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Magic #1
The Magic of Lost Temple
Discover the magic of the lost temple
Are you a curious reader, ready to explore the depths of the magic hidden in the lost temple of Karnataka?
Are you ready to join Nooni as she travels around to discover the answers to her questions?
If yes, then this book, 'The Magic of the Lost Temple' is a must have.
Nooni is a city girl who is very surprised at the unexpected pace of life in her grandparent?s village in the state of Karnataka. Not being fazed with the turn of events, she engages herself in many of the odd jobs that are available in the village. She resorts to doing work like Papad making, organising enjoyable picnics, learning to ride a cycle and a long list of activities with her new found friends. Join Nooni as things get complex and she discovers something really exciting Things get far from exciting when Nooni comes across a very ancient stepwell that is located right in the middle of a forest. As she tries to discover the mystery behind this well, the story takes a drastic turn when she unravels things she didn't envisage before. Join Nooni as she unfolds the secrets linked to this stepwell along with her friends as they bask in the experience of a lifetime. Unfold the secrets hidden in the forest Join the very curious character of Nooni as she unfolds the mystery behind the stepwell. Her incessant urge to abstracting information is what leads her on this adventure. This much awaited book by Sudha Murty is indeed a heart-warming read.
Are you a curious reader, ready to explore the depths of the magic hidden in the lost temple of Karnataka?
Are you ready to join Nooni as she travels around to discover the answers to her questions?
If yes, then this book, 'The Magic of the Lost Temple' is a must have.
Nooni is a city girl who is very surprised at the unexpected pace of life in her grandparent?s village in the state of Karnataka. Not being fazed with the turn of events, she engages herself in many of the odd jobs that are available in the village. She resorts to doing work like Papad making, organising enjoyable picnics, learning to ride a cycle and a long list of activities with her new found friends. Join Nooni as things get complex and she discovers something really exciting Things get far from exciting when Nooni comes across a very ancient stepwell that is located right in the middle of a forest. As she tries to discover the mystery behind this well, the story takes a drastic turn when she unravels things she didn't envisage before. Join Nooni as she unfolds the secrets linked to this stepwell along with her friends as they bask in the experience of a lifetime. Unfold the secrets hidden in the forest Join the very curious character of Nooni as she unfolds the mystery behind the stepwell. Her incessant urge to abstracting information is what leads her on this adventure. This much awaited book by Sudha Murty is indeed a heart-warming read.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2015
429 people are currently reading
3058 people want to read
About the author
Sudha Murty
186 books2,991 followersSudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in north Karnataka. She did her MTech in computer science, and is now the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written nine novels, four technical books, three travelogues, one collection of short stories, three collections of non-fiction pieces and two books for children.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
January 13, 2022
What I love most about this underrated middle grade fiction is the way how the city and the village life merged in the plot bringing up a historical mystery told from three different perspectives based on a fairytale like retelling, a hearsay retelling and an actual script narration. I mean it's just beautiful.
I like the page full illustrations.
The character are realistic and well developed. The story wrapped up pretty well towards the end.
The story is magical as well as realistic giving some best insightful life lessons for the target audience.
Although it's fiction, it brings up really informative advice to follow for parents, guardians as well as for the kids who read this book.
Not to be missed out, do add this amazing book in your tbr this year!
I like the page full illustrations.
The character are realistic and well developed. The story wrapped up pretty well towards the end.
The story is magical as well as realistic giving some best insightful life lessons for the target audience.
Although it's fiction, it brings up really informative advice to follow for parents, guardians as well as for the kids who read this book.
Not to be missed out, do add this amazing book in your tbr this year!
April 1, 2024
Noonie, an adventurous little city girl has an unexpectedly delightful summer in her paternal grandparents’ quaint village Somanahalli, in Karnataka. Adding to the charms of papad-making sessions, rediscovering homegrown beauty rituals, munching on roasted jackfruit seeds, learning to ride a bicycle, having an impromptu picnic on the banks of a river, Nooni also stumbles upon a long-hidden archaeological treasure.
As she learns to appreciate the slower but more meaningful pace of city life, while also being thrust into adventure, Noonie’s summer vacation is truly memorable.
This was my first Sudha Murthy book, and as I was making a trip to my hometown after four years, I felt like it was the ideal book to reread in a setting that was strongly reminiscent of Noonie’s Somanahalli.
As always, Sudha Murthy’s writes with a simplicity and clarity that makes you feel like you have returned to the comfort of your own Ajji’s patient storytelling sessions. There is warmth, an appreciation for the organic way of life, and a gentle firmness that makes you reconsider a few of your life-choices.
Despite being a children’s book, I would strongly recommend this read for parents who drive their children to the stress and monotony of a fretful routine, in their quest for future scholastic excellence. Ambition is important, but every little child needs to just be a child occasionally. The core memories they make at this tender age will act as a balm in the future, when life and its innumerable responsibilities seem overwhelming.
A sweet, homely book brimming with the warmth of slow, engaging, hazy summer vacations. Worth a read.
As she learns to appreciate the slower but more meaningful pace of city life, while also being thrust into adventure, Noonie’s summer vacation is truly memorable.
This was my first Sudha Murthy book, and as I was making a trip to my hometown after four years, I felt like it was the ideal book to reread in a setting that was strongly reminiscent of Noonie’s Somanahalli.
As always, Sudha Murthy’s writes with a simplicity and clarity that makes you feel like you have returned to the comfort of your own Ajji’s patient storytelling sessions. There is warmth, an appreciation for the organic way of life, and a gentle firmness that makes you reconsider a few of your life-choices.
Despite being a children’s book, I would strongly recommend this read for parents who drive their children to the stress and monotony of a fretful routine, in their quest for future scholastic excellence. Ambition is important, but every little child needs to just be a child occasionally. The core memories they make at this tender age will act as a balm in the future, when life and its innumerable responsibilities seem overwhelming.
A sweet, homely book brimming with the warmth of slow, engaging, hazy summer vacations. Worth a read.
March 18, 2018
Its a book for children and it is very hard to rate these books.So the best thing I can do is try to think like a child and review the book.Sudha Murty is a great story teller.The premise is not unique but story telling is marvellous.There are moral science lessons in each chapter which sometimes seem boring.The narrative also streches sometimes but the author manages that with a twist in the tale everytime that happens.The best thing about the book is the use of simple English.All in all its a good book for children.If you are a Sudha Murthy fan,its a must read.
December 16, 2015
After R K Narayan, one author who matches the innocence and the detailed account of daily life events is Ms. Sudha Murthy.
I loved the book.
I loved the book.
June 17, 2020
4.5
Short sweet joyful read, powerful enough to connect you back to your roots.
Secret Santa Gift 2019. Rustic charm. Contrasts village and city life. Sets a good example on how life is supposed to be enjoyed. My first book by the author.
Recommended: For kids as well as adults. Esp for kids reading with adults.
Short sweet joyful read, powerful enough to connect you back to your roots.
Secret Santa Gift 2019. Rustic charm. Contrasts village and city life. Sets a good example on how life is supposed to be enjoyed. My first book by the author.
Recommended: For kids as well as adults. Esp for kids reading with adults.
March 28, 2016
It's a Children Book. Written in a Simple language... Story about a city girl's enjoyment and exploring in a grand parents village. We can get some good messages for our children.
September 18, 2018
Here's a story that will touch your heart and make you feel better no matter who you are and whichever situation you are in.
Our protagonist, Nooni visits her grandparents' house in a village called Somanahalli during her summer vacation. The story narrates her journey for those ten weeks that she spends in the village. The difference between her life in City and that of the people in the village intrigues her. She learns new things, starts new adventures and in the end, what started because of a childlike inquisition, ends up revealing something remarkable. Nooni is a girl you can not help but love!
This is the my first Sudha Murty book and I'm kind of surprised that I didn't pick up any of her books earlier. The writing is so simple yet so beautiful. And the illustrations!!! I loved them. :D I am definitely going to read more of her books soon!
Our protagonist, Nooni visits her grandparents' house in a village called Somanahalli during her summer vacation. The story narrates her journey for those ten weeks that she spends in the village. The difference between her life in City and that of the people in the village intrigues her. She learns new things, starts new adventures and in the end, what started because of a childlike inquisition, ends up revealing something remarkable. Nooni is a girl you can not help but love!
This is the my first Sudha Murty book and I'm kind of surprised that I didn't pick up any of her books earlier. The writing is so simple yet so beautiful. And the illustrations!!! I loved them. :D I am definitely going to read more of her books soon!
April 21, 2021
An addition to the excellent works of the author. Iterating the word's of publisher - a fictional adventure of a lifetime that is heart-warming, charming and absolutely unputdownable. It was an fascinating read.
March 23, 2021
After reading Godaan, I just needed something heartful, simple and warming. And of course, Sudha Murthy's book fit the bill. Reading her stories always takes me back to my school memories - of RK Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, their romantic descriptions of rural life, the preponderance of leisure in those stories.
The book doesn't aim to make you introspect, neither does it philosophise, but it does showcase village life in an almost idealistic fashion - devoid of any socio-economic problems.
I really liked Shekhar's character because I could relate to it. His inability to understand his Ajja and Ajji at times, his constant urge to leave the village as soon as he can, his sense of alienation and discomfort at being with the villagers - I have felt some of those tensions in me too everytime I have been to our ancestral village. Despite this, there exists a loving relationship between Shekhar, his parents and his land.
One can always think, act and be different and yet be part of a whole. In the times we live in today, I think this is a message that ought to be remembered.
What I liked: The breezy, easy narrative, depiction of a happy rural life, and the nudge made by Sudha Murthy to our duty to our native places.
What I didn't like: Shekhar's (almost) semi-villification.
The book doesn't aim to make you introspect, neither does it philosophise, but it does showcase village life in an almost idealistic fashion - devoid of any socio-economic problems.
I really liked Shekhar's character because I could relate to it. His inability to understand his Ajja and Ajji at times, his constant urge to leave the village as soon as he can, his sense of alienation and discomfort at being with the villagers - I have felt some of those tensions in me too everytime I have been to our ancestral village. Despite this, there exists a loving relationship between Shekhar, his parents and his land.
One can always think, act and be different and yet be part of a whole. In the times we live in today, I think this is a message that ought to be remembered.
What I liked: The breezy, easy narrative, depiction of a happy rural life, and the nudge made by Sudha Murthy to our duty to our native places.
What I didn't like: Shekhar's (almost) semi-villification.
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July 10, 2025
This book has that magic which often lies not in chanting affirmations... but in the simple, sun-drenched wisdom of a grandparent's village.
Our protagonist, Nooni, a city-slicker tween armed with all the urban anxieties one could cram into a tiny smartphone, finds herself unceremoniously dumped (I mean... sent for a visit) in her grandparents' village in Karnataka, India. Initially, she gets horrified at the lack of Wi-Fi. But gradually, Nooni begins to shed her digital skin!!!
Nooni learns to climb trees, milk cows (probably with a grimace at first) and participate in village festivals that are far more engaging than any online trend.
And Sudha Murthy's writing is such a warm hug! Murthy... does the name strike?
Yes, the author is the wife of Narayan Murthy, the founder of Infosys... She, herself was an engineer at her time... A remarkable, simple woman. I admire her<3
Our protagonist, Nooni, a city-slicker tween armed with all the urban anxieties one could cram into a tiny smartphone, finds herself unceremoniously dumped (I mean... sent for a visit) in her grandparents' village in Karnataka, India. Initially, she gets horrified at the lack of Wi-Fi. But gradually, Nooni begins to shed her digital skin!!!
Nooni learns to climb trees, milk cows (probably with a grimace at first) and participate in village festivals that are far more engaging than any online trend.
And Sudha Murthy's writing is such a warm hug! Murthy... does the name strike?
Yes, the author is the wife of Narayan Murthy, the founder of Infosys... She, herself was an engineer at her time... A remarkable, simple woman. I admire her<3
February 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this one!
The story is interesting, the setting of the village is very nice and comforting, the characters are cute and lovable!
The writing is very simple because this is a children's book but any adult can read it because the story is captivating. It is very informative about plants and stuff so it can get a little boring at times, but that doesn't last too long, so it's fine!
I absolutely loved the prologue which is a real incident of the author's life!
The story is interesting, the setting of the village is very nice and comforting, the characters are cute and lovable!
The writing is very simple because this is a children's book but any adult can read it because the story is captivating. It is very informative about plants and stuff so it can get a little boring at times, but that doesn't last too long, so it's fine!
I absolutely loved the prologue which is a real incident of the author's life!
November 11, 2021
I read this book in 5th grade when I was admitted in the hospital definitely took me out of my monotonous and dull life there. Some great memories where made in this very book
July 25, 2025
loved it ! great book for unwinding
February 18, 2018
Feel good tale for children, accompanied with a lot of cultural snippets akin to what is received by ost grandchildren from their doting grandparents.
June 27, 2018
Review to come :)
May 15, 2024
Beauty lies in simplicity.
Transported me to the time of my childhood summer vacations spent in my father's village.
Transported me to the time of my childhood summer vacations spent in my father's village.
August 23, 2019
Reading this book was like taking a stroll down to the memory lane. The simplicity of the characters and the whole story line made me enjoy the story throughout.
It’s a story of a city girl Nooni who goes off to her grandparents village during her summer vacations. The contrast between the chaotic city life and the peaceful village life gave all the right feels to the story.
It’s a story of a city girl Nooni who goes off to her grandparents village during her summer vacations. The contrast between the chaotic city life and the peaceful village life gave all the right feels to the story.
March 19, 2022
This is a children story. A young school girl Anushka vs Nooni went to her grand parents in her summer break, in a small village called Somanahalli in Karnataka, as her mother was out on a conference and her father was a busy doctor with his patients to cater to. She enjoyed her summer break in this village with her newly acquired friends, finding joy and pleasure in new skills and rustic activities including learning to bicycle, running errands in many chores for her grand mothers and other women team making mouth watering laddus and papad, picnicking at river side and listening to the ancient fables of great king Somyanka of that village from her grandparents. One of the table comes true as she with her friends accidentally stumbled on to heritage site of hidden temples with stepwell. The veteran author who I rever, put the story simply, clearly targetted for the audience of children and they would like it. For me, it claims no more than 2 stars.
May 20, 2024
Book review
THE MAGIC OF THE LOST TEMPLE
Author- Sudha Murty
Characters- Nooni, Ajji, Ajja, her friends, her mom, dad
What I liked- I liked the following three things in the book. (1) The part where Nooni visited to her Grandparent’s house. (2) The part where she learned how to ride a cycle. (3) The part where she went on a picnic with her friends, ajja, and ajji.
what I did not like – (I liked the book because I suggested it.)
SUMMARY
Nooni had travelled to her Grandparents house for summer vacation. She had lot of fun while learning how to ride a bicycle. Her ajji told her a story about an ancient stepwell. During this time, she went on a picnic where she stumbled upon a stepwell. She thought if it (stepwell) was the one in the story maybe it is!
THE END
THE MAGIC OF THE LOST TEMPLE
Author- Sudha Murty
Characters- Nooni, Ajji, Ajja, her friends, her mom, dad
What I liked- I liked the following three things in the book. (1) The part where Nooni visited to her Grandparent’s house. (2) The part where she learned how to ride a cycle. (3) The part where she went on a picnic with her friends, ajja, and ajji.
what I did not like – (I liked the book because I suggested it.)
SUMMARY
Nooni had travelled to her Grandparents house for summer vacation. She had lot of fun while learning how to ride a bicycle. Her ajji told her a story about an ancient stepwell. During this time, she went on a picnic where she stumbled upon a stepwell. She thought if it (stepwell) was the one in the story maybe it is!
THE END
February 3, 2020
The magic of the lost temple can be a beautiful treat for an adult to revisit his/her childhood memories once again. For me, it indeed is a feel-good read. I loved Sudha Murty's writing style and the way of storytelling. Narration is really smooth and natural that will win your heart. All the events happened in this book are entertaining and inspiring, with a messege to deliver for society. So, I would like to recommend you especially children to give it a shot.
December 15, 2016
Simple short story of a girl spending her summer vacation in ancestral home with grandparents. Apt for Kids
March 22, 2023
One of the best......
May 26, 2025
A short and very easy read.. loved it 😊 Will hopefully read the next one soon!
April 18, 2019
Nooni is from Bangalore who goes to stay at her father's village during her aummer vacation after a long time.She has loving grandparents and while lwarning new things about trees, animals and other rural things ahe discovers something that till then everyone in the village thought was only a folklore.
The book is a very good read for school kids as it divulges many facts. It also shows the difference in lifestyle in a city and in a village. While Nooni enjoys her stau, the readers to get an insight if they have never stayed at a village. From helpful herbs to homemade ladoos its a delight reading about it.
I wish I could enjoy my summer vacations like Nooni did. Her father Shekhar who was initially opposed to living in a village even though he wa born and brought up there, learns with his daughter that not everything can be provided through books and that grandparents play a huge role in a child's development.
The book is a very good read for school kids as it divulges many facts. It also shows the difference in lifestyle in a city and in a village. While Nooni enjoys her stau, the readers to get an insight if they have never stayed at a village. From helpful herbs to homemade ladoos its a delight reading about it.
I wish I could enjoy my summer vacations like Nooni did. Her father Shekhar who was initially opposed to living in a village even though he wa born and brought up there, learns with his daughter that not everything can be provided through books and that grandparents play a huge role in a child's development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
The more simple a book is, the better you will find to read it. This book is pretty simple which makes it a fascinating read.
In this book, there is an adventurous girl named Nooni who lived along with her parents in Bangalore. Nooni's father was a doctor and very busy at his work. Her mother was also a working lady. When Nooni's summer vacation started, her mother had to go to Delhi for some work. Hence, Nooni was forced to go to her grandparents' house.
Nooni was thrilled to visit to her grandparent's house, which was spacious and beautiful. Apart from having tons of fun with her grandparents, she made many new friends, learned how to ride a bicycle, explored amazing places around and gained understanding about village life.
She heard exciting stories from her grandparents about an old and obscure stepwell [ a stepwell is a huge pit like a well which has fascinating things carved inside it]. She was keen to find that lost stepwell. One day she and her friends discovered accidentally a dark and spooky ditch. Could it be the stepwell that Nooni's grandparents mentioned?
There are a good deal of interesting things in this book. I got engaged in the part where Nooni enjoyed to learn many astonishing facts about the forest trees and plants. Also, I liked the part where Nooni learned cycling. But, the most interesting part was when Nooni and her friends discovered the mystifying stepwell.
There's nothing much to dislike in this book as it simple, interesting and funny. It would have been better if there was some twists and turns .
Sudha Murty is an inspiring author who writes uncomplicated books for kids.
This is the first book I have ever read of her. I rate it 4/5 stars.
I recommend this book to all children.
In this book, there is an adventurous girl named Nooni who lived along with her parents in Bangalore. Nooni's father was a doctor and very busy at his work. Her mother was also a working lady. When Nooni's summer vacation started, her mother had to go to Delhi for some work. Hence, Nooni was forced to go to her grandparents' house.
Nooni was thrilled to visit to her grandparent's house, which was spacious and beautiful. Apart from having tons of fun with her grandparents, she made many new friends, learned how to ride a bicycle, explored amazing places around and gained understanding about village life.
She heard exciting stories from her grandparents about an old and obscure stepwell [ a stepwell is a huge pit like a well which has fascinating things carved inside it]. She was keen to find that lost stepwell. One day she and her friends discovered accidentally a dark and spooky ditch. Could it be the stepwell that Nooni's grandparents mentioned?
There are a good deal of interesting things in this book. I got engaged in the part where Nooni enjoyed to learn many astonishing facts about the forest trees and plants. Also, I liked the part where Nooni learned cycling. But, the most interesting part was when Nooni and her friends discovered the mystifying stepwell.
There's nothing much to dislike in this book as it simple, interesting and funny. It would have been better if there was some twists and turns .
Sudha Murty is an inspiring author who writes uncomplicated books for kids.
This is the first book I have ever read of her. I rate it 4/5 stars.
I recommend this book to all children.
November 14, 2020
In my opinion, it’s a splendid book. Although it is a book meant for children, I am sure if adults read it, they will definitely enjoy it.
The book is about Nooni, a young girl who comes to visit her grandparents in the summer holidays. There she meets her cousins and makes many friends. She loves living there. Suddenly Nooni gets to know all about a lost temple and she wants to investigate it. She is about to go on a thrilling mystery! It is a great adventure that lies ahead. Read this book and know more about how Nooni and her friends find the temple, which was under a pool of water earlier but not now. The story revolves around how Nooni and her friends manage to bring back all the water, so how do they do it? You will discover when you read the book!!
September 2, 2020
The magic of the lost temple by Sudamurthy is a wonderful book with a lot of things you should learn ...Academics is not the only one that a child needs to learn there are more amazing things than that.This story concludes that we shouldn't spoil our natural beauty of mother earth with our greed,haste,or funny things.We may be settled in big cities but we all will have some relationship with any villages..Do visit to your village and explore more and more things as you can ...I promise you that it will be an extraordinary journey with Nooni along with Sudamurthy's admirable writing style!!Happy reading!!
July 1, 2019
Such a lovely book for the children. After reading the book you really want yourself to go back to the childhood and enjoy those moments again. Also you want to make sure that your kids also can enjoy the village life. Such a simple language yet beautifully described. It's a must read for young kids and teenagers.
With parents busy with the city life and work, this book is a eye opener. Really loved it.
With parents busy with the city life and work, this book is a eye opener. Really loved it.
March 7, 2020
The book is fascinating. The imagery in all scenes are really good. If you love South Indian story set up, you will definitely find this book wonderful and if you grew up in South India, you will revive your childhood memories.
In terms of age, this would fall good for 9 years and above. Adults too will enjoy this book.
The simplicity in the language, settings and storyline make it a must read book.
In terms of age, this would fall good for 9 years and above. Adults too will enjoy this book.
The simplicity in the language, settings and storyline make it a must read book.
February 20, 2021
It is a book which I should have read long ago, not exactly something which suits my age right now , but still, this book didn't snatch away the joy of reading from me even for a second.
The book is full of healthy parenting tips, grandparents love, children curiosity and warmth.
Whenever one miss their childhood , do read a book like this.
' Why are you referring to river Varada as a "she"?
- Because she is like a woman -- she gives and gives and gives. '
~Sudha Murthy
The book is full of healthy parenting tips, grandparents love, children curiosity and warmth.
Whenever one miss their childhood , do read a book like this.
' Why are you referring to river Varada as a "she"?
- Because she is like a woman -- she gives and gives and gives. '
~Sudha Murthy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews