The Book Mine

Dashu got away with it because he was mad. You never know whats going to happen in Pagla Dashus world its an out-and-out romp. Life is never ordinary or dull when Dashu is around and this round-eyed, curly- haired schoolboy shakes up people and places till everyone and everything is as topsy-turvy as our hero. From his classroom antics to his playtime tactics, Dashus impish audacity has you rolling on the floor with laughter. Join him and his equally wacky company of madcap schoolboys and geniuses, show-offs and know-it-alls, scientists and explorers, and many other unforgettable characters who will take you on a crazy roller-coaster ride through poetry epidemics, strange robberies, chaotic school plays, and imaginary lands populated by magical creatures. These 25 classic stories by Sukumar Ray have been put together for the first time in English by the Jadavpur University Translators Collective and feature rare illustrations by the father-son duo of Sukumar Ray and Satyajit Ray. PLUS! Book Mine Gems: 48 extra-special pages: Know more about the author, his work and his times. Plus things to think about and to do.'

Sukumar Ray (1887-1923) was born in Calcutta, India, to Upendrakishore Roychowdhury, a visionary children's author, artist and publisher. Sukumar's genius was visible at an early age and in the short span of his life (he died at the age of 36), he managed to cement his position as one of the greatest children's writers of his time. He was one of the foremost writers of nonsense verse and his collections of poetry and prose have been read and re-read by children over the last 80 years. His most famous works include Abol Tabol, HaJaBaRaLa, Pagla Dashu, Bohurupee and Khai Khai. He is the father of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.