How Arefa Tehsin brings India's wildlife to children in The Great Indian Safari
And so she does with her trusted friend 'Charred the bard' leading readers through the book's many chapters dedicated to the elephant, tiger, peacock, and more. Charred, a jungle crow, shares fun, engaging anecdotes about each of these creatures.
Each chapter is peppered with vibrant illustrations, poems, tiny lessons on pronunciation, scientific names, how to act on a safari, and ends with a guide on where to spot the animal. 'I didn't just want the 'celebrities' of the wild like tigers and elephants (though they strutted in, of course), but also the quiet stars and the unsung heroes, be it the termite queens or the awesome asses,' says Arefa, 45, known for books like Amra and the Witch, and Iora & the Quest of Five.
Addressing the importance of introducing biodiversity and conservation themes to children, Arefa says that when children realise they are not separate from Nature, but part of its unruly orchestra, they begin to care. 'Wonder leads to empathy, and empathy might just save our species. A tree isn't just a tree. It's a squirrel's skyscraper, a caterpillar's café, a crow's conference room. I believe that we are not saving Nature, Nature is saving us. So far, at least.'
Given the extensive years of research that culminated into the book, were there any facts or lesser-known animals that surprised Arefa even today? 'Absolutely,' she says. 'Like how, 'Lakshadweep' means a hundred thousand islands (though it's only 36). Or how a termite queen can live up to 50 years while her soldier sons last barely 1–2. Or that Himalayan brown bear cubs are born while their mum is still asleep in hibernation. Nature is the original trickster. She doesn't play even by her own rules.' Arefa's most fascinating chapter, however, is the one on wild asses. 'These sleek, stubborn creatures graze on plants other animals turn their noses up at, and they're among the fastest animals in India. Who knew the desert had such horsepower?' she says.
After The Great Indian Safari, Arefa is now working on her upcoming titles that include a sequel to Wild in the Backyard, The Big Little Birthday Party, Divine DNA, a highly illustrated book for teens about the animals in Indian mythology, and her second novel for adults, The Tale of a Magpie Robin.
Priced at ₹327, Indian Safari is available online
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