Kishore Ashore

MY THOUGHTS

I love Tulika’s range of graphic novels, and when I saw one by CG Salamander, I knew I had to read it. If you are wondering how graphic novels differ from picture books, then here is a handy list

1. Picture books are perfect for reading aloud, while graphic novels encourage independent reading
2. Picture books are designed to capture the attention of a younger audience with full page illustrations, while graphic novels use sequential panels and dialogue bubbles as part of the layout.

For Kishore Ashore, CG Salamander goes back to his state of Tamil Nadu, more specifically, the coastal regions of the state. Kishore is getting ready to accompany his father on his boat. They leave late at night and will be back only post breakfast. Kishore is anxious because he has heard from friends that the sea makes monsters of men. As time passes, the pitch darkness, the glowing waters, and the crashing waves make the little boy even more anxious until he screams and bursts into tears. His father runs up to him, concerned. He calms him down with stories of the sea and narrates his experiences. It is then that Kishore learns the ways of the sea and understands his father’s work. Does that mean Kishore will make another trip to sea? Read the book to find out!

CG Salamander writes a beautiful coming-of-age story and explores the tender bond between father and son. Even as Kishore is scared and anxious over his first trip to the sea, his father does everything he can to assuage his fears. He is shown as a kind, gentle, caring father who takes time out to ensure his son’s first experience on the boat is a good one. He patiently teaches him about nets and even understands when Kishore says he isn’t ready to jump into the sea. Salamander shows the reader the harsh life of a fisherman, something that is absolutely new (and interesting!) to urban readers. Kishore’s fears are relatable, especially the one where he doesn’t want to kill a fish!

Sahitya Rani’s illustrations are gorgeous! In the pages where Kishore is anxious and surrounded by darkness, she draws the men on the boat as the monsters Kishore imagines them to be. The turmoil in his mind is shown with the chaos in the illustrations and the swirling waves. I love how she has drawn the closeness between Kishore and his father, with his father’s arm always around Kishore, symbolising his caring nature. The fluid swirl of the nets and the mountain of fish it dumps on the boat are two of my favourite illustrations from the book! I really enjoyed how she has managed to transport us to the small fishing town in Tamil Nadu with her detailed illustrations of the characters’ costumes and hair.

This is a lovely book for children 8 years and above as they transition to reading independently. Graphic novels convey so much information through their special format, and this book does the amazing task of hooking the reader right up to the end. This is a great addition to your child’s library to learn about the fishing community and be enveloped in a story that is as beautiful as it is interesting.