Author : Prema Revathi
Illustrator : Anthoni Guruz
Powerful pictures run a visual narrative in this story about a young boy named by his mother after her favourite movie star’s super-flop film – Sura!
Sura grows up selling stickers at the Velankanni Church, climbing tall palms and playing under the tamarind tree. Until the day his grandfather arrives. His Thatha is different – a boom boom maatukaarar who travels through towns with his bull and drums, telling people their fortunes. His is a dying breed.
A robust coming-of-age story that weaves together real life stories told by the children of nomadic communities.
2023: Mehlli Gobhai Children's Book Illustrator Award (shortlisted)
2024: Tata Trust's Parag Honour List
Rs. 295.00
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| Age | 8+ |
| Specifications | 60 pages, 9” x 6.5”, full colour, soft cover |
| ISBN | 978-81-958000-2-5 |
| First Published | 2022 |
| Tags | boom boom maattukaarar, nomadic communities, Tamil Nadu, nomadic people of Tamil Nadu, graphix |
A thought-provoking read
This compelling story of a young boy in rural Tamil Nadu, leading a life differently from the likely readers of this book, spotlights the precarious and deprived, yet free, existence of a child from a nomadic community, and the social context in which the family’s traditional occupation is abandoned. Neither school nor the care and comfort of family are in the picture. A thought-provoking read that can generate introspection and discussion. — Parag Honour List 2024 citation