Katha’s new book The Tale of Makkhilal begins with an anti-hero.  Authored by Katha’s visionary founder, Geeta Dharmarajan and illustrated by Charbak Deepta, the book reads in the form a delightful poem apt for young readers, to introduce them to one of the most prolific health problems in populous countries like India.  Composed in easy verse,  the poem aims to create an awareness among children by storifying a common problem, and activating the imagination of the young readers by magnifying the cause and encouraging solution-based critical thinking for common hygiene issues.

In the land of Makkhipuri, the hero is made God, worshipped, even offered sweets and goodies by the naive people of the land. And despite worshipping and pleasing their god, the children and people of the land fall sick.

And then comes the hero. She sees through the ruse of this land’s God. What happens then?  Don’t miss the book!

Like other Katha books, this one is filled with rich illustrations. Available in English and Hindi versions, it also has a special section containing TADAA, the THINK-ASK-DISCUSS-ACT-ACHIEVE section that encourages kids to ask and seek answers by themselves.

The book also has a thought-provoking resource section that helps kickstart discussions around hygiene practices and first-aid solutions.

The Tale of Makkhilal cannot come at a better time, when there is already a hyper-awareness about hygiene and cleanliness among the population.  The Coronavirus pandemic has taught us to pay attention to how we interact with things as well as people, and be more efficient and self-sufficient. A reading of this book will reiterate the importance of not only personal hygiene but also cleanliness of our surroundings, the well-being of the people we live with, and the importance of the kind of food we consume.

The Tale Of Makkhilal is available on Katha’s website and also on Amazon and other electronic and physical bookstores.

Also Read: Katha’s ‘The Mystery Of The Missing Soap’ Makes The Corona Virus Relatable For Little Ones.