life-threatening experiences of Maiku Mian to the fulfilment of his wish to go to school, to the account of the painful journey of a roti.

While on one hand the lively writing style and detailed illustrations of Maiku Mian School Gaye makes it a fun story to read, the description of the surroundings in Roti Ki Kahaani makes it easier for children to imagine every detail vividly.

Bachon Ka Adabi Khazaana — Tareekhi Kahanian

The third book under review is Bachon Ka Adabi Khazaana — Tareekhi Kahanian, belonging to a completely different genre from the ones discussed above.

Bachon ka Adabi Khazaana - Tareekhi Kahanian is a trio of inter-related short stories revolving around the three renowned rulers, Ameer Nasir Uddin Subaktageen, Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi, and the Mughal king Zaheeruddin Babur. Written by Mohammad Hussain Azad and published by Oxford University Press, Tareekhi Kahanian takes its readers back to medieval times where they get an insight of the political and the cultural life of the era and learn more about these three rulers. Also the detailed illustrations covering the intricacies of each scene aid its readers in understanding the story better. This book is surely a treat for the young fans of medieval stories!

Published by Oxford University Press