The Gopi Diaries

It's 2020 and children are stuck indoors as the novel coronavirus finds its way into India. A nationwide lockdown is announced and amidst the growing crisis, Ajja and Ajji welcome their grandchildren and Kamlu Ajji into their house in Shiggaon. From stitching masks, sharing household chores, preparing food for workers to losing themselves in timeless tales, the lockdown turns into a memorable time for the children as they enter the enchanting world of goddesses, kings, princesses, serpents, magical beanstalks, thieves, kingdoms and palaces, among others. The myriad stories told by their grandparents become the biggest source of joy, making the children compassionate, worldly-wise and more resilient than ever. Following the trail of the best-selling Grandma's Bag of Stories , India's favourite author Sudha Murty brings to you this collection of immortal tales that she fondly created during the lockdown period for readers to seek comfort and find the magic in sharing and caring for others. Wonderfully woven in her inimitable style, this book is unputdownable and perfect for every child's bookshelf! Title page Contents About the Author Also in Puffin by Sudha Murty Dedication Preface 1. The Arrival of Rice and the Children 2. A World of Wheat 3. The Magic Beans/Jaggu and the Beanstalk 4. The Goddess of Luck 5. A Sibling Story 6. A Handful of Grains 7. The Mouse That Became a Mouse 8. Forty Days of Quarantine 9. What’s Luck Got to Do with It? 10. A Word of Honour 11. The Language of the Dogs 12. April Showers Bring May Flowers 13. The Case of the Mystery Pot 14. The Gold, the Bride and the Dancing Tiger 15. A Ship on the Land 16. Two Blind Beggars 17. An Apple for Nothing 18. The Four Dolls 19. The Greatest Medicine of All Footnotes 1. The Arrival of Rice and the Children 10. A Word of Honour Follow Penguin Copyright