Name, Place, Magic! Stories of How Indian States Got Their Names

MY THOUGHTS

A few years ago, while quasi-homeschooling the kids during the COVID-19 pandemic, it struck me that the boys could name and identify European countries (due to football) and states of the USA (due to a game they watched on a sitcom), but were clueless about the states of India. Sure, they could identify a couple of states we had visited in South India and a few states in Western India, but that was it! My first instinct was to emulate my Geography classes and teach them to identify states on an outline map of India. How I wish, Shweta had written Name, Place, Magic! Stories of How Indian States Got Their Names, a few years earlier.

Name, Place, Magic! brings together mythological stories of how every state in India got its name. After each chapter, there is a helpful list of facts about the state. The best (and most fun!) part of the book is that you do not have to read it linearly. Pick a state and read the story attached to it. Learn facts about the story, too! Shweta’s love for myth and mythology is evident through her podcast, Storytelling with Shweta, and you can see that passion in these stories. As a mom of two kids, she makes storytelling fun and interesting, making learning less of a chore and more of a game!

I love books that don’t have a prescribed reading age, and this one works across the board. Teaching your child about Indian states? Grab this book, read a story, learn the facts, and then continue exploring and learning about the state with activities of your own. For older children, read the story and move on to the current affairs of the state. Grab a map and colour along as you cover a state. For very young children, read the mythological stories for bedtime! The list of things you can do with this book is endless! The focus on India’s rich tradition of oral history is also highlighted in her introduction.

Vibha Surya adds soft, watercolour-style illustrations throughout the book that complement the narrative. Would have loved it if they were in colour! This is an easy-to-read book, perfect for all ages, and one that will instil pride in learning and knowing about your state. Perfect book to pique interest, nudging readers to explore and learn further. Add this book to your home or school library today!