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Category: Specials

Meet Nakul and Kuku from ‘Magic in Mussoorie’

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Magic in Mussoorie takes you into the adventurous world of Nakul and Kuku.

Nakul Sahej is a tall, lanky and bespectacled man with a thoughtful and intuitive nature. Nakul usually ends up humouring Kuku and also pulling him out of trouble, something he has to do quite often. A quick thinker, he has an inquisitive mind and loves to investigate.

Nakul is patient, thoughtful and brave. He is a leader and a decision maker by nature and is always leading Kuku into adventures even when Kuku is not convinced enough, sometimes even doing so by bribing Kuku with food.

Chitleshwar Prasad a.k.a Kuku is a short burly young lad with an insatiable hunger. Short tempered and not one to think before speaking, Kuku often gets himself into trouble.

Kuku likes to believe he is not too afraid of thunder, rain or creepy lonely houses, though in reality, even a little cat jumping out of nowhere scares him. Despite not being much of a risk taker and always questioning Nakul’s actions, he never leaves is side.

Traverse the Seven Sisters of North-East India with ‘Discover India’ Series

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The Discover India series will take you on a grand tour of every single one of our country’s states. Join the adorable Pushka and Mishki and the wise and witty Daadu Dolma as they travel to the incredible seven sister states of North-East India. Get set to discover various festivals, dances, foods and places of scenic beauty.

Here are some interesting facts about the seven states!

Off to Arunachal Pradesh

 

Off to Assam 

Off to Manipur

Off to Meghalaya

Off to Mizoram

Off to Nagaland

Off to Tripura

 

 

Meet the Authors of The Ultimate Memory Handbook for Students

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Aditi Singhal and Sudhir Singhal are the authors of The Ultimate Memory Handbook for Students. In their book, they provide the ultimate hacks to memorize information, understand vast topics and answers from particular course studies. Giving tips on how to enhance memory and activities to train the brain in order to retain a wide range of topics and subjects, this handbook serves you with ways to deal with problems such as memorizing the periodic table, long answers, easy ways of enhancing vocabulary, learning trigonometry formulae, history dates, countries and their capitals supported by some fun and interesting artwork that serves as a great visual aid.

Here we give you a few interesting facts about the authors, so you can know them better:

Ace your curriculum and assessments with these ultimate memory techniques in The Ultimate Memory Handbook for Students

 

 

Everything You Need to Know about the Dargah of Salim Chishti

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Told through interesting stories with captivating illustrations, ‘Amma, Take Me’ series introduces readers to the history of different faiths and their associated monuments.
In Amma, Take Me to the Dargah of Salim Chishti, travel with Amma and her boys to the fascinating walled city of Fatehpur Sikri and behold the dargah of Salim Chishti shining like a white pearl in an oasis of red sandstone.

Here are some astounding facts about the much- revered Dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hear the story of why the great Mughal emperor Akbar visited the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti and then had a mausoleum built in his honour.

Guinness World Records 2019 : A Sneak-Peek at Record-Shattering Indians

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The world’s most popular record book is back with thousands of new categories and newly broken records, covering everything from outer space to sporting greats via Instagram, fidget spinners and all manner of human marvels. Inside you’ll find hundreds of never-before-seen photographs and countless facts, figures, stats and trivia waiting for you on every action-packed page. Guinness World Records 2019 is the ultimate snapshot of our world today.

Here is a brief glance at some of the unbelievable records made by Indians this year!

Most runs scored in ODIs (female)

As of 4 Mar 2018, India captain Mithali Raj had scored 6,259 ODI runs in 189 matches (170 innings) since her debut in the format in 1999. Between 7 Feb and 24 Jun 2017, Raj hit the most consecutive fifties in One-Day Internationals (female) – seven. Together with England’s Charlotte Edwards she has the most fifties scored in an ODI career(female) -55
 

Fastest Twenty20 International Hundred(Male)

On 22 Dec 2017, Rohit Sharma(IND) made a century off just 35 balls-including eight sixes and 11 fours – against Sri Lanka in Indore,India. Sharma matched the feat of David Miller (ZAF), who made his own 35-ball century two months earlier on 29 Oct ,against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
 

Largest bust sculpture

Isha Foundation(IND) erected a 34.24-m-tall(112-ft-4-in), 24.99-m-wide( 81-ft-11.8-in), 24.99-m-wide(81-ft-11.8-in),44.9-m-long(147-ft 3.7-in) sculpture in Tamil Nadu, India, as verified on 11 Mar 2017. The bust depicts Adiyogi Shiva-the name refers to the fact that,in yoga practice, the Hindu god Shiva is known as the first yogi.
 

Largest flute

On 25 Dec 2014, Bharat Sinh Parmar, Charunsudan Atri Jay Bhayani and Shri 5 Navtanpuri Dham temple(all IND) presented a 3.63-m-long( 11-ft 11-in), fully playable flute in Jamnagar, India. The instrument was then played in a public performance of the Indian national anthem.
 

Highest flight by hot-air balloon

Dr.  Vijaypat Singhania(IND) reached an altitude of 21,037 m( 68,986 ft) in a Cameron Z-1600 hot-air balloon over Mumbai, India, on 26 Nov 2005.
 

Largest pair of scissors

Memory expert Neerja Roy Chowdhury (IND) created a pair of scissors  measuring 2.31 m( 7 ft 7 in) from tip to handle. They were used to cut the ribbon wrapping on her memory-training comic book, launched at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi, India on 16 Aug 2009.
 

Longest time to spin a plate on the finger

On 18 Dec 2016, Himanshu Gupta (IND) kept a plate spinning on his finger for 1 hr 10 min 39 sec in Bangalore, India. Himanshu also used his revolutionary skills to achieve a new GWR title for the longest time to spin a Swiss ballon on one finger (using one hand) : 5 min 38 sec, in Bangalore , on 12 Sep 2016.
 

Longest duration playing the sitar

Renuka Punwani played sitar for an unbroken stretch of exactly 25 hr at the  Pancham Academy of Indian Music in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, from 26 to 27 Nov 2011. Renuka was a sprightly 76 years old at the time. She has also accompanied other members of the academy in marathon music-making attempts.
 

Drink a bottle of ketchup

On 7 Sep 2017, Dinesh Shivnath Upadhyaya(IND) downed a 500-g (17.6-oz) bottle of ketchup in 25.37 sec in Mumbai, India. The gastronomic guzzler beat the previous best by more than 4 sec
 

Longest moustache ever

India’s Ram Singh Chauhan had a moustache measuring 14 ft (4.26 m)- about the length of a London black cab- as verified on the set of Lo Show dei record in Rome, Italy, on 4 Mar 2010.

Get your copy of  Guinness World Records 2019 today and find out more about quirkiest talents across the world!
 

Our favourite quotes from Mark Zusak's books!

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Markus Zusak is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of The Book Thief, I Am the Messenger, Fighting Ruben Wolf, and Getting the Girl. His newest, much-anticipated novel, Bridge of Clay, has released in October 2018. Here are five quotes from his books that prove that he’s a master storyteller!

“I wanted to tell the book thief many things, about beauty and brutality. But what could I tell her about those things that she didn’t already know? I wanted to explain that I am constantly overestimating and underestimating the human race-that rarely do I ever simply estimate it. I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”
― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
 
“Have you ever noticed that idiots have a lot of friends? It’s just an observation.”
― Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger
 
 
“I had to decide what I was going to do, and what I was going to be.
I was standing there, waiting for someone to do something , till I realised the person I was waiting for was myself.”
― Markus Zusak, Underdog
 
“We both laugh and run and the moment is so thick around me that i feel like dropping into it to let it carry me.”
― Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger
 
“Liesel continued the examination. She moved around him and shrugged. “Not bad.”
Not bad!” I look better than just not bad.”
The shoes let you down. And your face.”
Rudy placed the lantern on the counter and came toward her in mock-anger, and Liesel had to admit that a nervousness started gripping her. It was with both relief and disappointment that she watched him trip and fall on the disgraced mannequin.
On the floor, Rudy laughed.
Then he closed his eyes, clenching them hard.
Liesel rushed over.
She crouched above him.
Kis him, Liesel, kiss him.
Are you all right, Rudy? Rudy?”
I miss him,” said the boy, sideways, across the floor.
Frohe Weihnachten,” Liesel replied. She helped him up, straightening the suit. “Merry Christmas.”
― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

Want more? Go on to this page to read more from this gem!
 

Meet Feluda and Other Characters from Satyajit Ray's 'Feluda Omnibus'

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Feluda Omnibus (Volume One) is a collection of three thrilling stories on the crafty detective, Feluda, and his loyal sidekick, Topshe. Written by the celebrated writer and filmmaker Satyajit Ray, they are filled to the brim with adventure and intrigue, promising to keep you on your toes until the very end.
In The Emperor’s Ring, Feluda and Topshe are on holiday in Lucknow when a priceless Mughal ring is stolen. While investigating the theft, Feluda finds himself in pursuit of a notorious criminal. In The Golden Fortress, Feluda and Topshe are in Rajasthan with Dr Hajra, a parapsychologist, and Mukul, a young boy who claims to remember his previous life. Their thrilling search for answers leads them to the recurring fortress of Mukul’s dreams, all the while evading dangerous men after the young boy. Finally, in Bandits of Bombay, a frightening murder during a film shoot prompts the detective duo to investigate. In true filmy style, the hair-raising climax takes place aboard a train – can Feluda save the day?
With electrifying escapades traversing the Indian landscape, Feluda Omnibus (Volume One) is a must-have for fans of detective fiction.
Here are some of the main characters from the book that you ought to know:
Feluda

Feluda is a 27- years-old Bengali private investigator with a sharp mind and knack for deduction. His acute attention to details is what makes him a brilliant private investigator. A man of numerous talents, he is ambidextrous with an eidetic memory. He solves many of his cases through the mere help of his quick-thinking and intelligent reasoning skill. No wonder there is a case awaiting him wherever he goes!
Topshe

No one knows Feluda like his sidekick and cousin, Topshe. Despite being just 14-years-old, he is a quick learner who assists Feluda in solving even the most bizarre of cases. He is a bright assistant and apprentice to Feluda, and looks up to his brainy cousin. Earnest and insightful in his own regard, he proves to be indispensable to Feluda.
 Dr Srivastava


 Dr Srivastava is an osteopath who lives in Lucknow. He knows a little bit of Bengali and is a well-read man. As a successful doctor, he makes a decent living, sometimes indulging in a bit of ostentation regarding his wealth. However, he does not bear any ill will to anyone and proves to be a crucial character in The Emperor’s Ring as the narrative progresses.
Bonobihari Babu
 
 A businessperson originally from Bengal, Bonobihari Babu comes from a long line of zamindars. After they lost their land, he turned to the business of exporting animals. Given the high demand of Indian animals for purposes like zoos, circuses, and television, he did well for himself. Bonobihari Babu is now retired in Lucknow and he is a pivotal character in The Emperor’s Ring.
Mukul

In The Golden Fortress, Mukul is an eight-year-old young boy who comes to be known as a jatismar – someone who can recall his previous life. Plagued by flashes from his past life, his claims alarm his parents who seek help from a parapsychologist. When Mukul’s life is in grave danger, his parents engage the services of Feluda for the protection of their son.
 Dr Hemanga Hajra

Dr Hemanga Hajra is a parapsychologist, a specialist in psychic phenomena. He is highly educated, with many of his articles published in journals. He offers to help Mukul in his ordeal to find out more about his previous life. On the premise of conducting research regarding the case, Hajra takes Mukul to Rajasthan to find the Golden Fortress.
Jatayu
 
 Lalmohan Ganguly, better known as Jatayu, is a published writer of Bengali crime thrillers. He is a good acquaintance of Feluda who occasionally helps him with his stories.  When one of his stories set to be adapted into a film, Jatayu is elated and journeys with Feluda and Topshe to Bombay.

Traversing fascinating landscapes and electrifying escapades, this collection is an absolute classic and a must-have for fans of detective fiction.

Know More About Satyajit Ray: the Author of Feluda Omnibus

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The eminent filmmaker and author Satyajit Ray’s Feluda Omnibus consists of a set of three short stories featuring Feluda and his sidekick, Topshe. These stories contain the many exploits of the famous private investigator and his reliable partner, making for an absolute must-read for the young readers.
In The Emperor’s Ring, Feluda and Topshe happen to be in Lucknow for vacation when a priceless ring belonging to a Mughal emperor is stolen. Feluda finds himself in the midst of danger and the target of a vicious criminal. In The Golden Fortress, Feluda and his sidekick set course for Rajasthan in search for Dr. Hajra and a boy who claims to recall his previous life. On reaching Mukul’s Golden Fortress, they are surprised by the unfolding of one of their most beguiling cases. Their numerous fascinating adventures continue in the third story – Bandits of Bombay. Feluda and his companions find themselves in a treacherous state the exciting climax to which occurs  aboard a train during a film-shoot.
These thrilling short stories by Satyajit Ray make for an incredible read! But first, here are a few facts about the author:

Traversing fascinating landscapes and electrifying escapades, this collection is an absolute classic and a must-have for fans of detective fiction.
 

Seven Incredible Moments from the Wishing-Chair Series

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Of all the reasons to love Enid Blyton, The Wishing-Chair series is a big one. These books are full of fun, as we follow Peter and Mollie on strange and wonderful adventures on the Wishing-Chair.
Together with Binky the pixie, the children visit exciting and magical places – from the Land of Wishes to Snoogle’s Castle and the Island of Surprises. They meet giants, goblins, witches, wizards and other amazing creatures along the way.
Let’s take a look at seven incredible moments from the series.
When the children discover the shop with ‘Antiques’ written on a label in the window…

“It was the most curious shop they had ever been in! Fancy keeping all those queer things in boxes! Really, there must be magic about somewhere. It couldn’t be a proper shop.”

When they wish to be out of the shop and back home, and the chair they are sitting in suddenly floats off the ground…

“And then the most extraordinary thing of all happened! The chair they were in began to creak and groan, and suddenly it rose up in the air, with the two children in it! They held tight, wondering what ever was happening!”

When the children help Binky the pixie escape from a horrid giant in a castle…

“‘Quick, quick, Binky!’ shouted Peter, and he dragged the amazed pixie to the magic chair. They all three sat in it, huddled together, and Peter shouted, ‘Take us home!'”

When they go to visit Binky’s village…

“It didn’t take them very long to get there. The chair put them down in the middle of the village street, and was at once surrounded by an excited crowd of pixies, who shook hands with Binky and asked him a hundred questions.”

When they go to the Land of Dreams, and the Wishing-Chair keeps changing…

“‘There goes our chair!’ said Binky sorrowfully. ‘It looks as if we are here for ever now! First it turned into a dog, then into a duck, and now into ice-cream! This is a horrid adventure!'”

When a witch puts a spell on the garden so the children can’t escape…but the Wishing Chair saves the day!

“They saw something flying around the garden, like a big black bird! Mollie started – and then she leapt up and whispered as loudly as she dared – ‘It isn’t a bird! It’s the dear old Wishing-Chair! It’s come to find us!'”

When some elves invite the children to Magician Greatheart’s party…

“There were hundreds of fairy folk there of all kinds – gnomes, goblins, brownies, fairies, elves, pixies – but only two children, so Mollie and Peter felt most honoured.”

Jump aboard the Wishing-Chair and whizz off on three magical adventures! For more posts like this one, follow Penguin India on Facebook!

Meet the Caravan Family

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Everyone at school calls Mike, Belinda and Ann the Caravan Family, because they live in two caravans. The children live at school from Monday to Friday in term-time, and come back to the caravans at weekends. Their lives are full of adventure, as we can see in Enid Blyton’s The Family Series.
Let’s meet the family!
Ann is the youngest, and the baby of the family. Before the family’s trip to New York her parents are talking about sky scrapers and she says:

“‘I’d like to climb up to the top of one and catch a cloud,’ said Ann. ‘I’d tie it to my wrist and fly it like a balloon.'”

Mother is caring and kind, and before her and Daddy’s trip to America she tells the children, who are going to stay with their aunt and uncle on Buttercup Farm:

“‘Now mind you’re good and helpful,’ said Mummy. ‘And be kind to everyone, and remember to say your prayers every single night, and be sure to put Daddy and me into them.”

Responsible Belinda, when helping to take care of the hens at Buttercup farm, tells her aunt:

“‘I won’t get tired of it and give up. I promise I won’t. Well – if I do get tired, I still won’t give up! Will that do?'”

Daddy loves to take his family on holidays and adventures. When the children start to ask him if they can go to the beach, he says:

“‘Well, before you begin, let me break the news to you,’ said Daddy firmly. ‘Whatever ideas you’ve got in your head have got to come out. I’ve no money to spend on a summer holiday by the sea! That is – if you want to go to a hotel. The only thing I can do for you this summer is to let you go away somewhere fresh and new in the caravans.'”

Mike, who makes a selfless decision when their cabin on the ship has only one bed by the port-hole:

“He looked longingly at the bed by the porthole. He badly wanted it himself, but he was very unselfish with his two sisters.”
 

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