Author
Geeta Dharmarajan
Publisher
Katha
Date
January 1, 2019
Final Verdict
5/5

About the Author

Geeta Dharmarajan is a writer, teacher and editor. She is the founder and head of Katha (www.katha.org), a nonprofit in India she started in 1988. Katha’s work is driven by the idea that children can bring change to their communities that is sustainable and real.

Author of about 40 books for children, and editor of nearly 100, she has served as an editor, inter alia, at India Today Group, India and the University of Pennsylvania’s “The Pennsylvania Gazette.”

As an educationist, she works with more than 100,000 children living in poverty, helping them enhance their joy of reading. The school she started in one of the largest slum clusters in Delhi, in 1990 today has 2,000 students and is recognised as one of the best in India. Her pedagogy is presently in use at the Katha Lab School and in more than 100 government schools in India.

Geeta has been much recognised for her work in literature and education, as for her books. She was awarded the prestigious national award, the Padma Shri, by the Government of India, in 2012.

The Wizard Khizr by Katha World Library

The Wizard Khizr, published by the Katha World Library, is a colourful, glossy adventure story that promises to make the child in you thrilled. 

Books are one way you can surf along the memory wave, reliving your childhood, along with all its amusing and bizarre details, full of knick-knacks of nostalgia. The Wizard Khizr is one such book, a must-read for children.

The Wizard Khizr revolves around a King of Persia who was unable to lead a prosperous kingdom and ensure the happiness of his citizens. He longs for the mystical Wizard Khizr to help him. With the help of his fourth Vizier and a poor man, the King finally understands the true meaning of happiness and prosperity. Sounds preachy, but is not. 

The perfect kids’ story

The Wizard Khizr, though narrated in a simple manner, has deep underlying morals. It’s like a puzzle waiting to be solved, making it a mindful yet entertaining read for the kids. The story talks about a Persian King who is anxious due to his problems and cannot build a happy and prosperous kingdom. He then announces a reward of 1000 tomans for the one who finds the wizard to help him. 

Though it begins with bribery, the result is absolutely flawless. It helps the children understand the concept of selflessness and happiness when the old man decides to use the money for a good cause. 

The story also highlights the importance of familial bonds, and the age-old virtues of honesty, wisdom by empathy, determination and more. 

The vocabulary isn’t complex. It eases kids into a more resourceful use of language by utilizing adjectives and irony.

Facts, Illustrations and more

The book is full of beautiful illustrations, bringing to life a magical, make-believe world befitting the story and the target audience. They transport you back to your childhood and allow kids to get lost in their own wild imaginations. 

Some of the drawings also symbolize things and have hidden meanings; for instance, a devil in disguise as shown in the picture below.

It’s also a fun way to introduce children to the ancient Persian Civilization and a renowned folktale. It provides a detailed explanation of the development of Persian Civilization and its culture. And, it is also packed with small activities to engage the kids. Hence, it comes across as a package of morals, wonderful illustrations and knowledge. All in all, a combination that is essential for kids.

Favourite Quote:

The fourth Vizier has the most experience. Listen to her.

Final Verdict: Katha has a wide variety of children’s books. They are worth delving into. 

P.S. The book is available in both English and Hindi. Click here to buy the book – it is the perfect gift for children.

Suggested:

Haroun and the Sea of Stories and Luka and the Fire of Life, both by Salman Rusdhie.

Dhviti Vora

Dhviti Vora

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