Book Reviews
 
FINDERS KEEPERS? -- Book Review September 17, 2006

by Nadia Ahmad, Civil Defense Attorney, Riverview, Florida

Seldom do I come across a children's book that catches my eye, captures the heart, and lets my imagination run wild. Especially, as a 26 year-old litigation defense attorney, what interest would I have in children's reading material anyway? Yet this book is absolutely amazing. Even though its targeted audience is 3 to 12 year-olds, readers of all ages can benefit from the book and enjoy the quick read. It is hands-down the best children's book I have chanced upon EVER. The universal virtues and aspirations conveyed in the piece are timeless.

This colorful, award-winning children's book on India has delightful illustrations by Smita Turakhia that make India come alive before our very eyes and give children the thrill of actually traveling in India.

The drop-dead gorgeous illustrations give the book a significant edge in a increasingly competitive children's book market. I would recommend any and everyone to purchase a copy of this book for either themselves or the children in their lives.

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BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS                                                                                                                 December 29, 2005

Review by Reader in Ravenna, Ohio                                                                                                                      

"Finders Keepers?" by Robert Arnett has been honored with the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award of the Publishers Marketing Association for Best Multicultural Book of the Year, the Independent Publisher Outstanding Book of the Year, and the Seal of Approval of the National Parenting Center. This book is better for school-age children, as it really provides a geography lesson, a study in ethics and a brief insight into Indian culture.

The book tells the true story of an experience the author had while traveling through India. He had just bought some postcards when a young Indian boy tapped him on the elbow and held out Arnett's wallet, which the boy had picked up when the author accidentally dropped it. The man thanked him and offered him a reward, but the boy refused to take any money, insisting that he should not be rewarded just for doing the right thing.

I'm in LOVE with the brightly colored illustrations by Indian-born Smita Turakhia, who said she was inspired by memories of the place where she spent her childhood. In fact, even the youngest kids enjoy looking at the pictures, so I skip some of the more technical stuff when I read it to them.

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SIMPLE AND and INSPIRING                                                                                                 May 11, 2004
A Kid's Review

My mom got this book for me and I love it. I shared with whole class and my teacher read the book to us. They liked the meaning of NAMASTE and the colorful pictures. My favorite part is the honest boy who teaches you honesty in a very simple way.

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I Learned Many Things About India                                                                                                              April 7, 2004
A Kid's Review, Cary, North Carolina

This book is about a man who's on vacation to India. I learned many interesting things about India from it.

For example, I learned that a toran is something that is hung over a doorway to welcome God and guests. Torans are made of fresh flowers and leaves. Torans can be seen all across the country.

One thing I learned is that to say "hello" or "goodbye," it is called namaste. And how you do it is to get your hands together like you're praying and bow your head.

I also learned that there are a lot of bats in India that like to hang in the daylight in trees.

In the story, the man drops his wallet and a little boy finds it and gives it to him. And then the man tries to reward him with money. But the boy didn't want the money. So the man asks a man who knows English and the boy's language to ask the boy why he doesn't want the money. The man tells him that the boy doesn't understand why he should be rewarded for giving him his wallet.

They have great pictures in this book.

I think other people should read it too.(...)

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Simple and Elegant                                                                                        November 26, 2003
A reader from Houston, Texas

Truly an elegant way of bringing out values and culture of Indian society. A great gift idea for children and adults alike. Great illustrations by Smita Turakhia.

 


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