Title: Jivya’s Talking Hands: How Jivya Soma Mashe Found His Voice Through Art (The Magic Makers)
Author: Mamta Nainy
Illustrator: Sanika Deshpande
Publisher: Puffin Books – An imprint of Penguin Random House India
Type: Paperback
Length: 40 pages
Recommended Age Group: 6/7-9 years
Warli art is one of India’s most recognizable and beloved traditional art forms—its presence can be seen everywhere, from home décor to textiles and accessories. What makes it truly fascinating is its ability to depict the world around us—sun, moon, mountains, trees, huts, and everyday life—using the simplest of geometric shapes. This book beautifully captures that essence while telling an inspiring story rooted in culture and creativity.
The narrative introduces us to Jivya, a young boy from a village in Maharashtra, who would go on to play a significant role in bringing Warli art to global recognition. Jivya’s story begins on a somber note, as he loses his mother at a very young age. Deeply affected by this loss, he withdraws into silence and isolation. His days are spent quietly observing the world around him—especially following ants, which seem to guide him on small journeys of discovery.
One such journey leads him to a house adorned with intricate Warli paintings. The shapes on the walls appear to tell stories—stories of life, community, and nature. This moment becomes a turning point for Jivya. Something within him awakens, and the words he had lost begin to find expression through art. His memories, emotions, and imagination start taking form on walls in the style of Warli. Through this creative process, art becomes his voice and a pathway out of darkness.
As Jivya continues to create, his work begins to gain recognition, eventually spreading far beyond his village and earning global appreciation. The book, written by Mamta Nainy, presents this journey in a short yet impactful narrative, highlighting how one individual can revive and popularize an art form that was once confined to a local tribe and nearly forgotten.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its illustrations. Each page is richly detailed and visually captivating, making it an immersive experience for readers. The artwork not only complements the story but also encourages imagination and interpretation. My 7-year-old, for instance, was completely drawn to the illustrations—she spent time observing each page and even began creating her own stories inspired by them. This beautifully reflects the universal appeal of Warli art: it is simple, yet deeply expressive and accessible to all age groups.
What stood out most was how the book inspired immediate creativity. After reading, my child attempted to recreate a wedding scene she had recently attended using Warli-style drawings. As a parent, it was incredibly heartwarming to see her engage so deeply and develop a new artistic interest. It truly shows how impactful this book can be for young minds
Overall Verdict: This book is an excellent choice for beginners and young independent readers. The language is simple, the storyline is easy to follow, and the illustrations enhance comprehension and engagement. It is not just a story—it is an introduction to culture, resilience, and the transformative power of art.
The other books in this series is Roshan’s Road to Music (Achira’s review), The Magic Makers: Looking For Inspiration: How Rabindranath Tagore Penned his Favourite Poem! , That Big-Voiced Girl (you can read Mona’s incredible review here!) and Hands That Wrote History – How PREM BEHRI NARAIN RAIZADA calligraphed the Indian Constitution.
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CLICK & ORDER NOW!Disclaimer: Sindhuja and her daughter are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
