Title: The Race for Rugda (Hook Book)
Author: Lesley D. Biswas
Illustrator: Anupama Ajinkya Apte
Publisher: Duckbill Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House)
Type: Paperback
Length: 40 pages
Recommended Age Group: 4/5-8 years
A Hidden Gem Every Parent Needs on Their Bookshelf!
Have you ever stumbled upon a book that looks simple on the outside but quietly leaves you and your little one with the most beautiful life lessons? That’s exactly what The Race for Rugda did for us.
The story follows little Savita, a sweet and caring daughter who is deeply worried about her mom who is down with fever and has lost her appetite. What warmed my heart immediately was how her wonderful neighbours rally around them — all equally eager to make sure maa gets better. Together, they share some tried-and-tested hacks, and soon enough, ma is on the mend! And the first thing she craves? Rugda Curry.
Now, Savita’s on a mission — a race to find this special ingredient for her mom. But along the way, her neighbours have little requests for her too. Will she be able to make her mom’s wish come true? That quest forms the most delightful heart of this story!
My little one’s very first question was, “What is Rugda?” — and, I had no clue either! This book opened up a learning moment for us both. Rugda turns out to be a rare, rather precious variety of mushrooms, found only in a very specific part of India and available for just a limited time of year. A children’s book that sneaks in a beautiful geography and nature lesson without you even realizing it!
When we first picked it up, I wasn’t sure my almost-4-year-old would sit through it. But she has asked for it every single day since we got our hands on it. (In fact we have read it a good 20 times before I got a chance to write this review!) And the credit goes entirely to Anupama’s bright, engaging illustrations. Every word is brought to life with a picture that little minds can instantly connect with, and the funny sounds sprinkled by author makes the reading all the more enjoyable.
Here’s what we took away from this gem, and I think you will too:
1. A child’s love for her parent — Savita’s worry and desire to do something for her sick mom is something our little ones will deeply relate to and be inspired by.
2. The beauty of community — In a world where many of us barely know our neighbours, this book gently reminds children (and us!) of the irreplaceable warmth of a helpful, caring community.
3. A fascinating cultural and nature lesson — Learning about Rugda was a highlight for us. It’s such a wonderful conversation starter about India’s rich and diverse natural treasures!
4. The golden rule of kindness — Perhaps the biggest takeaway — when you show up for others in their time of need, goodness always finds its way back to you.
If you’re looking for a book that is joyful, culturally rooted, and quietly teaches your child some of the most important values in life — The Race for Rugda is an absolute must-buy. It has earned a permanent, well-loved spot on our bookshelf, and I have a feeling it will on yours too!
There are other Hook Books published by Duckbill which are just as funny and engaging as this book is. –You can read reviews of other hook books on our website. We have reviewed almost of all them like Biji’s in the Kitchen! , PUPPY TROUBLE, KITTEN TROUBLE. Other fun reads include Shoo! Crow here. Not to miss, I Want A Pet!, Cyrus the Whyrus, Passepartout, Is That You?….
Get Hooked: The Hook Book Box Set – a set of 11 Hook Books (440 pages) is also available which works out to be more economical!
If you enjoyed this review and wish to join Savita on her mission to find rugda, you can order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Abha is a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
