Book Review – “Unico: Awakening” promises to be a page-turner

“Unico: Awakening”, a manga style graphic novel is a reimagining of Unico. The original Japanese series (1976) on Unico was created by the great manga artist Osama Tezuka, known as the “God of Manga”.

Re-created by writer Samuel Sattin & artist team Gurihiru, and developed in collaboration with Tezuka Productions, the soon-to-be-released book (August 2024), introduces Unico, the beloved baby unicorn to our new generation of young readers.

Unico belongs to the category of books that stays forever with readers. It integrates hard-hitting truths with the amazing story of the innocent but inspirational Unico.

Back in the 80s, Unico had gained popularity in United States and globally due to the animated films based on the character. It’s great that the publisher @graphix (@scholastic) has recreated the book in a fitting format, which our kids love.

The Blurb

UNICO tells the incredible story of a young unicorn who, after enraging the evil goddess Venus, is banished from the heavens and forgets all he once was. Saved from oblivion by the kindhearted West Wind, Unico continues to help others, before having to escape Venus again and begin a new adventure.

In this first manga, Unico awakes in a mysterious land and is befriended by a resourceful watch cat, Chloe, who feels protective of the young unicorn. When they find themselves near a small village in the forest, they take refuge with a kindly, but helpless, old woman.

To take care of her, Chloe begs Unico to turn her into a human girl, but that act of kindness has unforeseen consequences: Unico’s love has awakened Venus and her minion, Byron, who want to destroy them both!

My Review

The best thing about the book is Unico. He has the ability to make readers attached to him. Kids will see their beloved pet in him. He is innocent, and unused to the ways of the world but he is inspirational as he takes on adversity.

I love the striking full-color artwork and engaging story dotted with insights. Unico has profound moments for both kids and adults. The book truly promises to be a page-turner. Go for it when it hits the stands. 5 stars.

(Thank you @Graphix and @Scholastic for the review copy)

Pics – storiesbyshivangi

Just a thought – Darkness or Light?

Darkness and Light. Always there! It’s the darkness that helps the light shine so bright. And it’s the light that makes the darkness profound. We prefer one over the other, we may choose.

But if we accept both with gratitude, we grow🙏🏻 #quotes #motivationalquotes #justathought

Pic: My phone

Koel saves 1000 mango trees – An audio bedtime story

Long ago, my grandma (naani) told me the story of a resilient little bird, who loses his seeds and tries every trick to get them back. Out of that Magahi folk story, this story was born.

This chain tale is about a Koel bird, who leaves no stone unturned to save mango trees. Everyone calls her silly, but she just doesn’t give up!

Tonight, during story time with your kids or grandkids, you can play this oral story on YouTube here or by using relevant keywords directly on YouTube.

The oral story has been wonderfully created by the nonprofit Peerbagh. The voice narration is by theatre veteran Vishal Verma. This story is even more dear to me because it has my mother’s Magahi song in it (starts at 50 seconds).

Peerbagh is an Austin-based non-profit and is committed to the mission of preserving oral storytelling traditions from South Asia. They also provide a lovely maker box for parents and kids to encourage storytelling.

I would like to thank Peerbagh’s founder Upasna Kakroo for her wonderful efforts to revive the oral storytelling traditions of India and South Asia.

#oralstory #audiostory #bedtimestory #oralfolkstory #magahistory

Book Review: Whatever After – Fairest of All – A fractured fairytale

Most fairy tale lovers know the origin of the term “Fairest of All.” And seeing it as the title of the latest “Whatever After” graphic novel series (Publisher: Graphix, Scholastic) I was intrigued.

What was Snow White doing in this graphic book with two kids Abby and Jonah?

It certainly felt like a fairy tale with a twist, or popularly known as a “fractured fairy-tale.” I skimmed through the pages of this first “graphic novel,” based on the New York Times bestselling Whatever After” novels, and was quite impressed.

The Blurb

Once upon a time, Abby and her little brother, Jonah, were ordinary kids. The next minute? The mirror in their basement slurped them up and magically transported them into the fairy tale of Snow White.

Yes, really!

When Abby and Jonah stop Snow from eating the poison apple, they think they’re heroes. But wait! If Snow doesn’t die, she won’t meet her prince and get her happy ending. Oops.

Now it’s up to Abby and Jonah– with some help from Snow and the seven dwarfs–to outwit the witch and save the famous fairy tale in time.

But what if Snow’s REAL happy ending is something else entirely?

Family Review

After reading it, I felt the bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski has created quite a wonderful story with its myriad twists and turns. Illustrator and animator Anu Chouhan does a great job adapting the novel with her action-packed, vibrant and fun graphics.

My kids loved the story, pictures and the cool fairy-talish packaging of the book.

I am more used to reading fairy tales with beautiful pictures of Cinderellas and Rapunzels, the castles and witches. But this book didn’t disappoint.

You can check out Snow White’s picture, isn’t she cute and relatable to the current gen?

And the evil step mother looks the part too. Although, the two characters who accidentally enter the fairy tale and disrupt it are not scared of her.

The book’s target audience is kids from the age 8 to 12 but I think it will appeal to fairy tales lovers of all ages. Go for it if you love fairy tales or looking for an engrossing fun read!

Thank you @Graphixbooks and @Scholastic for the review copy. Great going @sarahmlynowski @anumationart, @anumation

Book Review: Making Friends – Together Forever (Making Friends series)

Whenever I get a chance (in school libraries or book shops), I like to observe what kids read these days. And 8 out of 10 kids pick graphic books. No wonder, graphic novels are flying off the shelves.

Often, teachers and parents have reservations about letting kids choose graphic books but you don’t have to worry about content with Kristen Gudsnuk’s “Making Friends Together Forever.” It stands out for its great vocabulary and in-depth content. It’s not a frivolous time-pass book but has relatable substance for teens and tweens.

The book is the finale to the magical series by Gudsnuk and has a strong, gripping plot, which is supported by striking illustrations for visuals and screen loving generation. The characters are fun and vivid.

The Blurb has a great hook

Dany’s magical sketchbook has steered most of her middle-school life so far — it even helped create her best friend, Madison. But now the sketchbook is gone and Madison with it.

Then one day, Dany tunes in to hit TV show My Magical Best Friend, and it’s starring HERmagical best friend, Madison! The show is clearly based on Dany’s life, and she watches it regularly with a mix of horror and fascination.

But lately there’s something else about the show that’s captured her attention: Madison seems to be dropping hints for Dany to come rescue her. With no magical sketchbook at her fingertips, can Dany find a way to save her best friend?

Family review

My kids love the illustrations and I love the plot and the humor part. Although we haven’t read the previous books in the series, it’s easy to understand and a must read if you like this genre. This finale book has a great ending and does not disappoint.

The series has earned acclaim as an Indiebound bestseller and a YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Selection as well as included on the ILA Children’s Choice reading list.

Thank you @Graphixbooks and @Scholastic for the review copy.

Which country has the biggest audience for content creators?

Someone rightly said, “Want to be a content creator or influencer? There’s never been a better time to be in India.” India is a thriving ground for global “content farmers.”

According to Statista.com, India is far ahead in YouTube video and Instagram consumption, followed by the US and Brazil as of January 2024. Considering the country’s rapid digitization, massive population, and second-highest internet users globally, this is quite expected.

Statista says, “The number of YouTube users in India was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 222.2 million users (+34.88 percent).” This is interesting data for all YouTube creators out there.

International influencers know where the money is!

Mr Beast, a famous YouTube vlogger in the US, has a Hindi channel and knows how to expand his reach internationally. My kids tell me there are many international vloggers and reel creators out there, creating content targeting the Indian population.

During my UX designer certification course in the US, we were told to keep in mind the accessibility features for NBU (Next Billion Users, mostly from India and Brazil) while creating apps and websites. India is one of the countries in the center when it comes to technology.

Recently, PM Modi awarded international creators Drew Hicks, Kili Paul, and Cassandra Mae Spittmann with the first-of-its-kind “National Creators Award.” This validation from the Indian govt. is big for international as well as domestic content creators. The potential of quality content is immense and India could be a thriving ground for content cultivation as well as content creation.

Undoubtedly, it’s great to see that India’s diverse cultural identity is serving as a huge thriving ground for international creators to expand their reach across geographies. However, it would be even greater if Indian creators went global with their unique content.

Language and some other visual barriers could be broken with generative AI (As an AI professional, I consider AI as a tool rather than a threat), and I feel there are a lot of global opportunities for Indian influencers, quite within reach.

Creating Indian food-related content for the global market is a great idea because everyone loves Indian food. There are many, many more ideas in the queue… #contentcreator

The Bedtime Story of Hasmukh Daadi

Enjoy this free bedtime story about an old lady called Hasmukh Daadi, who loved to laugh. This story evokes wonder, laughter, and creativity – a good story to tell the little ones tonight. Let’s read it!

#kidlit #bedtimestory #storyforkids #southasianwriter

Images courtesy AI/Canva

The inspiring clappers of the film “12th Fail”

“Pay close attention to the people who don’t clap when you win.” I disagree with this quote. Rather, it’s important to pay close attention to people, who always clap.

The supporters, the clappers, the facilitators are those who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself – they are the spine of every success story. It’s important to pay attention to this lot.

They are the people, who work in the background “selflessly” to ensure you do what you have to do. You may find them as a passing remark in a book, a side character in a biopic, or in a small thankful note. They do not make history or are in the headlines. They are just there for you.

Yesterday, while watching the biopic, “12th Fail” by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, I noticed the clappers more than the main character, Manoj Kumar Sharma. The film is an inspiring success story of Sharma, a boy from a financially weak background, who becomes an IPS officer despite all odds.

The first clapper is Pritam Pandey, who is based on the author Anurag Pathak, who wrote the book “12th Fail” (the film is based on this book). He is Manoj Sharma’s close friend and fellow UPSC aspirant, who introduces him to the world of UPSC. He is the narrator in the film who tells Sharma’s motivational story.

The second clapper in the movie is Gauri Bhaiya. He might not be based on any specific person, but he represents those individuals who provide selfless and unwavering support to people who share similar dreams as theirs. Gauri Bhaiya is a mentor who follows the philosophy of “restart”- never give up in the face of failure and restart afresh. Despite failing four attempts to crack UPSC, he refuses to give up and starts helping other UPSC aspirants like Manoj Sharma.

The third clapper is Manoj’s girlfriend, Shraddha Joshi (now real-life wife of Sharma), who never leaves his side and is a source of motivation rather than a distraction for him.

Then, there are other clappers such as Sharma’s family and specifically his grandmother, who gives him all her life’s savings and then there is DSP Dushyant – Sharma’s ideal. There are also helpers in the form of former Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s book and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s poem of hope, “Geet Naya Gata Hoon”.

So, why waste your attention on those who do not clap. They may have their reasons.

However, it’s important, I reiterate, to pay attention to clappers. Simply, because – “I attract to my life whatever I give my attention, energy, and focus to, whether positive or negative” and “anything is possible if there are right people to support you.” Without clappers, there can never be a “success story”.

Images courtesy Google

A Letter to my younger self before a stressful exam

Dear Little Me,

I know you are stressed about your upcoming exam. It is quite natural. Like many of your classmates, you’re eating less, revising like crazy, and feeling upset if someone asks you to take it easy. You feel maybe the stress will help you perform well. Is that true? Yes, but, good stress only.

Remember good stress may help you if “you use it” and not “let it use you.” There is a difference between good stress and bad stress. Good stress is for a short time, keeps you motivated and you feel you can beat the odds. Stress is not always a threat and could be a coping tool. You can use it to your advantage. For example, if you feel sweaty or jittery before a test, just think, “Stress is helping me to get ready to compete.”

Now let’s talk about bad stress. Bad stress stays for a long time and makes you feel overwhelmed and helpless. You feel you will not succeed against the challenges and this impacts your performance and day-to-day life. Sometimes the desire to achieve spirals out of control. That’s okay.

Once you identify you are stressed out negatively, try diversions:

Go for walks, do physical activity, read books, play music, or just write down your feelings. Remember, these activities will break your thinking pattern, and recharge you. You will easily handle all the challenges and give your best!

Also, the ancient technique of Nishkama Karmayoga (From Gita), which means concentrating on your “duties” without worrying about “results” (surrendering the “result” to the higher power, who does everything for our good) can make you stress-free. Try this technique.

Remember “You” are much more than your grades, qualifications, or success. Try not to associate your self-worth with victories or failures. In life, success and failure will come and go like summer and winter. But you are “You”. Just try being the best version of yourself, incomparable and unique. Every child is gifted in some way, it is just that they bloom at different times like flowers.

No matter what people say, your marks based on a 3-hour test do not define your intelligence. And do not insult yourself by comparing yourself to anyone. It’s okay to get motivated and inspired by others but really, there is no comparison between one life and any other.

Just so you know, your future self does not remember the grades you are about to receive. But I remember the stress. I think back about it and laugh. As I said, these things do not matter much in time, but I have learned one thing – a successful person may not always be stress-free, but a joyful person is bound to be successful in the long run!

If you are still stressed, try good stress, for the time being.

Will you be successful? I think, so. Do your best and the best will come to you.

Love, Big Me

The Power of a Sentence in the Digital Space

Communication in short sentences. Or long, descriptive sentences in short paragraphs with repetitive keywords. 

Or sentences in a list format:

-With descriptions that are partially bold and partially simple. 

– And in a bulleted list having:

• Simple words
• Inclusive words
• Informational words
• Call to action words

-As well as uniquely worded sentences in the intro and outro of a post …are all a part of a contrived effort to make a booming impact in the digital space. 

Sentences, these days, are more than a ‘set of words that is complete in itself’. They can:

• create data sets for AI (used by data curators)
• optimize search engines (used by SEOs)
• influence consumers in digital marketing (used by content writers)
• impact user experience in products (used by UX writers)
• overturn political campaigns on social media (used by influencers)

Who knew sentences would evolve from creating prose, poetry, and drama, into powering a broader and revolutionizing genre – DIGITAL CONTENT? And, in the course, make writing a lucrative business!

Thank you IAM for the historic literary fest

I am happy to share that I was featured as an author-blogger in the first South Asian literary festival in Minnesota, organized by the Indian Association of Minnesota (IAM).

Mingled with an eclectic group of writers and a big supportive crowd! It was a lovely, warm feeling, despite the heavy snow in Minnesota. There were famous published writers, authors who write in regional Indian languages, poets, journalists, bloggers, intellectuals…

I felt like I was back in New Delhi attending a lit fest. I talked a little about this blog, my books and how important it is for South Asian writers to come together and collaborate.

Such events are invaluable in supporting writers with diverse voices and unique stories.

Thank you, IAM and Ram Bhai, for the historic event. And my dear readers, thank you for your support always; your appreciation matters a lot. It’s because of you that storiesbyshivangi has come a long way. Sharing some pics of the event. And thank you again! #indian association of Minnesota

Paw Things #7 – Good, Weird, and Boring!

Bow wow from Happy!!!

There is some kinda buzz in my house these days, I think it’s about Mom.

To be honest, with you, I barely know what’s going on. But from what I can understand, Mom is invited and going to mingle with other South Asian writers in the IAM lit fest (spot Mom in the pic). That’s the good news!

I’m kinda excited because Mom might share my book there (go check it out by the way, Happy’s Hairy Tale on Amazon).

Spot her in the pic?

Weird news, this time of the year is not fun. You may be wondering – Why? Happy no longer enjoys snow? I do, but there is hardly any snow! We had a brown Christmas!

Go, check the weather for St. Paul. I’m pretty bored, there’s no winter in Minnesota without snow. My family says they have never seen such warm winters in Minnesota.

Again, I’m pretty bored.

Another thing, are you wondering how I pass my time? I sleep. Don’t call me lazy, what else should I do besides playing with snow that I don’t have? Please leave a comment and tell me.

The boring news is that my brothers have school, and judging by the looks on their faces, I don’t think school is very fun for kids. Dog schools aren’t any better, I guess. My bros are kinda sad because their winter break ended. I play with them when I can. But I enjoy sleeping more because there is only so much play fighting with your brothers you can do.

I look cute in this pic, don’t I?

Again, don’t think I’m lazy. Oh god, Mom’s here and she’ll be mad if she knows I have hijacked her blog and asked little bro to publish this blog.

I’ve got to wrap this up. I’ll catch up with y’all in a month,. Mom’s planning to be pretty regular with her updates in the New Year. Let’s see… until next time!

See ya, love bark!

PS: (In collaboration with Aviraj bro)