#Review: Around the World with Ruskin Uncle by Ruskin Bond
Around India with Ruskin Uncle
Author: Ruskin Bond
Illustrations: Mohit Suneja
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Around India with Ruskin Uncle is less a book and more a warm, hand-held journey across the country—one that feels like travelling with a favourite elder who knows exactly when to inform, when to amuse, and when to simply let you marvel. Designed as a graphic nonfiction book for children, it blends facts, folklore, geography, food, wildlife, and language with an easy, inviting charm.
What stands out immediately is the visual richness. Mohit Suneja’s illustrations are vibrant, detailed, and playful, making each page feel alive. From monasteries in Ladakh to tea gardens, deserts, coastlines, temples, and bustling streets, the artwork doesn’t just support the text—it expands it. Children can linger on pages, spotting animals, people, clothing, and cultural details that quietly reinforce learning without feeling instructional.
Ruskin Bond’s voice anchors the book beautifully. His writing is simple, conversational, and gently curious, perfectly suited for young readers. Each state or region is introduced through short, digestible paragraphs that touch upon language, food, festivals, geography, and everyday life. The inclusion of basic greetings in regional languages is a thoughtful touch, making the experience interactive rather than passive.
The book’s strength lies in its accessibility. It never overwhelms with information, though this is also where it slightly falters—older or more curious readers may wish for deeper context or more complex narratives behind the places mentioned. The format prioritises breadth over depth, offering glimpses rather than immersive exploration.
Still, that feels intentional. Around India with Ruskin Uncle is clearly meant as a starting point—a book that sparks curiosity, pride, and conversation. It invites children to ask questions, look closer, and perhaps dream of travelling beyond the page.
Overall, it’s a visually stunning, thoughtfully structured introduction to India’s diversity—gentle, joyful, and quietly educational. A book that deserves to be read slowly, revisited often, and shared aloud.
Find this book here.
