Mala Kumar, illustrated by Henu,
Ritu's Letter Gets Longer
Read India/Pratham Books, 2010.

Ages: 3-6

Ritu’s Letter Gets Longer by author Mala Kumar is a whimsical little tale about a young girl who is eager to see her cousin. When her grandfather writes a postcard to Ritu’s aunt asking her to send cousin Mani for a visit, Ritu is excited to go to the post office, which is located four buildings away, all by herself.

Her dog faithfully accompanies her on her grown-up mission. Ritu doesn’t know how to read yet, but is eager to communicate to her aunt how much she wishes to see her cousin, so on the way to the post office she stops and writes “Please” (the way she imagines it’s spelled) at the bottom of grandpa’s message. Then, just to be sure, she writes it again (this time with a different spelling, in case the first one wasn’t right). The mailbox’s opening is too high for her to reach, so “uncle” Ramesh, the one with the “handle-bar moustache” who works at the post office, helps her.

Before heading back home Ritu notices that both uncle Ramesh and the gentleman responsible for postmarking the letters scribble something on the postcard.

Her aunt’s reply comes soon enough, reporting that cousin Mani will be arriving in two days. The note says: “I think Ritu must be very eager to see him. Your letter was very interesting… it had twenty “Please’s” written all over it!”

Hanu’s illustrations of happy young Ritu and of her grandpa exude warmth and family love, and the details in their clothing and surroundings make for a delightful visual experience.

Little ones will be inspired by Ritu’s budding independence and eagerness to communicate, and may even want to try their hand at writing letters and “please’s” of their own.

Aline Pereira
October 2010