The Moon From Dehradun

It is extremely rare to find a picture book on the partition of the Indian subcontinent and equally rare it is to find that the words do full justice to the gravity of the event coupled with illustrations that would make you admire the pages again and again to uncover new details.

The journey from Dehradun to Lahore in the wake of the partition is described through Azra, our little protagonist’s point of view. However, hers isn’t the only family forced to move. Innumerable families cross the line of partition and Azra’s destiny crosses path with another family’s, who flees to safety in the opposite direction towards Dehradun. Will Azra find her beloved doll Gurya that she left behind in the flurry of activities? What would happen to her home in Dehra?

Illustrating a story based in South Asia is no mean feat. Tarun Lak’s illustrations scream for the reader’s attention and the details leave no doubt about the volume of research that has gone into each spread. As I turned to the last page, I gasped in admiration – 2 houses, 2 girls, 2 dolls – each true to the region, attire, including the way the dolls are dressed! This is what you call amazing illustration!

Do not miss the extremely important and informative end note and Shirin Shamsi’s author’s note.

This book speaks to my heart and deserves a place in every classroom and home! A prime example of the power of words and pictures…