A Book for Puchku – Deepanjana Pal

Puchku loves reading more than anything. She reads everywhere — at home, in school, even in the park. One day in the library, she finishes all the books she can reach on the lower shelves. The books on the upper shelves are too high for her. Puchku tries climbing on her friends and even on chairs, but nothing works. Finally, the tall librarian notices her and gently lifts her up so she can reach the books. Puchku happily picks a new shiny book, opens it, and begins another exciting adventure.

പുച്ച്കു എന്ന പെൺകുട്ടിക്ക് വായനയാണ് ഏറ്റവും ഇഷ്ടം. അവൾ എല്ലായിടത്തും വായിക്കുന്നു – വീട്ടിൽ, സ്കൂളിൽ, പാർക്കിൽ. അങ്ങനെയിരിക്കെ, ലൈബ്രറിയിലെ താഴത്തെ ഷെൽഫുകളിൽ, അവൾക്ക് എത്താൻ കഴിയുന്ന എല്ലാ പുസ്തകങ്ങളും അവൾ പൂർത്തിയാക്കുന്നു. ഇനിയവൾക്ക് മുകളിലെ ഷെൽഫുകളിലെ പുസ്തകങ്ങൾ വായിക്കണം. പക്ഷെ മുകളിലെ ഷെൽഫുകൾ വളരെ ഉയരത്തിലാണ്. പുച്ച്കു അവളുടെ കൂട്ടുകാരികളുടെ മുകളിലും കസേരകളിലും കയറി മുകളിലെ ഷെൽഫിൽ എത്താൻ ശ്രമിക്കുന്നു, പക്ഷേ ഒന്നും ഫലിക്കുന്നില്ല. ആ ലൈബ്രറിയിൽ ഉയരമുള്ള ഒരു ലൈബ്രേറിയൻ ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു. അദ്ദേഹം അവളെ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുകയും പുസ്തകങ്ങളിലേക്ക് എത്താൻ അവളെ പതുക്കെ ഉയർത്തുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. പുച്ച്കു സന്തോഷത്തോടെ ഒരു പുതിയ തിളങ്ങുന്ന പുസ്തകം എടുത്ത് തുറക്കുകയും മറ്റൊരു ആവേശകരമായ സാഹസിക യാത്ര ആരംഭിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.

Conversations

1. Puchku and Her Mother

• Mother: Puchku, where are you?
• Puchku: I’m here, Amma, reading my book.
• Mother: You love reading so much!
• Puchku: Yes, Amma. Books take me to new places.
• Mother: But first, have your bath.
• Puchku: Okay, Amma. Let me finish this page.
• Mother: After that, you can read again.
• Puchku: Yay! I can’t wait to start my next story.

2. Puchku and Her Friends

• Boltu: Puchku, what are you reading now?
• Puchku: A story about a brave girl.
• Dodla: You always read! Don’t you get bored?
• Puchku: Never! Books are full of adventures.
• Boltu: Can we join your adventure?
• Puchku: Of course! Let’s read together.
• Dodla: Maybe we will like it too.
• Puchku: You definitely will!

3. Puchku and the Librarian

• Librarian: Puchku, why are you climbing the chairs?
• Puchku: I want the books on the top shelf.
• Librarian: That looks unsafe.
• Puchku: I know… but I really want those books.
• Librarian: I can help you reach them.
• Puchku: Really? Thank you!
• Librarian: Next time, just ask me.
• Puchku: I will. Books make me so happy!

4. Puchku, Boltu, and Dodla Build a Tower

• Puchku: Friends, I need your help!
• Boltu: What happened?
• Puchku: I can’t reach the top shelf.
• Dodla: Let’s make a tower!
• Puchku: Good idea! I’ll climb on top.
• Boltu: Careful… we’re shaking!
• Dodla: Oh no—wibble wobble!
• All: Crash! (laughing)

5. Puchku and the New Book

• Puchku: Wow, this book looks shiny!
• Librarian: I thought you’d like it.
• Puchku: What is it about?
• Librarian: Open it and see.
• Puchku: Whoosh! The words feel magical.
• Librarian: That’s the power of reading.
• Puchku: I’m ready for a new adventure.
• Librarian: Enjoy your journey, Puchku.

Questions and Answers

1. Why do we need to drink water?
   We need water because it keeps our body cool, helps digestion, carries nutrients, and keeps us active. Without enough water, we feel tired and cannot concentrate well.
2. Why should we keep our surroundings clean?
   Clean surroundings prevent diseases, make the place pleasant, and help everyone stay healthy. When we keep our environment tidy, we also show respect for nature and the people around us.
3. Why do we go to school?
   We go to school to learn new things, make friends, discover our talents, and prepare for the future. School helps us grow into confident, responsible, and capable individuals.
4. Why is reading important?
   Reading helps us understand the world, improves our language skills, and builds imagination. It also teaches us new ideas and makes learning enjoyable and meaningful.
5. Why should we eat healthy food?
   Healthy food gives us energy, helps our body grow, and protects us from illness. Eating fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals keeps our mind sharp and our body strong.
6. Why do we celebrate festivals?
   Festivals bring people together, help us remember traditions, and spread joy. They teach us to share, care, and appreciate our culture and community.
7. Why should we respect elders?
   Elders have more experience and wisdom. Respecting them shows good manners and helps us learn valuable lessons from their life stories and guidance.
8. Why do we need friends?
   Friends make us happy, support us during problems, and share fun moments. They help us learn teamwork, kindness, and understanding.
9. Why is exercise important?
   Exercise keeps our body fit, strengthens muscles, improves mood, and helps us stay active. It also prevents many health problems and increases our energy.
10. Why should we save water?
    Water is limited, and all living things need it. Saving water ensures we have enough for drinking, farming, and daily use. It also protects rivers, lakes, and nature.
11. Why do we sleep at night?
    Sleep gives our body rest, repairs our cells, and refreshes our mind. Without proper sleep, we feel tired, forgetful, and unable to focus.
12. Why should we be kind to animals?
    Animals share our world and deserve care. Being kind to them teaches compassion, protects nature, and helps maintain balance in the environment.
13. Why is teamwork important?
    Teamwork helps us finish tasks faster, learn from others, and build cooperation. Working together makes difficult jobs easier and creates strong friendships.
14. Why should we follow traffic rules?
    Traffic rules keep everyone safe on the road. They prevent accidents, help vehicles move smoothly, and protect pedestrians and drivers.
15. Why do plants need sunlight?
    Plants use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis. Without sunlight, they cannot grow, stay healthy, or produce oxygen for us to breathe.
16. Why should we tell the truth?
    Telling the truth builds trust and keeps relationships strong. Honesty helps us feel confident and prevents problems caused by lies.
17. Why do we celebrate birthdays?
    Birthdays mark the day we were born and remind us of our growth. They are a chance to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones.
18. Why should we share with others?
    Sharing teaches kindness, reduces selfishness, and makes everyone feel included. It helps build friendships and creates a caring environment.
19. Why is nature important?
    Nature gives us air, water, food, and beauty. Protecting it ensures a healthy planet for all living beings and future generations.
20. Why should we learn good manners?
    Good manners help us behave politely, respect others, and create a friendly atmosphere. They make people feel comfortable and help us build positive relationships.