September - Scholastic.co.in

AuthoR
Corner
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aradhana Bisht
is an alumnus of
Jawaharlal nehru
university, Delhi,
where she studied
russian Literature.
She has worked
with harperCollins
Publishers India
and Penguin books
India. Aradhana lives
in Delhi with her
husband.
Russian
Folktales
In a certain
kingdom, in a
certain land,
there lives a witch
called baba yaga,
a prince by the
name of Ivan,
a serpent with
twelve heads that
plunges the land
into darkness, a
wood sprite that
talks to the moon,
9788184776959 | 152 pp | 150
a feather that
becomes a prince when it touches the ground,
a princess who has magic at her fingertips, a
terrifying sorcerer who cannot be killed...
In this land, riddles have to be solved, perilous
worlds ventured into, heroic feats performed,
disasters averted, before the princes, princesses,
or even ordinary folk, can find true love and live
happily ever after.
This book leads you into that land by bringing
to you some of its best-loved tales—the russian
folktales. Sometimes dark, often funny, heartwarming
and full of adventure, they will
entertain young and old alike.
Q&A Q&A
Q When were all these stories written? Are there
more like these ones?
A Folktales have existed through times
immemorial. In russia, they started being collected
around the 17th and 18th centuries, but it was only in
the early decade of the 19th century that russian folklorists started
recording and compiling the tales. Some collectors travelled on foot
through the countryside collecting folktales and sayings, and some
became acquainted with them from local women in their hometown.
Alexander Afanasaev, a prominent collector, recorded and published
over 600 russian folktales – the most substantial collection of folktales
by any one man in the world. he did for the russian folktales what the
brothers’ Grimm did for German fairytales.
There are hundreds more russian folktales. The ones compiled in my
book are what are called ‘wonder tales’ as they deal with magic and
transformation.
Q Do you have a favourite character in these folktales?
A over the years, there have been many characters that I have liked
and disliked, and upon re-reading sometimes revised my opinion, like
in the case of baba yaga who terrified me when I was young, but today,
I see her as a majestic force of nature intent on doing the right thing.
Ivan the Fool, whose simplicity makes him seem like an idiot, is one of
my favourites. he is lazy and lackadaisical, but at the same time he has
a kind heart, a sense of justice that makes him take on things that are
perhaps better suited to a different kind of hero.
Also I loved all the women characters, like Marya Morevna, Vasilissa,
Elena, who are strong and independent and go on quests of their own
whether to seek the hero, or fight battles for their people.
Q Are Indian folktales similar to russian folktales in any way? Why are
folktales called folktales?
A Folktales are the very first stories of a people. Folktales were passed
through word of mouth, through generations. A single story was retold
over centuries. Very often, it changed and evolved, acquiring several
layers, as each generation claimed it for its own and found meaning to
understand their own reality.
In a time when there was no television, cinema or computers they
provided entertainment and stimulation to the people.
Some of the well-known stories of our people are Panchatantra,
Kathasaritasagar, and they continue to be retold even today. The
themes of folktales the world over resonate with parallels. Who has not
read a folktale that tells of the victory of good over evil, of overcoming
obstacles to fulfill a dream, of coming together in the face of injustice,
the pitfalls of greed or sloth, and so on.
For all folktales express the same hopes, dreams and fears that people
have all over the world. yet the folktales of every people, tribe, clan
or country are different and unique too as they represent a unique
geography, religious and socio-cultural beliefs.
Q Are all folktales old? Are there any modern russian folktales from
this century?
A Strictly speaking, folktales are very old traditional narratives of a
people. but they will continue to be retold, revisited and revitalized
as long as there are people. one views them as modern parables and
urban legends.
Q Which is your favorite russian folktale?
A Feather of Finist, the Bright Falcon in this collection, as the image
of a young, simple, protected girl stepping out into an unknown world
to make a wrong right and fight for her love is very appealing. her guts
and persistence to take on an adventure that is fraught with potential
danger and difficulty, magical elements, unexpected twists and turns
is tremendous. To see her personality transform and her character
become strong as her journey tests her, is inspiring.
Interview by Gayathri Sankar, Class VII, Mother’s International School, Delhi
LIbRARIANRecommends
Geronimo
Stilton
for class IV
students
This series
tell the
delightful
tale of the
antics of
Geronimo.
medIAReviews
ChILdReN’sReview REVIEW
The Best days of my life
The Secrets
of Droon
series by
Tony Abbot
Magical and
fantasy tales
appealing to
sixth graders.
The book “The best days of my life” by Scharada Dubey is one of
the best books I have read. This book puts forth all the childhood
stories of famous people and how they had the spark within them
right from the beginning and how they finally turned out to be
great pioneers in their respective fields. It describes the childhood
stories of twenty five great eminent people who made their mark
in this world. This book greatly inspired me to pursue my dreams. It
was very enlightening to read about Gautama buddha, Kabir, and
Swami Vivekananda who were great saints. It was motivating to
read about Gandhiji, nehru and Abraham Lincoln who were famous
leaders. It was thrilling to read about Tenzing norgay, neil Armstrong. There is so much to
learn from the stories of Mark Spitz, Pele, Kapil Dev and brian Lara and their invaluable contribution
to the world of sports. The stories revolving around Satyajit ray, Steven Spielberg,
A.r.rahman, John Lenon (founder of ‘The beatles’) are incredible. The great scientists and
writers like Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Enid blyton, J.K rowling had me spell bound. There
were many more. It is a beautiful, highly inspiring book that every child should read.
Look out for recommendations
from a new librarian every month!
Ms Nirmala Sebastian, Librarian, (Sacred heart Mat. hr. Sec. School, Chennai) says- “I choose to stock my library with
Scholastic books because I find that they cover all genres. The book cover is extremely attractive and the print good. The
books cater appropriately to the age group that the book specifies. For younger children the tastefully done illustrations
make them readable. For the older children the good language, interesting characters, and the intricately woven plot make
reading pleasurable.” She recommends the following books:
Samit Basu’s Terror on
the Titanic, a Morningstar
Agency Adventure; a
delicious combination of
mystery and time travel
from a fabulous writer
—YA Magazine,
August 2011
Usborne Very First Reading Books: For those who are
just starting out on the exciting journey of reading,
Scholastic has come out with a series of 15 books
that are sure to help. This series is developed in such
a manner that each new book builds on the words
learnt in the previous book. Lovely rhyming stories
and colourful illustrations to make sure that the
interest of the child never flags
—The Hindu Young World, May 2011
A.Sai Kaushik, VIII standard, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Hyderabad.
These books are delightful gateways to
fantasy for older children.
The Secret of
Platform 13
and
Which Witch
by Eva
Ibbotson
The Indus Investigators. A Mohenjodaro
Mystery brings alive the story of the
Indus Valley or harappan Civilization
in a unique and different manner. The
author, Ilona Aronovsky, flawlessly
weaves together the ancient past with the
present, and with the process of the actual
discovery and excavation of Mohenjodaro
—blogger, Shanti Pappu, August 2011
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