What The Dark Sounds Like

MY THOUGHTS

What The Dark Sounds Like settled in my brain in a corner and has since refused to leave its spot. I posted about it on social media and even spoke about it to friends, but I still can’t seem to get over the beauty and the simplicity of this book.

This is a Pratham Level 2 reader book written by Aparna Kapur and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi and published by Pratham. It is one of those books you take from your shelf and read when days are horrible to you, or maybe even when you just want to spend a few minutes with your child reading something you know both of you are going to love.

In this book, a curious little boy finds out what the dark sounds like, what wonder feels like, what love smells like and what magic looks like. It is as though you are looking at the world through a child’s eyes and then also wondering why you didn’t think of something so utterly beautiful.

Aparna Kapur’s words in the book are very few, but each one is there for a reason. The lines pack a punch, and each one unlocks a hidden memory and transports you to that special place. I’ve read the book so many times, I think I can recite the whole book from memory! Krishna Bala Shenoi’s illustrations truly take your breath away. He plays with light and shadows, and each page ends up looking luminous. I didn’t know illustrations in a children’s book could even have this effect, but here is proof! You will truly not be able to forget the spread with the boy and his grandmother in the kitchen, or remove the boy’s impish smile from your memory.

This reiterates the fact that picture books are not just for children. We, adults, need this magic in our lives too! Bring this book home; it is one for the entire family.

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