Brigitte Benchimol,
Jadyn and the Magic Bubble / Discovering India
East West Discovery Press, 2007

Ages 7-11

'If only all research for school assignments were like this!' readers will be thinking as they follow Jadyn on his journey of exploration through India.

The up-beat energy of the story holds its momentum throughout, from the moment Jadyn jumps on his bicycle after school to head home via the library, where he can find the books he needs for his project; to the tantalising 'To be continued...' at the end. In between the two, Jadyn is magically transported to India by the magic bubbles his aunt has given him.  He makes friends with Anil, who takes him on his guided tour—the Taj Mahal, a silk farm, a local market. While absorbing the sights and the information, Jadyn's mind is also racing as Anil makes collocations between Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi.

Certain messages are conveyed through Jadyn's observation and compassion: like giving away the silk scarf he has been given to a 'little shoeless girl'.  This is an important gesture as he reaches out to the frightening poverty he sees around him: but it is also interesting to note that he feels confident to do so because he has identified an individual from within the mass of people. Isn't this often one's experiencewhere helping those in need is concerned?

Jadyn learns much as well from the everyday sounds, smells and textures of the objects around him: and the glorious thing about this book is that the reader can experience them too! At the end there is a gamut of sensory activities complete with props: a piece of silk to feel; some curry to smell; and a cd to listen to - of Indian music and the story itself.  The illustrations add to the slightly surreal nature of the story—especially the long fold-out of the two boys balancing on minarets of the Taj Mahal!

This book provides an imaginative route for children to learn about India and more specifically, Mahatma Ghandi's message for peace, in a way that will probably remain with them, as their imagination is caught by the plot and by the interactive nature of the activities at the end.  It is also special because it requires readers to delve into their own hearts and find compassion and harmony.  This title would work well both as a book to have at home and as a classroom resource.

Marjorie Coughlan
March 2007