Title: Down by the Mangroves
Authors: Sheela Preuitt & Praba Ram
Illustrator: Padmasree Murali
Publisher: Puffin India – An imprint of Penguin Random House
Type: Paperback
Length: 176 pages
Recommended Age Group: 8–12 years – recommended based on the novel’s length, themes, and reading level (Publisher’s recommendation is 10 years+)
Down by the Mangroves is a beautifully written story that revolves around a fifth grader named Moyna.
Moyna and her family lead a peaceful life in a small village nestled beside the Sundarbans mangroves. Living so close to this incredible ecosystem means she grows up surrounded by nature. She spends her days spotting beautiful birds like herons and kingfishers, and birdwatching is one of her greatest joys.
Her childhood is filled with love, laughter, and precious moments with her parents. Her father often tells her stories of Bonbibi, the protector of the forest, and makes up little songs that the two of them happily sing together. School is another happy part of Moyna’s life. Every day she walks there with her best friend, Sumi, and the simple routines of village life bring her immense happiness.
Like most families in the village, Moyna’s father depends on the mangroves for his livelihood. The fishermen and honey collectors risk their lives every time they venture into the forest. Moyna has grown up hearing stories about the dangers that lurk there—the crocodiles that patrol the waters and the majestic Royal Bengal tigers that rule the shores. Every trip into the mangroves is filled with uncertainty, yet it is a risk they must take to earn a living.
Everything changes after one fateful fishing trip.
While out catching crabs, Moyna’s father and the other fishermen are caught in rough weather. After a frightening encounter with a crocodile, they decide to anchor their boat and continue the next morning. But before anyone has a chance to react, a tiger attacks their boat. Moyna’s father loses his balance and falls into the tiger’s grasp.
In a single moment, Moyna’s world falls apart.
She struggles to cope with the loss of her father. Everything reminds her of him—his songs, the call of her favourite kingfishers, even the bleating of her pet goat. The rest of the story gently follows Moyna’s journey through grief as her best friend Sumi, her mother, and her uncle patiently help her heal. Along the way, her father leaves behind a very special gift—something that helps her remember him with love rather than only sadness.
One of my favourite aspects of the book is how vividly it brings the Sundarbans to life. As I was reading, I genuinely felt transported there.
As a child, I remember watching a Discovery Channel documentary about the honey hunters of the Sundarbans and the incredible risks they take while collecting honey. Tigers often attack from behind, so the honey hunters wear masks on the backs of their heads to confuse them. I was excitedly telling my daughter about this while we were reading, only to discover that the book explains it too! She was absolutely fascinated. We ended up watching parts of the documentary together afterwards, and it sparked such wonderful conversations. It turned into a beautiful learning experience for both of us.
This was also the first time I read a story about the loss of a loved one with my daughter. I was honestly a little hesitant because she’s quite sensitive, and I wasn’t sure how she would respond. But she surprised me. She understood Moyna’s grief, empathised with her, and was deeply moved by her journey. Watching her process those emotions made me realise that she’s growing up and is ready for stories that gently explore more complex feelings.
The black-and-white illustrations by Padmasree Murali beautifully capture the key moments of the story, adding warmth and emotion to Moyna’s journey. They complement the narrative perfectly, helping young readers visualise the characters, the Sundarbans, and the unfolding events, making it easier for children to stay engaged with the story. The language is simple, flowing, and accessible, making it an excellent choice for confident young readers as well as a wonderful read-aloud for younger children.
Overall, Down by the Mangroves is a tender, heartfelt story that beautifully reminds us that grief doesn’t erase joy. Over time, the two learn to coexist, and the memories of those we love continue to bring comfort even after they are gone.
RELATED READING: Some Heartwarming Children’s Books about Loss, Grief and Death of a Loved One.
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