Salim Mamoo and Me (Tulika Books Fiction)
Tulika Books Fiction Series
What’s inside...
Zai's uncle is the famous 'birdman of India' Salim Ali, known for his significant contributions to ornithology and his interactions with high-profile figures including Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Despite her family's expertise in birding, Zai struggles with identifying birds herself. She recounts her childhood experiences surrounded by birds and her challenges in recognizing them in this charming narrative, complemented by Prabha Mallya's humorous illustrations capturing a bird-filled Bombay of the past and Zai's journey as a young girl with a 'superstar' uncle.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Salim Mamoo and the narrator learned from each other?
How did the relationship between Salim Mamoo and the narrator change throughout the story?
Why do you think understanding different perspectives is important?
How do the different settings in the book contribute to the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathy to relate to the characters. Ask your child how they might feel in a similar situation to deepen their understanding.
Discuss the cultural aspects found in the book to broaden your child's worldview.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to the story, fostering a deeper personal connection.
Point out how the characters' emotions evolve with the plot to help your child understand character development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding family dynamics
Explanation: The story explores the relationship between the protagonist and his uncle, Salim Mamoo, shedding light on the nuances of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and understand different family members' roles and personalities, enhancing their social and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: The adventures and scenarios depicted in the book encourage the use of imagination, showing children the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply creativity to solve problems, entertain themselves, and understand the world around them in a more vibrant way.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and inclusivity
Explanation: The story showcases diverse characters and settings, promoting the acceptance of different cultures and environments.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be more accepting and inclusive of diversity in their everyday interactions, fostering a more harmonious community.
Example Lesson: Value of storytelling
Explanation: Through Salim Mamoo's tales, the book highlights how storytelling connects generations and conveys important lessons.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in storytelling, enhancing their communication skills and deepening family bonds.