#Review: Think Big! and The Ring of Rubies
I picked up Think Big! by Varsha Seshan and The Ring of Rubies by C.G. Salamander together, and honestly, this felt like a Hole Books double win. Two very different stories, yet bound by the same quiet confidence that children’s literature doesn’t need to shout to make a point—it just needs to mean something.
Think Big! – Varsha Seshan
This book is a warm, clever nudge toward creativity, courage, and believing in one’s ideas even when skills seem to lag behind ambition. Geet’s journey, set against the backdrop of the October Bazaar, is paced just right—never rushed, never dragging. What stands out (apart from the cheerfully layered illustrations by Mihir Joglekar) is how metaphorical the narrative is without being heavy-handed. As someone who has read Varsha Seshan’s earlier books, I genuinely look forward to her new releases. Every time, it’s commendable how she wraps very real-world concerns—self-doubt, teamwork, perseverance—into stories that children can immediately relate to without feeling lectured. The language is accessible, the emotional beats are gentle, and the takeaway, quietly powerful. This is the kind of book that encourages young readers to think, “Maybe I can try too.”
Nisha Small: The Ring of Rubies – C.G. Salamander
This one leans into mystery, curiosity, and moral questioning, all while keeping young readers firmly hooked. Set in Madurai, the story uses suspense and investigation as tools to explore responsibility, justice, and the consequences of human action. The pacing is neat and controlled—perfect for children who enjoy plot-driven stories without getting overwhelmed. Rajiv Eipe’s illustrations deserve special mention here: expressive, dynamic, and emotionally attuned to the story’s tension. They don’t just decorate the pages; they participate in the storytelling. The language remains moderate and age-appropriate, making complex ideas digestible without diluting their impact.
What truly ties these two books together is the unmistakable Hole Books sensibility—stories rooted in the Indian context, layered with meaning, but always respectful of a child’s emotional and intellectual space. Both books trust their readers. They explore creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, ethics, and self-belief in ways that feel natural rather than instructional. I’ve been a long-time fan of Hole Books, and these two titles only add beautifully to my collection. Thoughtfully written, gorgeously illustrated, and carefully paced, they’re the kind of books that stay with young readers long after the last page is turned—and that, frankly, is the highest compliment children’s literature can earn.
Find these books here.
