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January 4, 2004
Review: Message for kids
IT is indeed a sad fact that children, as readers, are one of the most neglected segments in our society. One should not be too surprised at this, considering that most adults in our country are not very interested in reading books either, therefore expecting too many good books for young children would be asking for the moon. Though the picture seems dismal, one does come across people who are making an effort to produce books that are interesting to young readers, thus, one assumes, there is some sort of hope on the horizon.
Ferozsons has recently published a set of books for young children. Efforts have been made to make the set reader-friendly for the age group concerned. The books have been pleasantly packaged and have neat printing on good paper and a number of colourful illustrations in each book. The stories focus on the 8-12-year-old age group. Along with entertainment, they all carry a message for children. To help the young readers better understand the stories, the meanings of difficult words have also been given at the end of the book. The writers, Imrana Maqsood, Qamar Ahmed Ali Khan and Dr Akhtar Khanum, have made a concerted effort to teach and mould the young minds.
In Pakistan Ki Bunyadon Kay Maimar (part 1 & 2), Imrana Maqsood has written about the outstanding people of our country who have achieved a name. What is commendable here is that not only has the book highlighted well-known personalities, but also those who may not always be in the limelight, but have made equally valuable contributions to the country.
What the young readers will definitely find interesting about these personalities is what they were like when they were young and how different they were from other children. Imrana Maqsood’s style of writing is chatty and without the element of preaching.
Wabal-i-Jan and Kiya Aap Bhi have been written by Qamar Ahmed Ali Khan. Wabal-i-Jan is about two young sisters and their widowed mother, who makes a living by sewing clothes for others. The older girl steals a necklace from their neighbour’s house. Though sympathetic towards the girls, the author points out clearly that stealing is wrong, but in a light tone. On the other hand, Kiya Aap Bhi has a lesson on every page. Kamil is a young boy who is too good to be true. He is an obedient, helpful, religious and studious child. The writer appears to be overzealous here in giving her message, and overdoses the character with good behaviour, which can put off a reader. We must remember that these are very young minds who are more interested in reading stories than listening to a sermon.
The last story, Khamosh Cheekhain is by Dr Akhtar Khanum. This is a story about a young boy, Yahya, who lives in America. While visiting Pakistan, he gets very upset with what he sees here. He can’t believe that children work as servants while some are beggars, and how many don’t even go to school. He is so upset that he decides to stay and teach the children himself.
Only when his grandmother promises to take the responsibility of the education of half a dozen children does he agree to go back to the US. Dr Akhtar Khanum has projected the injustice towards children due to the inequity of an unfair system and the indifference of society. It takes a child to remind the elders that something should be done.
All in all, a good attempt by the writers and the publisher. But then there is always room for improvement.
Pakistan Ki Bunyadon Kay Maimar (Part I & II)
By Imrana Maqsood
ISBN 969-0-01798-5
ISBN 969-0-01799-3
32pp. Rs50 (each)
Kia Aap Bhi?
By Qamar Ahmed Ali Khan
ISBN 969-0-01826-4
16pp. Rs25
Khamosh Cheekhain
By Dr Akhtar Khanum
ISBN 969-0-01825-6
32pp. Rs39
Wabal-i-Jan
By Qamar Ahmed Ali Khan
ISBN 969-0-01817-5
16pp. Rs25
Ferozsons, 60 Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam, Lahore. Tel: (042) 630 1196-8. 277 Peshawar Road, Rawalpindi. Tel (051) 556 3503 Mehran Heights, Main Clifton Road, Karachi
Tel: (021) 583 0467
UAN 111-62-62-62
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