Friday 29 June 2012

Advantages of TV for Kids

Where kids are related, TV and movies on a large scale are taken by parents as something which can spoil kids and can ruin their education, but with healthy viewing habits and parental supervision, limited “watching time” can become a positive experience for children. Television actually has an incredible potential to impart education to children and that too in a stunning impressive manner not like they are being given the schools. While children are given formal education in schools, the knowledge obtained from watching television is impossible or at least very difficult to acquire through other mediums.
Here are some ways children can benefit from watching TV and movies:
TV can help kids learn about a variety of subjects: If there’s a subject your child enjoys, more likely than not, there is a TV show, movie or educational DVD that explores the subject in detail with great animation, melodious and impressive voice over, and sometimes narrating whole history, habitation, feeding habits or any other related facts which kids watch and learn with utmost interest. You might be even surprised to find out that a lot of kids watch and love educational shows aimed at adults. Children’s shows broadcasted on TV from time to time, whether they name themselves as “educational” or not, but they may offer opportunities to spark interest in learning among the kids. For instance, was your child wowed by seeing the Hippopotamus or a penguin in a documentary shown on Animal Planet Channel or in one of the Discovery Channel Documentaries? If yes, he has inner urge to know more about the hippopotamus or penguins and their lives for which he went online to look at pictures and read about the Hippopotamus. In this way, kids establish a habit of finding out more when things interest them.
Through TV, kids can explore places, animals, or things that they couldn’t see otherwise: Most kids are not able to visit the rain forest, Zoo to see a tiger, elephant, lion or giraffe in the wild, but many have seen these animals on TV. Thankfully, education minded producers have given us many shows and movies that allow viewers to see wonderful recording of nature, animals, marine life, society, and other peoples. Kids and adults alike can learn from this type of media and gain a greater appreciation for our world and the animals and other people who inhabit it. The documentaries or serials aired on TV leave a longer lasting impression on the kid’s brain and they recall it as and when needed. For instance, there are programs about travel and tourism, which give information about various countries, people and places, cultures and communities around the world. The videos, pictures, commentary and music which accompany the shows generate an effect which is difficult to obtain by simply reading a book or listening to someone’s lecture. There are various programs that deal with scientific issues, by using effective techniques such as magnification, slow motion video, time lapse photography, computerized models and animation etc. These techniques are used to demonstrate a particular issue, which makes learning an exciting experience for kids.
TV shows can inspire kids to try new activities and engage in "unplugged" learning: When kids see their favorite characters engaged in fun learning games, they want to play those games too. Preschoolers’ shows broadcasted on television are particularly effective for generating ideas for learning activities and using characters to motivate kids. If you have a child who loves Dora the Explorer, for example, you can create clues and a riddle for them to solve at home, or challenge your child to create the riddle and clues. Or, turn a regular activity into a challenge and encourage your child to solve it like the Dora the Explorer do in her shows. And your kids will love doing this.
TV and movies can motivate kids to read books: Of the new movies that are released each year, you can bet that several of them are based on books. For example, a lot of harry potter movies which kids do love to watch are based on the books written by J.K. Rowling. Parents can challenge kids to read a book with the promise of going to the theater or renting the movie when they finish it. Or, kids may see a movie and like it so much that they decide to read the book. Later on parents can discuss the differences between the book and the movie to help kids develop thinking skills.
Kids can build analytical skills by discussing media: What do you think will happen next? Who did it? What will be the outcome? What could that character have done instead? Asking these types of questions as you co-view with your children will help them learn to think, develop problem solving skills, and predict on few events, making TV viewing a more active learning experience. More significantly than just memorizing facts, developing thinking skills will help them for the rest of their lives. Also, remember those compare/contrast tests in school? Parents can help prepare their children for this type of literary thinking by discussing programs with them. Compare and distinguish characters or shows. Who is the main character? Describe the plot. Explain what was the setting and main idea? What was the issue and how was it resolved? Use TV time to help children practice for all those essay tests, group discussions, debate competitions, and they might find that talking about this stuff can be interesting and fun!
Parents can use TV to help kids learn the truth about advertising: Advertising may be annoying in between the shows which children love to watch, but it presents yet another opportunity to develop children’s thinking and analyzing skills. Young kids may not even know the difference between programs and commercials. They are just watching it all and implementing it to their reality. But being a parent, you can explain the aim of advertising to your children and alert them to any delusory tactics used through the advertisements to sell their products.
Good role models and examples on TV can positively act upon kids: Children are very much influenced by people they see on television like the Shaktiman serial have a greater influence on the kids and many of the kids started trying to whirl and fly like Shaktiman, similarly nowadays kids are very much influenced by the cartoon characters, especially naughty kids, are very much influenced by cartoon character Shin Chan. Parents do complain that their kids are copying Shin-chan's occasionally weird, unnatural and inappropriate use of language, as well as  his inappropriate behavior. Obviously, this can have a negative result, but it can be positive too, like you can ask your kids just to see how Shin Chan is a spoilt brat and being a good boy or girl they should not copy him while behaving or talking with their friends and elders. Lately, kids' TV shows have begun promoting some positive agendas in cartoon shows like Chhota Bheem, such as healthy living and environmental awareness etc. As kids see their favorite characters making positive choices, they will be influenced in an excellent positive way. Through these cartoon shows you can also point out positive traits that characters display to your child and thereby you can make your kid a little bit responsible, sensible, and intelligent and a positive thinker.
Imagination: Children have very good imaginative power and a part of their imagination comes from watching television. After the kids watch anything on TV, they go out and redo it in play. Parents can allow their children to watch those shows that allow the kids to stretch their imaginations.
Awareness: Some people think that they shouldn't allow their children to watch news, because there are lots of bad things that go on in the world. That can't be opposed. But for the complete growth and better understanding of the world, children, at a certain age, should be encouraged to watch the news so they are more aware of the world around them. We can't protect our children everywhere and forever, watching the news will keep them more aware and alert of what is going on in their world so they will be prepared when they go out in the world and when they get older.
Keep Watch: It is recommended that every time you keep a close eye on what your children are watching on TV. There are many programs that are not meant for children to see, containing vulgarity or violence. Parents are the only deciding factor on what their children should watch. There are a number of excellent programs (educational and fun filled both) which are available for children's viewing. It is easy to find reviews for children's shows by simply typing in a few words to Google. This will help you avoid those pitfalls that you hear so much about children watching television and doing acts which are not appropriate. Make sure the shows you are allowing your children to watch are age appropriate. Hence, age appropriate television programs can be beneficial to children if you are careful about your choices.
Family Time: Television offers a reason for families to spend some time together. You can still limit viewing television by designating specific hours or selected programs on a weekly schedule. Setting aside some of those TV viewing hours specifically for family viewing promotes interaction, conversation and togetherness. Whether it becomes a bonding moment with young kids watching "Discovery Channel" or endless discussions about the plot intricacies of "Animal Planet" with your teens, television can be an accelerator for family interaction and a very nice reason for quality family time spend together.
Exposure & Engagement: Educational television programs bring children in touch with different cultures from all around the world in a very engaging manner. Educational channels like Discovery, The History Channel can show kids the people and places they wouldn't otherwise meet in their daily life. This can help stimulate and shape a child's interest and make him more engaged and responsive in classes that deal with those specific topics.
Learning English as a Second Language: Watching television gives kids ample English Learning opportunity whose native language is not English by giving them the conversational rhythms of spoken English. Students who are learning English as their second language can benefit from watching English-language television channels and English News.
Get Ideas for Craft: A number of television channels nowadays broadcast programs in which children are taught to make beautiful craft items from the waste items found in home. These programs keep children engaged and learn something productive which they can use of sitting in their homes.
But, despite the benefits of TV for educating kids parents must not forget to make kids sit at appropriate distance from the television sets i.e., 8 to 10 feets from the Television Set, this will not effect their eyes.
Now tell us your view, on your kids watching television is good or not? Your valuable comments, suggestions and feed backs are welcome. If you feel there is something else besides what we have not discussed in this article please write your suggestions in the comment box below.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

How to Choose & Buy Books for Children

Children's Books are very hard to define and categorize, there is no set genre of books for children to enjoy. From the time immemorial, children have always loved reading books, either in the form of comics, story books, picture books or rhymes books. Books are their best companion and give them knowledge and pleasure of reading as well. Children love to read and get complete information on different aspects of life. Every child spends a lot of time with books in their school and college lives, so books are a very important part of their life. However, the story books, fiction novels and fairy tales have always been a great source of entertainment and education for children. Books help children understand different subjects in a simple and lucid way.
Every child begins his journey into the world of knowledge and wisdom with great books. Starting with the first level nursery rhymes and picture books till the complex problems of intermediate math and science, books provide knowledge to children. Education without books cannot be imagined, hence, books are extremely important for every child. Children books are full of interesting facts, colorful pictures to support the text and this all is presented in a fun way so that kid’s can learn and know about the world. Books always help in giving knowledge and creating awareness among children.

Adventure and Mystery books are very popular among teenagers. The best fantasy books for teenagers have characters which take them to the world of imagination in which they imprison themselves with their magical and wonderful and sumptuous entertaining anecdotes. The story books give us a very wonderful way to teach small and significant life lessons to children. Stories give them the true knowledge of morals and values through forms of imagination. But it is necessary to choose and buy books according to age and knowledge of the child, because children books are designed and written after keeping the age groups of the children in mind.

Select Books According to Age

As a parent, you should help your child to make a wise decision when choosing books for your kids. Children often do not like to be told what book they should read, but it is certainly not advisable to always let the children pick their books on their own. Books often come with an age range and genre, but it is important to keep in mind that the parents know their children best, therefore, they are the best judge and have the right to choose books for their kids.
Books as Per Age
There are different types of books according to the age of the children. Generally, these are called baby books, kids’ books, toddler’s books,  preschooler’s books, primary school books, and secondary school books. Baby books are meant for children in 0 – 2 years of age. Since children of this age are not able to read, that’s why these books contain large images with bright colors. Toddler’s Books are meant for 2 – 3 year old children and these books contain more images and lesser text. This actually is the perfect age to teach kids to start reading and learning. The next category of books is known as preschooler’s books which are meant for kids in the age group of 3 – 5 years. Children of this age are able to read on their own, or with a little help of parents. In these books there are still a little number of images, but a little more of text to read.
Books According to Genres
There are different genres of books which are chosen by the children. Genres can be determined by different techniques, tones, contents and by length. There are different types of children books in the market viz., pictures books, board books, concept books, pattern books, rhymes books, phonics books, number books, and wordless books.

Genres also can have different sub genres. Now according to the sub genre children books can be of
myths, fables, legends and fairy tales, fantasy, realistic fiction, school story, non-fiction and biographical story.
In order to raise interest of children in reading books, it is necessary to research and find books for children with a topic that interests him or her very much. As we have discussed above in this article, that children most likely enjoy reading or listening to the stories they can relate to. Books with short stories or a chapter wise story book appeal more to children as they get short breaks throughout the reading. If your child complains that the book is too hard to read, encourage him by reading some of the pages yourself with him. You also can alternate and have him read a page and you read the next one, this way your child will really enjoy his reading and most importantly you can guide him on his pronunciation while reading and also guide them if they gets stuck on any word for its meaning.
However, there are many book stores online and offline where you can go and shop for children books from various reputed publishers and authors. But, I would suggest that it’s better to do some homework before making actual purchase of books, especially for children i.e., search on internet for the best children books, read reviews about them written by others and then make your mind to buy that.
We would like readers to share their valuable comments and experiences whatever they feel while buying books for their children, so that others reading this article may also learn something from you.

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Benefits of Educational CDs for Children - A New Era of Fun Learning

Interactive and Fun Learning VCDs/DVDs represents real life situations and its interactivity permits children to analyze the situations, associate themselves with the characters, and get feedback on their answers. There is plethora of educational toys, computer games, fun learning VCD’s for children in offline and online market today. Parents and educators often see these tools as a way to advance their young kid’s computer literacy skills as well as reading, math and critical analytical skills. There is a variety of types available for children of all ages.
Educational CD’s remain a popular choice of both parents and children so make the most of your viewing time by choosing wisely. Lively and upbeat educational VCD’s having good and melodious sounds plus nice graphics can turn passive viewing into a valuable learning experience, and hence  more things to retain for the kids in their brains. For example, younger children respond well to school topics such as learning to read, ABC’s, Numbers, Shapes, Colors, Stories, Rhymes and more. Why not encourage your child’s participation by viewing and singing along as well!
Likewise, listening to lively children’s VCD’s can be a stimulating experience for children. Whether in the car, during playtime or anytime, these educational VCD’s can be a source of entertainment and exposure to basic concepts or fictional characters. You can also enjoy the music with your child by singing, clapping and dancing along. Music introduces rhyme and rhythm, and is an important part of learning.
In addition to building fundamental language skills, reading is beneficial for all children for the reason that it is an essential part to learning all subjects. Fortunately, there are now so many VCD’s available to parents and teachers alike that make learning much more convenient for children. While children can benefit from the conventional teaching methods in the classroom, VCD’s make the process fun for children, which effectively turns learning into child's play. And Kid’s really do enjoy watching animated movies.
Another significant aspect of VCDs/DVDs is the section which is targeting educators. The CD-ROM offers a number of lesson plans which teachers can use in class, and children themselves can use these CDs for home learning, each one is based upon the topics of practical life situations, presented in an easily understandable manner. The same aspect is taken during the production of Children Educational CDs . A special tool has been designed for secondary schools as well for most of the state education boards - A manual which enables the teachers and the Instructional designers to integrate topics within the set curriculum, topics could then help the students in their personal and social development.

Many types of Educational VCD’s / CD’s are available across online & offline stores as :

Math and Reading Help
Math and Reading Help VCDs contain a number of different ways to assist children in developing their mathematical and reading skills. The VCD contains different number and alphabet games to aid comprehension. Among these games is a version of "Hangman" that helps children try and understand words by guessing letters. This game works by enhancing letter recognition skills. This also aids in sight word recognition as well as improving the spelling skills.
The Phonics Game
The Phonics VCD imparts the sounds of the letters as well as spelling rules using fun games. Some games involve the use of cards, while others are accompanied by instructional voice over that too in very melodious voice to keep children listen and follow. The Phonics VCD also includes games to sharpen computer skills as well as audio voiceovers for increased comprehension of the child.
Word Chase
Word Chase is one of the most popular board games that help children read by introducing them to some of the most common words in the English language. Made for children ages four and older, it includes only lowercase letters for the reason that they are found most often. Word Chase is a good starting point for children who are learning to read. A buzzing sound even lets children know if a letter is upside down, helping them to recognize the correct placement. Word Chase is a fun way for kids to spend time with their parents while learning their sight words. And what a best alternative could be than a VCD comprising all the word chase games through which children can learn the alphabets and numbers.
The Benefits of Fun Learning VCDs/DVDs:
  • Introducing preschoolers to significant pre-reading skills.
  • Activities focus on Cause and Effects, Labeling Emotions and Exploring social and emotional Consequences of decisions.
  • Set to very lively, toe-tapping music based on Mozart and Beethoven classics.
  • Social skills are stressed throughout; Characters work together to achieve a goal, and ultimately end their experience on a positive note.
  • Provide a good early computer experience.
  • Provoke positive feelings toward computers.
  • Give emphasis to short-term memory skills.
  •  Reinforce abilities such as following directions and listening.

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Best Summer Books for Kid's Reading

Have you ever seen children playing outside in the summer with faces of sheer joy and happiness, as they laughed? Because kids just want to have complete entertainment and freedom from their tedious school homework for some time. It's pretty clear to everyone that kids on summer break want to focus on only one thing and that is just FUN!
You can't blame them for their attitude in the summer holidays of having complete fun, because it is very much obvious. After months of working on math problems until numbers come pouring out of their dreams, mugging up science formulas, remembering historical dates and events, digesting homework with the greatest of stomachaches, and painstakingly filling out reading logs, home works, and assignments, summer is a much-needed break from school for every kid.
On the contrary, it's true what people always say: "Use it or lose it." Kids who stop reading over the summer tend to lose some reading skills, whereas the kids who do read in the summer tend to do better in school next session. Obviously, no parent will ever want that their kids won’t perform better in their school. So, now the question is how you can make both things happen i.e., fulfilling kid's need for summer fun along with making them keep reading during the summer?
It's quite simple: By making your Kids Read fun books. Buy those books for kids that bring laughter and smile on their faces, that keep them the pages turning, and that make them plead for more at the end. Spend some time with kids and read good books together with them, even long after a child learns to read without help. Help an unwilling child get started by reading the first few pages of an interesting book aloud and then encouraging him or her to go on reading by himself/herself. Then, read an interesting book for yourself, as the kids who see their parents or older siblings enjoying reading are more likely to enjoy reading themselves.
Summer is also a strange time in the publishing world — most publishing companies keep waiting to publish their marquee books in the summer, heading back to school and into the holiday season with their weighty novels and other titles.
To help you get started, we have compiled a nice collection of a few old and new favorites, about a variety of topics including summer vacation itself. Indeed, a good summer book can be of any type, whether it be a mystery, history, fantasy, biography, science fiction, or adventure written for children, as long as it holds their interest and keeps them reading.
But, if you and your children are in the search this summer for a chuckle, a grin, a belly laugh, or a heartwarming story to touch your soul, our selection of good reading books is a good place to begin with. Think about sharing a few of these books at a time with your kids and then letting kids choose themselves which ones to read. Persuade kids to look for and find books that interest them on their own, too. Soon you will see that look of great summer pleasure on your child's face while he or she is reading these fun and knowledge building books.
Who could have set fire to Mr. Hick's cottage? The suspects include a tramp, and even the housekeeper, Mrs. Minns. The Five Find-Outers and Dog aim to solve the mystery before Mr. Goon, the grumpy policeman!
Luke was working in the garden when Lady Candling’s valuable cat was stolen. But could it have been the cat’s carer, Miss Harmer, or even Lady Candling’s companion Miss Trimble? The Five Find-Outers and dog are on the case!
Fatty astonishes Mr. Goon with his wonderful disguises, while he tries to discover who is using Miss Crump’s old house - and why. Inspector Jenks will help the Five Find-Outers again, and there's a surprise for Mr. Goon!
Someone is sending spiteful letters. Gladys and Mrs. Moon are terribly upset. There are lots of suspects.  It could be gossipy Miss Title or Old Nosey, a very curious man. The Five Find-Outers and dog will find the culprit!
Fatty's disguises are better than ever. No one recognizes him as a balloon seller, or as the man in the village. Burglaries are going on and the police are baffled. It’s a new mystery for the Five Find-Outers and Dog!
Mr. Goon's nephew, Ern has disappeared on the road to 'Harry's Folly'. Does the gatekeeper, Mr. Peters, or Mr. Holland know anything about it? The Five Find-Outers are determined to solve the mystery.
The theatre safe has been broken into and Boysie, the Pantomime cat, is top of the list of suspects. But could his friend and fellow actor, Zoe be the real thief? PC Pippin is on the case with the Five Find-Outers and dog.
Who is the mysterious robber that disappears from the scene of the crime without a trace? Can the Five Find-Outers and the dog discover the thief's identity before Mr. Goon does?
A prince has disappeared and it seems that twin babies are the only clue! Is the prince being held against his will? The Five Find-Outers and Mr. Goon's nephew Ern, intend to track him down and rescue him.
What was in the strange bundle that Mr. Fellows was seen carrying when he fled his house in the dead of the night? And who else is trying to get hold of it? A new puzzle for the Five Find-Outers and Dog!
Money has been stolen from a bungalow called Hollies, and now all the furniture has also gone too! Who could the thief possibly be? Fatty and the gang are hot on the trail but so is Mr. Goon!
Who is responsible for the messages that keep turning up for Mr. Goon? Are Mr. and Mrs. Smith involved and does Mrs. Hicks know more that she appears to? Fatty and the gang are determined to find out.
A dangerous criminal is on the run-and he is also the master of disguise! Could it be Mr. Tolling? Or do the Fangio twins know the culprit's real identity? The Five Find-Outers and dog aim to find out... with a little help from Eunice.
Wailing banshees are not the only mystery at the Banshee Towers - It hides other secrets too! Does the Turnstile man or the owner know anything about them? Buster and Bingo - as well as the Five Find-Outers are hot on the trail.
The tenants of Tally-Ho House have vanished - along with a priceless painting! Have the Lorenzo's gone for good? Could the Larkin's of Tally-Ho Cottage to be blamed? The Five Find-Outers and dog are soon on the thief's trail... with a little help from Ern.
China A History by John Keay
An accessible, authoritative single-volume narrative history of China, from the earliest times to the present day, that will both engage the general reader and challenge the horizons of the China specialist.
Most histories of China appear to have been written by sinologists for sinologists. As China rejoins and perhaps comes to dominate our world order, the need for an authoritative yet engaging history is universally acknowledged.
Modelled on the author's India: A History, China: A History is informed by a wide knowledge of the Asian context, an approach devoid of Eurocentric bias, and acclaimed narrative skills. Broadly chronological, the book presents a history of all the Chinas – including those regions (Yunnan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Mongolia, Manchuria) that account for two thirds of the People's Republic of China landmass but which barely feature in its conventional history.
The book also examines the many non-Chinese elements in China's history – the impact of Buddhism, Islam and Christianity; the effects of trade; the nature of 'barbarian' invasion; the relevance of many imperial dynasties being of non-Chinese origin. Major archaeological discoveries in the last two decades afford a chance to flesh out and correct much of the written record. 'China: A History' will tell the epic story from the time of the Three Dynasties (2000-220 BC) to Chairman Mao and the current economic transformation of the country.
Explore world history with this definitive encyclopedia, spanning continents and eras. Take a journey through thousands of years from the time when humans first walked on the earth to the age of space travel. Amazing photographs and illustrations capture how the world has changed.
What caused Hurricane Katrina? What's inside an Eygptian Pyramid? How did the Vikings wage war? This book provides answers to these questions and more. It also covers events including the Asian Tsunami and Human Genome Project.
World history, from prehistoric peoples through ancient civilizations to the early twentieth century, focusing on the varying cultures, art, and daily life of civilizations throughout history.
This colorfully illustrated volume provides a simple introduction to world history from the first civilizations to the early 20th century. Each civilization, period or event is described in short, highly visual chapters that provide a stimulating starting point and insight into the history of different peoples and cultures around the world. The geographical time chart shows what was happening in different parts of the world at similar times, and there is an extensive index and a list of suggestions for further reading.
This book The Usborne Little  encyclopaedia of History features simple text, beautiful illustrations and photographs to make each of these books a fun learning experience for young children. With fully updated internet links.
Have you ever wondered who invented the Internet or your Ipod? This book explores the fascinating history of events that shaped the world. It takes the reader through the Eureka moments - from the discovery of fire to modern day research into genetic engineering. A timeline puts events in context, and feature-boxes explore the more significant inventions. 
Little Known Facts about India is a set of two books, packed with vivid, act filled descriptions focusing on historical, social and cultural features of India. These books cover amazing and unknown facts hidden in every nook and corner of India. Beautiful and colorful pictures make the book more attractive. Discover the beauty and the magic of the land of all seasons. This set is must have for all inquisitive readers.
This book consists of simple illustrated guides to answer children's questions about history and invite comparisons with life today. This particular book deals with the Romans, their cultural development, traditions, customs, rituals, people, social setting etc.
The birth of a prince in medieval India was usually followed by grand celebrations. Camped out in the wilderness when the news of Akbar’s safe delivery reached him, Humayun could only enjoy a quiet moment of thanksgiving. He broke a musk pod and as the fragrance wafted all over the camp, the new father hoped his son’s fame would similarly spread across the world. Akbar-emperor, warrior, statesman and thinker-is acknowledged as one of the most charismatic personalities in Indian history. Crowned the king of Hindustan at the age of thirteen, his empire went on to include the farthest corners of the country. Yet he was not just a conqueror. A humanist, his deep interest in literature, architecture, art and his inclusive vision of religions at a time when such thoughts were not in fashion, set him down as one of history’s most remarkable men. In this story of his life, as exciting and thrilling as any adventure tale, the author describes Akbar’s rough, difficult childhood spent on the run; his consolidation of the empire through war and diplomacy; the myriad interesting and entertaining people who made up his court; the strong women of the Mughal household; and finally, the intriguing circumstances under which the crown passed on to his son, Jahangir. Accompanied by many vignettes of information about the Mughal Empire and the world in the 16th century, this book is a fascinating introduction to the life and times of a ruler who still rules our imaginations.
‘However infamous the conduct of the sepoys, it is only the reflex, in a concentrated form, of England’s own conduct in India . . .’ —Karl Marx 1857 was a defining moment in the history of the British Empire. As native troops in India ‘rebelled’ against their colonial masters and were joined by a large number of local chiefs, civilians and princes, the Empire almost lost its most prized territory. A hundred and fifty years later, scholars, academics and historians still argue about the exact nature of the uprising and the appropriate nomenclature for it: the First War of Independence, the Great Indian Mutiny, the Sepoy Rebellion. Debates still rage over its causes. Did it really originate from a dispute over greased cartridges? Was it premeditated? Not surprisingly, the ‘uprising’ attracted both local and global attention and produced a massive archive of documents. The Penguin 1857 Reader depicts the historic event from various perspectives: English, Indian, European and American. Through a selection of documents of the time, it provides glimpses into the actions across northern India, maps the contours of dissent against the Raj and explores the immediate responses to the upheaval in India and outside. Included here are numerous newspaper and magazine accounts in leading English and American papers, chronicles of British and Indian men and women who witnessed the turmoil, intelligence reports and narratives of soldiers, the British administration’s responses, the opinions of Karl Marx, Lord Macaulay and Mark Twain, British views on the Rani of Jhansi and Nana Saheb, and Mirza Ghalib’s moving narration in his diaries and the historic trial of Bahadur Shah Zafar. With a scholarly and comprehensive introduction, this reader captures the many dimensions of one of the most momentous episodes in the history of the Indian subcontinent.
Biography
Imran Khan Biography - Indian Edition
The definitive biography of Imran Khan, the former Pakistan cricket captain and all-rounder – the Oxbridge graduate and vociferous campaigner; the devout Muslim whose kaleidoscopic social life flooded the gossip columns the man who raised $60 million for cancer research and who is now one of the most important political figures in Pakistan. On one thing, Imran Khan's friends and enemies agree: it all began with the leopard print satin trousers.
In November 1974, the Cricketer International published an article about the new elite group of young talented players, 'into concepts like fashion and pop music', and bent on challenging cricket's eternal stereotypes. Of the five featured stars on the cover, a superbly hirsute 21-year old wearing a tight black shirt and gaudy trousers, with a facial expression of supreme self-confidence, stood out.
Imran Khan has always been a controversial figure, a man who gives rise to hot debate on account of his strong conviction and hard line views. From his achievements on the cricket field as the Pakistan captain who captured the World Cup and the game's best all-rounder in history, through to his racy social life – the practising Muslim boogieing on the dance-floor of Annabel's, 'an astonishing lovemaker', according to one overnight partner, praised by Diana Princess of Wales, close friend to his then wife Jemima Goldsmith, as a 'devoted husband' – the Imran story is full of colour and contradictions.
Gandhi was born November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, India, to Jawaharlal and Kamala Nehru. Her life was drastically changed in 1919 when her wealthy and prominent family was visited by Mohandas Gandhi, the pacifist leader of the Indian freedom movement. Recently returned from exile in South Africa, he converted her parents to the cause of Indian independence Constant meetings and the frequent absence of Gandhi's parents deprived her of a normal childhood. Though she was spoiled by her grandfather Motilal, Gandhi later recalled she felt "insecure." She was four years old when her father and grandfather were first jailed for their activities, then the jailings, which also included her mother, became frequent. ‘Indira Gandhi’s life was part of the unfolding history of India, intricately woven with India’s past and future. It (became) inevitable, therefore, that politics (formed) a backdrop to her public and often private actions.’Indira Gandhi’s life spanned over two-thirds of a century. By the time of her brutal assassination in 1984, she had established herself as the most significant political leader India had seen since the death of her father, Jawaharlal Nehru. In this book, written with the close cooperation of her subject, Pupul Jayakar seeks to uncover the many personalities that lay hidden within Mrs Gandhi. Much more than a political biography, the book reveals the complex personality of Indira Gandhi—her thoughts and feelings, her hates and prejudices, her insights and her faults, her loves and emotional entanglements.
Marie SkÅ‚odowska-Curie (7 November 1867 – 4 July 1934) was a French-Polish physicist and chemist famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first person honored with two Nobel Prizes[2]—in physics and chemistry. She was the first female professor at the University of Paris, and in 1995 became the first woman to be entombed on her own merits in the Panthéon in Paris. This Book Presents Madame Curie's story. This title explores Marie's many firsts, including: becoming the first woman awarded a PhD in physics and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize; her amazing personal and professional relationship with husband Pierre Curie; and, the tragedies that affected Marie deeply, including the loss of her mother and brother.
Kids will savor this fascinating trip into the life and undersea world of pioneering oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. In his quest to show off the beauty found below the waves, Cousteau dedicated himself to developing new diving technology, inventing innovative ways to photograph underwater life, and traveling the globe to explore different bodies of water. His films, including The Academy Award(R)-winning "The Silent World," opened people's eyes to a formerly unknown and spectacular marine universe. Cousteau did more than anyone to enlighten us to the stunning complexity of the oceans' ecology, and the importance of preserving it. His message resonates more than ever today. With this biography, young readers will see how Cousteau's mission began, and follow his thrilling, sometimes dangerous adventures into the deep.
Three of American history's most influential and beloved leaders are profiled in these new Sterling Biographies for young readers. From the political accomplishments to the personal lives of Lincoln, Washington, and Kennedy, these biographies introduce a new generation to these exceptional men. Full color, Honest Abe, The Great Emancipator, The Martyr: Abraham Lincoln was perhaps America's greatest President. He is also deeply beloved by many, who are inspired by Lincoln's unwavering sense of justice and willingness to fight for his beliefs. Young readers will marvel at Lincoln's path to greatness from his humble beginnings as a poor Illinois rail splitter up through his election as America's 16th President, and into the dark days of the Civil War leading to his tragic assassination. In addition to background on his childhood and his marriage to Mary Todd, numerous sidebars provide simple explanations to relevant historical events such as the Dred Scott Decision and the Mexican Wars.
Of Irish descent, he was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1917. Graduating from Harvard in 1940, he entered the Navy. In 1943, when his PT boat was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy, despite grave injuries, led the survivors through perilous waters to safety. Back from the war, he became a Democratic Congressman from the Boston area, advancing in 1953 to the Senate. He married Jacqueline Bouvier on September 12, 1953. In 1955, while recuperating from a back operation, he wrote Profiles in Courage, which won the Pulitzer Prize in history. Although John Fitzgerald Kennedy's presidency lasted less than three years before an assassin's bullet killed him in Dallas, Texas, he had a lasting impact upon the world. Youthful, charming, and articulate, he and his sophisticated wife Jackie symbolized hope and optimism in a time of turmoil. Young readers will find themselves enthralled by this biography of one of America's most popular leaders, which explores J.F.K.'s privileged childhood and tight-knit family; wartime heroism; and political accomplishments, which began in Congress and eventually led him to the U.S. presidency – the youngest man ever elected to the Oval Office.
Pandit Nehru’s words that night have remained etched in the nation’s memory ever since. Born to a privileged family in Allahabad, Jawaharlal went on to become a leading figure of the Indian independence movement. During the struggle he spent over ten years in prison, watched others in his family jailed time and again, and led numerous protest marches and agitations. Working alongside Mahatma Gandhi, he helped India keep its tryst with destiny and become a free nation. Aditi De recounts the story of Jawaharlal Nehru’s extraordinary life in this biography for young readers. Filled with charming anecdotes, it recounts episodes from Nehru’s childhood, his fascination with books and scientific experiments, his student years in England, and how he was drawn to the growing struggle for Indian independence. Finally, she sketches his role as the first Indian Prime Minister, and how he shaped the newly-formed democratic republic. Packed with little known nuggets of information, and trivia about the times, this book in the Puffin Lives series brings alive the thoughts and actions of one of modern India’s most important personalities.
Few great figures in American history are shrouded in more misconceptions than Wilbur and Orville Wright. Their fame and popular stature is extraordinary, but their personal story is largely unknown. How did two men, working essentially alone and with little formal scientific training, solve a problem so complex and demanding as heavier-than-air flight, which had defied better-known experimenters for centuries?
Certainly the brothers were talented, but the true answer also lies in their background and early experiences. Learn how these seemingly ordinary bicycle mechanics emerged to change the world. At least as far back as the ancient myth of Icarus, humans longed to fly—but it wasn’t until December 17, 1903, on the windy dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, that the dream finally came true. And it was all thanks to Orville and Wilbur Wright, two former bicycle mechanics who built their first toy plane — a rubber-band powered rotary—when they were just children. Find out how the two brothers, working quietly and persistently, ultimately solved the “flying problem” that had grounded so many others; what setbacks they experienced as they developed and improved their machine (including a tragic crash); and what additional “firsts” followed after they triumphantly took to the skies.
"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." That was Thomas Edison's philosophy, and it led him to create the incandescent light bulb and illuminate the world with electricity. But that was just one of the many groundbreaking inventions Edison devised, many of which changed the shape of entertainment, industry, and everyday life. Meet the Wizard of Menlo Park, and see how he grew from a lonely, inquisitive boy who carried out experiments in his basement to the smart, enterprising, and imaginative inventor who gave us the stock market ticker, helped develop the phonograph and cinema, and even came up with the first storage battery and electric car.
Born into a conservative family in a provincial town in Haryana, Kalpana Chawla dreamt of the stars. And through sheer hard work, indomitable intelligence and immense faith in herself, she became the first Indian woman to travel to space, and even more remarkably, to travel twice. In this well-researched biography, journalist Anil Padmanabhan talks to people who knew her— family and friends at Karnal, and colleagues at NASA—to produce a moving portrait of a woman whose life was a shining affirmation that if you have a dream, no matter how hard it is, you can achieve it.
‘I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper's wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?’ —Mother Teresa Born in a country far from the city which she would make her home, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu dreamt of coming to Calcutta to serve the poorest of the poor. Two decades later, she single-handedly started the Missionaries of Charity, an organization which has today come to embody the values of compassion and care in a world of suffering. Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize and has been beatified by Pope John Paul II. But it is not for this that she is remembered. It is for her love and dedicated work which transformed millions of lives—abandoned children, those afflicted with leprosy, the destitute and the dying—that Mother Teresa is already a saint in the hearts of people in India and abroad. In this touching biography, Rukmini Chawla, who has been associated with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity from an early age, provides an intimate insight into a truly extraordinary life, and looks at how the amazing institution she founded continues her work.
Subhas Chandra Bose opposed Gandhi on several occasions, was at times also a bitter rival of Nehru, and waged war against Mountbatten. This is his story, and that of the alternative, armed struggle for Indian independence that he came to stand for a story of the freedom struggle that ran in parallel and that left behind many heroes. “Give me blood and I will give you freedom.” Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s words are deeply etched in the minds of millions of Indians. A great political thinker and radical nationalist, Netaji played a very active and prominent role in India’s political life. In the 1930s he was a leader of the Indian National Congress, and later of the Indian National Army (INA), during World War II. Read the mesmerizing account of the life of this charismatic leader whose only dream was to see his beloved motherland free from foreign rule.
Ashoka the Great, the ruler of ancient India’s largest kingdom, took the path of peace, tolerance, non-violence and compassion after a fierce battle in Kalinga. He now addressed his subjects as a father would his children, and erected pillars that spread his thoughts throughout the land in the people’s own language. He put their welfare above all else and worked towards that for the rest of his life. One of the most well-known symbols from India’s history, the Ashoka chakra, now adorns India’s national flag, and the lion capital from his pillars is our national emblem.
On his passport he was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The poet Rabindranath Tagore gave him the title ‘Mahatma’- the great soul- but he was rather uncomfortable with that. Nelson Mandela calls him a ‘sacred warrior’, others describe him as the ‘the saint of the spinning wheel’ and we now declare him as our ‘Father of the Nation’. A courageous freedom fighter, a shrewd politician, a passionate social reformer and a staunch nationalist, Mahatma Gandhi was all this and much more. He was the most unusual leader this country has seen, and one of the most influential personalities whose name is synonymous with India’s independence. He was the one who touched the lives of millions, whose ideals of satyagraha and ahimsa inspired great leaders of the world, and who could make the entire country come to a halt by going on a fast.
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