Book: Ostrich Girl
Author: Lesley D. Biswas
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Duckbill
Pages: 80
Ostrich Girl by Lesley D. Biswas is a Children’s Book that takes the readers to Henry Island, which is famous amongst travellers and visitors for the birds. The island which is famous for bird tourism is now in trouble because of illegal trapping and trading. Thus, the Manager Babu came up with the idea, to have the children make bird calls to captivate tourists. And Ritu is one of the children among them. However she struggles with making the bird calls, and once accidentally a child named Anik mistakes Ritu’s bird call for an Ostrich’s and now wants to see the bird. But how will she show him an Ostrich when there’s no such bird on the island? Read the book to know more.
The book was engaging from the first page itself. The illustrations by Anupama Ajinkya Apte beautifully support and complement the story.
The character of Ritu and even Anik was very well developed and it was good to see the changes in their journey gradually, making it more interesting, realistic and fun to read. The relationship of Ritu with her mother also gives more insight about their life which makes it more connecting and personal.
The book raises the issue of wildlife’s extinction, endangerment, protection and conservation in such a captivating way through the master storytelling by blending it into the character’s routine and life that it never feels preachy or out of the box and thus can be perfect way to make aware people and especially children familiarised with the issues and their importance.
The book very subtly raises concern about the role and responsibilities of media and ethical tourism. Although it becomes a little slow in some places, it adds to the storytelling and the learning. It also talks about the power of unity, collaboration and the feeling of oneness and how it helps in bringing real change.
Thus this book is much more than a fun and engaging read and becomes a crucial read to make people – including children and adults – aware, talk and discuss the topics of utmost importance. And thus, it is a highly recommended book.
Rating: 4.25/5
I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
You can buy the book from Amazon or any bookstore near you!
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This post is dedicated to the letter O for the word “Ostrich” in the title.
Jainand Gurjar 
Lesley’s books are always such a delight to read.
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