Mukesh Starts a Zoo
What’s inside...
When Mukesh and his friend Teju decide to start a zoo, they face the challenges of finding animals and building enclosures. They manage to gather a house lizard, a parrot, a dog with yellow eyes, and the washerman's donkey as attractions. Despite their hard work, the zoo visit turns into pandemonium with comical results. The story, filled with endearing characters and delightful artworks, explores whether Mukesh can achieve his dream of becoming a star zookeeper in this unforgettable tale by Ruskin Bond.
Discussion points
What did you think about Mukesh’s decision to start a zoo? Would you have done anything differently?
How did Mukesh show kindness to the animals? Can you think of ways we can show kindness to animals around us?
What do you think was the hardest part of building the zoo for Mukesh? How do you think he felt when he faced challenges?
Mukesh met many different animals in the story. Which animal was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use expressive facial expressions and voice modulations to make the story come alive, mirroring the excitement or challenges faced by Mukesh.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or animal from the book. This can help them connect more deeply with the story and express their understanding creatively.
Relate the story to real-life situations by discussing a time your child or someone they know showed kindness to an animal, linking personal experiences with Mukesh’s actions in the book.
After reading the book, consider visiting a local zoo or animal shelter to give your child a hands-on understanding of caring for animals, just like Mukesh.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mukesh takes on the task of caring for various animals, showcasing his ability to handle responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their own pets or helping with chores around the home.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mukesh learns to understand and share the feelings of the animals in his zoo.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate of others' feelings and perspectives, helping them to build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Mukesh encounters and resolves various challenges that come with running a zoo, enhancing his problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize similar problem-solving skills when facing difficulties in school or with friends.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of taking care of animals and their habitats.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be more conscious of their environment and promote activities like recycling or conservation.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Mukesh faces setbacks in his zoo venture but he persists, demonstrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through challenges they may face in academics or other activities.