Trust Katha to come up with a timely read that intends to serve society, by using information to empower. A free e-book by Katha Publishers aims to help children understand the Covid 19 scenario, and what they can do about it. Once again, children are at the forefront. The book provides them with information so that they are empowered to make the correct choices with respect to their health and hygiene.
The Covid 19 Pandemic has had the world grappling with situations we have never witnessed before. As we navigate our way through these troubled waters, one of the important tasks at hand is to talk to children about the pandemic in an age appropriate manner. “The Mystery Of The Missing Soap” aims to help children understand the Covid 19 scenario.
In this picture book, filled with clear and attractive art and illustrations by Suddhasattwa Basu and Charbak Dipta and words by Geeta Dharmarajan, we hear a story that alludes to the current scenario of the transmission of the Covid 19.
In the story, we have a “Germasura” who wants to attack the people of a village. And, in order that they don’t recover and are not able to protect themselves, the villain steals the soap from the village.
It is now upto the enterprising children of the village to reassert the need for soap in order to rid themselves of these germs. The kids hit upon an ingenious plan and make soap out of locally available ingredients.
The story indirectly talks about the spread of the virus and the very basic measures at the very basic level that people can use. Moreover, it has interesting sections at the end, in addition to the story. Hence one learns how to make simple soap and wash hands in the correct manner.
The book also indirectly touches upon the need for hygiene, and the need to spread the message of good hygiene to the people around us. Children are at the forefront of this awareness in the book.
This is an inspiring book and is available for free reading on the Katha website. The book has been translated into a few Indian languages for it to be more accessible to the rural population. The title is currently available in English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Assamese.
Do read it and spread the word. A special request to send it to any contacts you may have in the rural areas as well, more specifically to your helpers and their families. It is at such times that we can leverage the power of technology for social good!
If you want access to the free ebook click here.
You may also want to read about another set of books that talk about how empowered children can effect change.
