Eight. Elizabeth. Eleze.

Any connection do you see? Who is Elizabeth? Well, she will come into picture. Lets first talk about the beginning word of this writing piece - EIGHT. My daughter Zeel, turned eight recently. Is it a milestone? Hmm...I am not sure. But I do vividly remember her Life Skills teacher mentioning that kids at this age, in class two, want to achieve milestones. They want to make something, create a work by themselves. And, they will come to the parent, show it proudly, expecting an acknowledgement. As parents, we must pause whatever we are doing, look at the child and respond. Do not ignore. 

So while she attempts to accomplish certain works (of art I believe, which is her interest area), a thought entered and sat in my mind. Firmly. At eight now, she, my daughter, should embark on the journey of reading children’s books/novels. Since the age of three, we have exposed her to stories. Reading to her not one, two but countless tales. Over the years, she has developed an ear for stories. And when she picks up one, she is very fond of looking at the colourful pictures. A storybook for her has to be pictorial. And I believe, this is how it is for any child. They all love pictures. Slowly, on my requests to read out some story to me, she has been picking up on reading comic strips e.g. Damru, Cheeku from Champak. 

At her never dying enthusiasm to hear stories (from family and relatives), I exhorted her to start reading children’s novels. Presently, these don't excite her as they miss multicolour pictures. All's in black and white. Then, very often, I share my experiences of finishing novel over a weekend, more than once. (years back as a grown-up). Her eyes would shine with wonder as to how can one complete reading a 100+ pages in two days? I have been motivating her to dive into this world of books. 

On her birthday, we gifted her couple of books. My heart was beaming with joy with the sight of these tale-telling artifacts standing in the unicorn book case. This is when Elizabeth entered into our lives. Yes, the naughtiest girl from Enid Blyton's book series with the same name. Usually, Zeel comes running to us with a story book, selects a story for one of us to read to her. This time I recommended that I read "The Naughtiest girl". She agreed. It has been a week now. Just like the daily prayer, reading few pages from this book has become a routine. And, I must say this is not the run-of-the-mill routine. Zeel and I derive great joy from this story. Yes, me too. While the book is child-centric, it has given me sheer delight! More than once, I have felt tempted to finish reading it completely in a sitting:) 

 So, indeed, "Elizabeth" has captivated us! And, hopefully this experience, this journey will continue and at some point of time, inspire Zeel to set about reading such books herself. Right now, on my encouragement, she occasionally reads from Sudha Murthy's book "Bag of Stories", that her Barkha Masi gifted her earlier. Or sometimes, a page or two from "Angry River" by Ruskin Bond. And even if images are black and white, she doesn't miss looking at those. Well, it’s a long way to go. And We are with her at every step! 

Now, why am I blogging this work here, under "nesteleze"? Thou shall ponder. And, discover that books open gates to wisdom, creativity and much more! 

No photos, no attachments today. Leaving you with names of the books as scribbled above. So, grab one or two and enjoy! Drop in a comment with any other books that you/your child has enjoyed. Would love to know.:) 

Have relaxing moments, 

Satya @ nesteleze