Getting Granny's Glasses is a touching tale of a tender relationship between a young boy and his grandmother. This beautifully illustrated book also highlights the life and hardship of the people in the mountainous regions.
Mani, an eleven year boy, and his father had been looked after by his maternal grand mother ever since Mani's mother died, when he was barely a year old. Granny, who is seventy years old now, still manages to look after the home in-spite of her poor eyesight. However, both Mani and his father feel that she needs a new pair of glasses, because the one she has been wearing since the last ten years are badly scratched.
But, Granny, stubbornly refuses to go Mussoorie, which although being the nearest town, is still a two days journey. The first ten miles on foot and the next 12 miles by bus, before she can reach an opthalmologist. When father reassures her that Mani would accompany her, she finally relents.
Granny and Mani leave on the difficult journey with only a hundred and fifty rupees in their pocket and a thirst for adventure. On the way they encounter a landslide and the bus is not be able to go any further. They have to make a choice of returning home without the glasses or walk another 10 miles to reach Massourie. They decide to walk and return home only after they have a brand new pair of glasses for Granny, a pair of shoes for Mani, a pullover for Mani's father, and a host of other things.
The journey back opens up new vistas for Granny as she can now see the beautiful world around her.
The magical charm and the spirit of the rustic people is brought out beautifully in this simple story which will compel the young readers to think about all the things that are taken granted by them, are so difficult to come by for those living in the villages.
Comments
Getting Grannys Glasses
My eighty year old grandmother had 2 eye operations last month and she was able to see well after a long time. She was so happy that the Doctor said she looked like an excited 16 year old.
I am 7 years old and was thrilled that I could now share my computers and books with my granny. I think Mani must have felt the same happiness with his Granny. This is a wonderful book. Its very funny too.
Anand Gopalakrishnan
Review submitted for LRSI - '14
Ruskin bond is an Indian author of British descendent. He was born on 19may 1934 in Kasauli –Himachal Pradesh. Most of his works are influenced by life in the hill stations at the foothills of the Himalays ,where he spent his childhood .His first novel was, The room on the roof. He has been awarded the Sahitya Academic award in 1992 for” Our trees still grow in dehra”. He was also awarded The Padma shri in 1999 for childrens literature. He now lives in Landour near Mussorie .
The story is about manis granny who is seventy years old and can barely see through her old, scratched glasses. Mani and granny set of to buy a new pair of glasses. Its about the long journey to Mussories hospital, shopping and the ride back home. The author has described the nature beautifully
My favourite character is Manis granny . I like her because she is very hard working and she was very loving and caring. She took care of Mani ever since his mother died when he was only a year old. She had cared for boy and his father.Even her failing eyesight had not prevented her from milking cows or preparing meals. Inspite of her old age she walked 10 miles of the difficult journey to the hospital to get her eyes checked. She is very happy to see Mani very clearly when she gets her new glasses .
I read thid book when I was in the 1st standard . I keep reading this over and over again. I have also read the “Cherry tree”. I love to read Ruskin bond books
Ashna Avinash Gadade
2B
Arya Vidya Mandir
Bandra (E)
Mumbai
Review submitted for LRSI - '14
Some granny’s are smart, others are witty. Some are funny, some are strict.
But did you ever realize granny’s are a bit weak and forgetful? Here is a story about her granny and how her grandson, mani helps her get a new pair of glasses as granny’s previous ones are old. This story was written by Ruskin Bond, a great author. He has also written “tigers for dinner “another awesome book. He is one of the best authors in the world and his stories are loved by young readers, anyway let’s get back to our story.
The granny has to get her eye tested. But alas! The hospitals is a thousand miles away will granny reach the hospital and get her eye tested? This beautifully illustrated book written by Ruskin Bond is one of the top selling books.
Eshani Parulekar
Arya Vidya Mandir
Bandra (E)
Mumbai
Review submitted for LRSI - '14
Getting granny’s glasses written By Ruskin Bond. He has written many other stories for children. This story is about a poor family. They went to buy new glasses but they have very little money. So Granny and Mani walk till Nain. Then they take a bus, but it stops because of the land slide. They reach Mussorie and they shop. Its a nice and colourful story about Granny and Mani’s adventurous trip.
Am sure you will enjoy reading it just like me.
Prisha Jain
1 A
Podar International School
Mumbai
GETTING GRANNY’S GLASSES The
GETTING GRANNY’S GLASSES
The main character of this book was Mani, a ten year old boy who loved his granny dearly.
I liked this character because my granny is the most important person in my life. My granny takes great care of me and my needs. She has many roles in my life. Sometimes she is a chef and cooks my favourite dishes and sometimes she is my best friend and shares her secrets. I accompany her to the temple and take care of her on the road like a big man. She saves me from falling in trouble and hides my faults from my parents. She always cries when she has to leave me and go and I feel lonely when she is not around. My bond with her is very strong and special and I love her to the moon and back.
Shiv Motwani
Class : 3 Division : A
School Name : Arya Vidya Mandir-Bandra (West)