Bound to bring out the child in adults.a kid will love it, 22 Mar 2001

Frankly it was a treat to review Debjani's animal antics. Animals couldn't perform better in a circus than what Debjani made them do in her delightful book of poems.

Dr.Debjani Chatterji, I guess needs no introduction. She is a much published poet and has won several awards. She is based in UK and holds a Doctorate in Literature from Lancaster Univ, amongst other qualifications. Besides being highly qualified she is educated!

Animal antics actually brings out the delightful child in the poet, as it would in any one who reads it. Young or old! The most captivating part, apart from the delightful little poems, are the most amusing sketches of the animals and birds, done by the poet herself ! They are bound to fascinate any child. The charming Wolf, The poor hapless Porcupine, The naughty Rats of Hamlyn, The bellowing Hippo, they are all a scream. Debjani, has blended her thoughts and messages ingeniously. She subtly supports conservation, She says that to dine upon Porcupine must quill the poor creature

She tells the reader about human greed in Rats in Hamlyn the piper played, but human rats in Hamlyn slayed to cheat him. in their greedy haste-------

The Owl in, Diwali, looks as wise! The story of Ramayan,in An Epic Abridged, in about 100 words! Pure genius! The sketch of the gleefully dancing monkey is bound to raise chuckles both in the child and the not so child!

Any reader will be amazed how the poet has woven in the proverbs. In the elephant orchestra, don't expect to Blow your own trumpet ! See how cleverly she juggles with words, These Tigers are more than horriffic, they are paperishly Tigeriffic ! Debjani, makes clever use of poetic justice! How she has managed to produce the usual look of perpetual amazement in the poor Koala! In Proverbial Logic, she so cleverly manages to convey that Pandas are endangered species.

She has beautifully borrowed the cartoon characters and made them more endearing. Mighty Mouse, Sylvester and little Tweety Bird. The children would suddenly find themselves treading on familiar ground! They are bound to exclaim, Hey, I know that one!

The concept in this collection is like learn while you play. Debjani has displayed her in depth knowledge of child psychology. Children seem to be her inspiration. Most of her books are for them. Her works bring out her tremendous sensitivity. Any child hates medicine, and this collection would make them aware of nature, wild life and conservation without knowledge being thrust upon them. That's important, and the poet knows it.

As a matter of fact I would suggest that animal antics should become a part of the teaching curriculum of all Primary and kindergarten schools for that is where the child is at his/her receptive best.

The book has been introduced by the Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion. The chapter, Helpful hints, is most helpful, in the sense it educates students the young and the old about the types of poetry. The book is strongly recommended for both young and old.

Well getting back to the antics. The Talking parrot Of Timbaktoo, is perfectly hilarious, including the sketch! You will revel at the way Mr. Singh chases out the Water Snake from the school, for being late! You are bound to look at a pachyderm with a much more understanding vision after going through The Elephant. An Indian elephant in a foreign zoo. The poet's sensitivity oozes out.

Then there are the nonsensical verses, What's For Dinner? A Parrot and a gold fish are both baked into a pie by a dog and a cat! It is bound to regale the little ones. As a matter of fact Animal Antics will help parents to make their children's interest grow in animals, mythology, fairy tales and legends. It is going to make them aware of environment. Perhaps make them better human beings?

Dr. Debjani, has playfully brought out some answers and solutions to a number of questions and problems which are plaguing our planet today.

Prabir nath banerji MEERUT

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