The book The Missing Rocks of Hampi centres around three children, Devyani, Nakul, and Sarang, who accompany their mother, Dr Brinda Ratnagar, a water resources expert, to Hampi. Ratnagar is scheduled to ratify the construction of a huge tourism project planned on the banks of the main branch of the river. So, while the book deals with how the children help protect their mother from the devious actions of the landsharks, it also explores history and the age-old water management system of Hampi and its relevance to the present times.

The book oscillates between the past and the present, where every alternate chapter takes the readers back in time to the early 14th and 15th centuries. “I wanted to make history engaging and inspiring for today’s readers, which is why I explored the idea of bringing traditional water wisdom and modern situations, which every child can relate to,” says Mala Kumar.

While history is often associated with insipid details of dates, battles, and rulers, the book showcases history in a manner that resonates with children. From the battles of the Vijayanagar empire and the resplendent Hampi Bazaar to the pioneering water management system that was built centuries ago, the book not only serves to educate but also highlights how history and the past hold solutions for our present-day problems. The writing style is crisp yet breezy, which makes it appealing for children.

Adblock test (Why?)