India’s best-loved children’s writer Ruskin Bond introduces us to some of the most endearing and adorable characters he has ever written about—his grandfather, with his unusual ability to disguise himself as the street-vendor, carpenter and sometimes the washer man the eccentric and ubiquitous Uncle Ken, with his knack for trouble and disastrous escapades; the stationmaster Mr Ghosh and his amazing family comprising a dozen mice and the unforgettable Aunt Ruby Meet the regimental myna, read about the snake who turned into a handsome prince every night, and enjoy the tale of the author’s travails as a cook Marked by Bond’s inimitable style and trademark humor, and embellished with lively illustrations, this book will be a firm favorite with children. Ruskin Bond has always been a great favorite of mine, and his latest book promises to be a treat for kids and adults alike. The stories in this book recount interesting events from Bond’s childhood, and introduce the reader to some delightful and eccentric characters, both human and animal. There is even a naughty little ghost, in ‘We Capture a Ghost’, that eventually helps rid the author of a pesky relative in a very novel way ‘Trapped by a Tiger’ is the thrilling tale of a ‘shikar’ gone wrong’, as the hunted tiger stalks the young narrator. ’Bitter Gooseberries’ narrates an old Burmese tale of a harassed son-in-law with a difference, while ‘A Bicycle Ride with Uncle Ken’ humorously touches on the young Bond’s misadventures, caused by a growing interest in girls. Bond’s affection for his relatives, especially his Grandfather and Uncle Ken, are evident in the stories about them, and in the gentle humor he uses to describe their exploits. While the book is targeted at ten year olds, I must say that I and my five year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed reading it together. I must also mention Kavita Anand’s charming black and white illustrations which, at first glance, seem deceptively simple. Lavanya Karthik