29 October,2022 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Sammohinee Ghosh
The illustrated stories. Pic/Nimesh Dave
In some of the stickiest of situations, this writer has fallen back upon simple life lessons. And more often than not, a solution has appeared out of thin air. These solutions were realised through virtues picked up during her growing up years. For instance, how individuals who stick together don't break in the face of adversities, how adapting to change is the key to survival and how friends should be chosen wisely - all of these life lessons could be found in the childhood treasure trove called Panchatantra.
Stories from the Anvar-i Suhaili, a collection published by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), takes us back to those days of effortless magic that inspired our younger selves to become better. Translated from a Persian adaptation of the Panchatantra, this book is quite a collectible. Designed with hand-drawn illustrations, the book's soft matte feel and format makes it interactive for early readers.
The hardcover title opens like a pack of cards hinged along alternate ends. You can open it flat on its back like any book or let it stand upright while reading. Apart from nine impactful stories, there's an interesting section listing facts about animals and birds. So while on one hand, you gather life advice, on the other hand, you have a brief guide for your next birdwatching session. From hoopoes, peafowls, sarus cranes and pelicans to leopards and caracals, the book covers enough for you to have practical knowledge about the natural world. Our favourite story of moral counsel was The Lion and the Hare - a fable that tells us at times strategy serves you better than strength.
