As a child Anupam Kher did not completely understand Gandhi’s ideas or his greatness. In his introduction to ‘The Mahatma and the Monkeys’ he reveals how Gandhi became relevant to him after he produced a film (in2005) about a delusional man who thought he was Gandhi’s murderer.

With an arresting title and a cover that suggests the contents are comical and entertaining, this book nevertheless reads more like a textbook, to be read by young or old. It would be an excellent addition to any library, private or educational. The main events of Gandhi’s life are presented concisely, in conjunction with quotations that are thought provoking and appropriate to each chapter.

There are delightful illustrations on the title page of each chapter, and I loved the ‘flip’ drawings of Gandhiji marching across the corners of the pages, which would entertain the child in anybody. I must confess to making Gandhiji ‘walk the walk’ several times!

Along with a time-line and quiz, there is a very useful bibliography of books by and about Gandhi.