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The Moon Wants To Be Spotless White
The vain Moon is devastated when he finds out about the dirt patch on his otherwise pristine white self. He wants to be scrubbed and cleaned by Dhobi Kaka to regain his spotless beauty. The moon cunningly manipulates Mitu into helping him out in this mission.
But how will mitu get the moon down to be cleaned?
Will kaka be able to restore the moon s spotless beauty?
Will mitu be turned into an owl for not keeping her promise?
Join in the fun-filled adventure of the Moon, Mitu and Dhobi Kaka, as the trio set out on their mission to help the Moon become spotless.
But how will mitu get the moon down to be cleaned?
Will kaka be able to restore the moon s spotless beauty?
Will mitu be turned into an owl for not keeping her promise?
Join in the fun-filled adventure of the Moon, Mitu and Dhobi Kaka, as the trio set out on their mission to help the Moon become spotless.
- GenresChildrens
46 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2013
3 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Priya Narayanan
10 books41 followersPRIYA NARAYANAN is an avid traveler, voracious reader, passionate designer, and doting mother of two. Clearly, she loves her adjectives! While as a child, she loved to dream, she now has to make do with daydreaming over many cups of coffee and chocolate chip ice cream. She believes that there are stories lurking around every corner, waiting to be captured and revealed to the world and she hopes to be doing just that year after year after year.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 6, 2014
What we liked about the book
1) The story line which gives important lessons in life without being too preachy
2) The appropriate illustrations
3) The minimal characters so that the story isn’t too complicated
4) The description of the situations (Though personally, I thought that could be edited a bit, R seemed to sit through the reading with interest)
5) The meaning of the Indian words in the glossary to appeal to an international audience
6) The absolutely awesome ending, both R and I loved it :)
The book, perhaps, even passes a subtle message to children about how looks aren’t everything in life, and there are much more important things in life than looking good. It worked well with R because of everything, she is going through due to her dark skin.
-From RM's review at IMC(http://indianmomsconnect.com)
1) The story line which gives important lessons in life without being too preachy
2) The appropriate illustrations
3) The minimal characters so that the story isn’t too complicated
4) The description of the situations (Though personally, I thought that could be edited a bit, R seemed to sit through the reading with interest)
5) The meaning of the Indian words in the glossary to appeal to an international audience
6) The absolutely awesome ending, both R and I loved it :)
The book, perhaps, even passes a subtle message to children about how looks aren’t everything in life, and there are much more important things in life than looking good. It worked well with R because of everything, she is going through due to her dark skin.
-From RM's review at IMC(http://indianmomsconnect.com)
June 5, 2016
My daughter loved this book! This is such a wonderful book--a tale of simple facts of life explained in such easy way with illustrations. Mitu's promise to help the moon get spotless and the discovery the moon has of how important is friendship is--has been portrayed in a very beautiful way.
The book is going to be enjoyed by all the kids alike. They would like the illustration and the way the writer is able to connect with them. Must read for kids if you have one in your family!
The book is going to be enjoyed by all the kids alike. They would like the illustration and the way the writer is able to connect with them. Must read for kids if you have one in your family!
January 16, 2014
Originally reviewed at --> http://vps3361.blogspot.in/2014/01/bo...
This is my first children's book to review, and I am glad I read (and liked) it. As the blurb showcases, the story in the book revolves around three main characters - a little girl Mitu, the Moon, and Dhobi kaka. The story is simple but still exciting and binding while the characters are few in number, which is good from a child's point of view. Personification of the Moon could have been tricky, but the author manages to weave this character too with grace and vivid fancy. The language is breezy both for adults and their lower age counterparts. And the story moves at a good pace as it is beautifully accompanied by various creative illustrations which adds charm to the reading journey. All in all, quite a feel good story.
Also, this book doesn't offer any negative or gray shade character, but that is not at all necessary to be there in almost every book for kids justifying the victory of good over evil. That's why, I liked this book more.
But the beauty of this book is its powerful message, which is neither too preachy, nor light in morality, and is portrayed with elegance towards the end. Kids will surely love this book and apply the moral of the story in their real lives too.
That said and done, on the downside I would just like to say that the book doesn't offer a vast plot, apart from a few editing errors here and there.
My rating: 3.25 stars out of 5
Originally reviewed at --> http://vps3361.blogspot.in/2014/01/bo...
This is my first children's book to review, and I am glad I read (and liked) it. As the blurb showcases, the story in the book revolves around three main characters - a little girl Mitu, the Moon, and Dhobi kaka. The story is simple but still exciting and binding while the characters are few in number, which is good from a child's point of view. Personification of the Moon could have been tricky, but the author manages to weave this character too with grace and vivid fancy. The language is breezy both for adults and their lower age counterparts. And the story moves at a good pace as it is beautifully accompanied by various creative illustrations which adds charm to the reading journey. All in all, quite a feel good story.
Also, this book doesn't offer any negative or gray shade character, but that is not at all necessary to be there in almost every book for kids justifying the victory of good over evil. That's why, I liked this book more.
But the beauty of this book is its powerful message, which is neither too preachy, nor light in morality, and is portrayed with elegance towards the end. Kids will surely love this book and apply the moral of the story in their real lives too.
That said and done, on the downside I would just like to say that the book doesn't offer a vast plot, apart from a few editing errors here and there.
My rating: 3.25 stars out of 5
Originally reviewed at --> http://vps3361.blogspot.in/2014/01/bo...
February 4, 2014
Book: The Moon Wants to Be Spotless White
Author: Priya Narayanan
Publisher: LeadStart Publishing
Genre: Children Section
Ratings: 4/5
ISBN: 9789381576342
Number of Pages: 46
Review Date: 4th February 2014
Review on behalf of - Priya Narayanan
My Ratings:4/5
Story Telling Style – 4.5/5
Characters – 5/5
Illustration – 5/5
Cover Page – 5/5
My Review:
This is a very nicely illustrated book in the Children Section of Readership.
The story s short, crisp and has the capability to hold the interest of the reader till the end.
A children's book should always come with a moral and that has been well portrayed here.
Author has created a story telling environment which will enable the child reader or the storyteller to visualize the beauty of nature and the way the story reaches the end.
There are mention of regular things that a child has to follow like waking up early, going to school and not leaving the house without permission and this very modestly creates a sense of responsibility in a child.
The illustrations are not very photographic and is more drawn and painted. It offers an artistic and realistic image to the children reader. They look more real with the day to day characters that are build in the story.
On the whole, This is a wonderful book to gift our children and the author has done a great job.
Author: Priya Narayanan
Publisher: LeadStart Publishing
Genre: Children Section
Ratings: 4/5
ISBN: 9789381576342
Number of Pages: 46
Review Date: 4th February 2014
Review on behalf of - Priya Narayanan
My Ratings:4/5
Story Telling Style – 4.5/5
Characters – 5/5
Illustration – 5/5
Cover Page – 5/5
My Review:
This is a very nicely illustrated book in the Children Section of Readership.
The story s short, crisp and has the capability to hold the interest of the reader till the end.
A children's book should always come with a moral and that has been well portrayed here.
Author has created a story telling environment which will enable the child reader or the storyteller to visualize the beauty of nature and the way the story reaches the end.
There are mention of regular things that a child has to follow like waking up early, going to school and not leaving the house without permission and this very modestly creates a sense of responsibility in a child.
The illustrations are not very photographic and is more drawn and painted. It offers an artistic and realistic image to the children reader. They look more real with the day to day characters that are build in the story.
On the whole, This is a wonderful book to gift our children and the author has done a great job.
May 29, 2015
The story of Mitu and how she helped the moon find the true meaning of happiness.
This gentle tale is well told and beautifully illustrated. The moon believes that his appearance is the most important of all things but in trying to achieve his perfect look finds that actually friendship is a much more wonderful gift. The story is simply told in a way children easily relate to without the need to feel there is some lesson to be learned.
As an English reader and Grandma I found the pace and pattern of life for this little girl, Mitu, in her Indian village absolutely charming. My young grandchildren loved this story for Its adventure but were also fascinated by the descriptions of Mitu's home and family and there were lots of questions along the way.
At the end of the book there is also a list of the Indian words that are used in the telling of the story which we all enjoyed and I learned something too! Would highly recommend for 5 years and up.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for a non reciprocal and honest review.
This gentle tale is well told and beautifully illustrated. The moon believes that his appearance is the most important of all things but in trying to achieve his perfect look finds that actually friendship is a much more wonderful gift. The story is simply told in a way children easily relate to without the need to feel there is some lesson to be learned.
As an English reader and Grandma I found the pace and pattern of life for this little girl, Mitu, in her Indian village absolutely charming. My young grandchildren loved this story for Its adventure but were also fascinated by the descriptions of Mitu's home and family and there were lots of questions along the way.
At the end of the book there is also a list of the Indian words that are used in the telling of the story which we all enjoyed and I learned something too! Would highly recommend for 5 years and up.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for a non reciprocal and honest review.
April 26, 2016
Children the world over are fascinated by the moon so a story in which a young girl and the moon are friends is a sure attention grabber. The moon wants to be spotless, and inveigles a promise from Mitu that she will help him. Dhobi kaka, the village washerman, is roped into the secret mission of getting the moon rid of his spots.
The story moves fast and takes the reader on an enjoyable journey, giving glimpses of life in an Indian village and home, and ends with a twist and a moral.
This is a sweet and enjoyable book. The writing is clear and the illustrations are appealing. I recommend it to parents/ teachers for reading aloud to kids, or as a chapter book for Beginner Readers.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author for an honest, unbiased review.
The story moves fast and takes the reader on an enjoyable journey, giving glimpses of life in an Indian village and home, and ends with a twist and a moral.
This is a sweet and enjoyable book. The writing is clear and the illustrations are appealing. I recommend it to parents/ teachers for reading aloud to kids, or as a chapter book for Beginner Readers.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author for an honest, unbiased review.
March 14, 2014
A happy book with an equally happy ending, this book is a must buy for all children, parents, grandparents. Though the author says, for five to eight year olds, I would say, any age.
more on http://wp.me/p3cEWT-j8
more on http://wp.me/p3cEWT-j8
January 18, 2015
Review copy received in return for an honest review:
First thing of all, I fell in love with the premise of the book: how the moon is vain and superficial, and he wants his beauty to be restored. He asks Mitu for help who, with the help of the Dhobi Kaka, grants his wish. But is a wish getting fulfilled just as delightful as the expectation of it?
This is what a quintessential childrens' book should be. A moral lesson hidden in a simple story which the kids will realize when they grow up, has a symbolic significance that cannot be overlooked. And yet, it makes sense even when you read in the innocence of childhood.
Kids will definitely find the character of Dhobi Kaka endearing, and rightly so, because this character has an old-worldly(no pun intended) charm to it, true to the format of childrens' stories we have been reading till date.
Some dimensions I deem befitting for a mention in the review. One, it emphasizes on the acceptance of imperfections, and flawlessly so. While we must not stop working on ourselves to become a better person, at the same time it is not possible for us to have continue reading
First thing of all, I fell in love with the premise of the book: how the moon is vain and superficial, and he wants his beauty to be restored. He asks Mitu for help who, with the help of the Dhobi Kaka, grants his wish. But is a wish getting fulfilled just as delightful as the expectation of it?
This is what a quintessential childrens' book should be. A moral lesson hidden in a simple story which the kids will realize when they grow up, has a symbolic significance that cannot be overlooked. And yet, it makes sense even when you read in the innocence of childhood.
Kids will definitely find the character of Dhobi Kaka endearing, and rightly so, because this character has an old-worldly(no pun intended) charm to it, true to the format of childrens' stories we have been reading till date.
Some dimensions I deem befitting for a mention in the review. One, it emphasizes on the acceptance of imperfections, and flawlessly so. While we must not stop working on ourselves to become a better person, at the same time it is not possible for us to have continue reading
July 1, 2015
The Moon Wants to be Spotless White is an interesting story for children on several levels. It is a way for them to learn about Indian culture in an engaging way. It also deals with the topics of vanity, cooperation, and friendship. The main character, a little girl named Mitu, makes a promise to help the moon. The moon is very upset because he has dirt on his spotless white surface. Children will enjoy the imaginative way Mitu, along with the man who washes clothes for the village, Dhobi Kaka, find a way to bring the moon down to Earth to be cleaned.
As an adult, I enjoy reading stories that provide a way to talk to a child about important life lessons in a fun, non-preachy way. Moon provides many opportunities to discuss cultural differences, commitment, the importance of friendship, and more.
Also, the illustrations are bright and colorful and sure to hold a child's attention.
Note: I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
As an adult, I enjoy reading stories that provide a way to talk to a child about important life lessons in a fun, non-preachy way. Moon provides many opportunities to discuss cultural differences, commitment, the importance of friendship, and more.
Also, the illustrations are bright and colorful and sure to hold a child's attention.
Note: I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2014
This book intrigued me from the beginning. Not only does it take place in a far away land (as I live the USA) it tells a story that is felt around the world. The story of not fitting in because of acting/looking/thinking different or not not conforming to the society in which we live, is universal. As we become involved in the story of the little girl helping the moon become a clean and white as he possibly can, we also learn of loyalty and honor. I especially love reading about Indian culture and Indian words used throughout as an extra bonus. I found it fun guess at their meaning and then checking myself by using the word key at the end of the book. I think children around the world will relate to this tale with smiles and happiness. Thanks for sharing Priya. I really enjoyed. And all this time I thought the Moon was made of cheese.
January 4, 2015
When her child goes to sleep, she always tells her a story of brave prince and wonderful princes, of deeds noble and brave……..
And of course the ever smiling round object that her child always sees on the night sky, beaming at the child.
While telling the story she always desires that her child to have a sweet dreamy sound sleep, but in addition to that this story propels child’s imagination.
When the kid turns a little older, time begins for this imagination to take a shape, wondering-‘oh, why moon is so bright? What it is made of? How far away it is? Can a car will be able to take me to the moon in an hour?’
READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW AT
http://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/201...
And of course the ever smiling round object that her child always sees on the night sky, beaming at the child.
While telling the story she always desires that her child to have a sweet dreamy sound sleep, but in addition to that this story propels child’s imagination.
When the kid turns a little older, time begins for this imagination to take a shape, wondering-‘oh, why moon is so bright? What it is made of? How far away it is? Can a car will be able to take me to the moon in an hour?’
READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW AT
http://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/201...
July 20, 2016
Another delightful folktale from Priya Narayanan. In this story, the moon is depressed because he's covered in dark spots, so he convinces a little girl and an old man to help him become spotless. In the misadventure that follows, they drag the moon from the sky and scrub him up before losing him in a fierce windstorm. In the end, the moon learns that it's ok to not be perfect, especially when you have good friends with you.
I really enjoy the charm of Narayanan's stories, and I believe this one is my favorite. I especially love the illustrations. The pictures are beautiful and vibrant and really bring a lot of depth to the story. Highly recommended.
Note: I received a free copy for my honest opinion.
I really enjoy the charm of Narayanan's stories, and I believe this one is my favorite. I especially love the illustrations. The pictures are beautiful and vibrant and really bring a lot of depth to the story. Highly recommended.
Note: I received a free copy for my honest opinion.
May 28, 2016
The moon believes that being spotless is the most important thing in the world. But Mitu helps him understand that true happiness lies with friendship. This cute story filled with beautiful illustrations is told at a pace and in a simple language that children will have no problem understanding. Well done.
September 9, 2014
A very well thought out, beautifully put together chapter book with excellent storytelling and superb illustrations. If you like fairytales and fables with a cultural slant then you are sure to enjoy this book. It's a must have for your collection!
July 3, 2014
'Daag achche hain' (Stains are good) if they happen to be the price for joy, happiness and love - this is the premise of Priya Narayanan's 'The Moon Wants to be Spotless White'. Moon who is otherwise quite vain and is drunk on his own beauty, gets the shock of his life when he overhears a bunch of stars talking about his dirty spots. He finds a patient ear in a little girl Mitu who enjoys looking at the moon from the window of her room and always admires his grace and beauty. Moon comes up with a plan that he needs to get himself scrubbed clean in order to get back his pristine white looks. Mitu feels very happy to help the moon by letting Dhobi Kaka into the little secret. Dhobi kaka is kind enough to use his special secret formula on Moon so that the moon regains his spotless whiteness back.
The trio get together at the dead of the night to work in this rare kind of mission but by the time they are done with washing and scrubbing, it is time for the day break. Now the moon will have to wait for the night fall to go back to the sky. What happens when the moon finally meets his heavenly friends in the sky? How does he narrate his adventure of previous night when he took a trip to the dhobhi ghat? Can he boast of his spotless white looks in front of them? Is he really as spotless as he wanted himself to be? Does his vanity win or the love of his friends? Head on to this rare adventure along with the moon who is ready to take all the trouble to satisfy his pride of being the most handsome in the sky.
A great way to reiterate and reinforce the life value that life is just not about the external appearance, it is much beyond that. And this the moon realises at the end of the story when he observes that his friends are glad, just to be with him - with or without spots.
It is a simple feel good story which would appeal to all little children, however, the length of this story goes against its appeal to the age group that it is targeting. It is hard to finish complete reading of the story in one sitting. Moreover, stories adhering to commonly observed practicalities, always make more impact. In 'The Moon Wants to be Spotless White' Mitu's mother sending Mitu with Dhobi Kaka at night, feels a little unreal and impractical. Barring these two irritants, it is quite an interesting read for young readers (Age : 6-10 years)
The trio get together at the dead of the night to work in this rare kind of mission but by the time they are done with washing and scrubbing, it is time for the day break. Now the moon will have to wait for the night fall to go back to the sky. What happens when the moon finally meets his heavenly friends in the sky? How does he narrate his adventure of previous night when he took a trip to the dhobhi ghat? Can he boast of his spotless white looks in front of them? Is he really as spotless as he wanted himself to be? Does his vanity win or the love of his friends? Head on to this rare adventure along with the moon who is ready to take all the trouble to satisfy his pride of being the most handsome in the sky.
A great way to reiterate and reinforce the life value that life is just not about the external appearance, it is much beyond that. And this the moon realises at the end of the story when he observes that his friends are glad, just to be with him - with or without spots.
It is a simple feel good story which would appeal to all little children, however, the length of this story goes against its appeal to the age group that it is targeting. It is hard to finish complete reading of the story in one sitting. Moreover, stories adhering to commonly observed practicalities, always make more impact. In 'The Moon Wants to be Spotless White' Mitu's mother sending Mitu with Dhobi Kaka at night, feels a little unreal and impractical. Barring these two irritants, it is quite an interesting read for young readers (Age : 6-10 years)
February 16, 2016
I read a children's book after, I do not even know how long and I am so glad I picked this one! 'The moon wants to be spotless white' is a very simple story which takes one through this lovely tale with such ease that I could not wipe the smile off my face from page one. While reading this book, it felt like a fable which my grandma might have been narrating to me, where the moon is not a celestial body but he is like a mama who speaks with us!!!
It is a fun filled adventure between, Mittu, the moon and dhobi kaka. There are moral lessons hidden in the narration. I especially found dhobi kakas character endearing with a Charm. The movie has three characters only, which avoids complications and my favourite is dhobi kaka. A very relatable one. My favourite part in the story was, how dhobi kaka's character handled a situation, where a joke he is trying to play to lighten mittu back fires.
This story touches a point which is very apt in today's time, exterior beauty. Priya has flawlessly narrated how imperfections can also be beautiful. Dear ones are happy to be with you irrespective of external appearances.
This book was a refreshing journey back to my childhood. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am recommending it to my neices!!! A MUST READ for children today.
It is a fun filled adventure between, Mittu, the moon and dhobi kaka. There are moral lessons hidden in the narration. I especially found dhobi kakas character endearing with a Charm. The movie has three characters only, which avoids complications and my favourite is dhobi kaka. A very relatable one. My favourite part in the story was, how dhobi kaka's character handled a situation, where a joke he is trying to play to lighten mittu back fires.
This story touches a point which is very apt in today's time, exterior beauty. Priya has flawlessly narrated how imperfections can also be beautiful. Dear ones are happy to be with you irrespective of external appearances.
This book was a refreshing journey back to my childhood. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am recommending it to my neices!!! A MUST READ for children today.
August 5, 2016
The Moon Wants to be Spotless White is a charming little chapter book for young readers. It's almost like a modern-day folk tale. There is an underlying message about being happy with who you are, but it is delivered in a very non-preachy way.
I loved the illustrations. They are colorful and cute, with a great style. I think they really capture the character of the story.
The story itself is interesting and fun. I liked how all the Indian words were explained at the end. The part with the Giant White Ghost was funny, too! One thing that I wasn't so keen on was how the characters were described in detail -- the illustrations show what the characters look like, so why bother describing them? However, that's probably just me.
Overall, I'd say that this is a perfect story for kids aged 5 and up, especially if they like folk tales.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the illustrations. They are colorful and cute, with a great style. I think they really capture the character of the story.
The story itself is interesting and fun. I liked how all the Indian words were explained at the end. The part with the Giant White Ghost was funny, too! One thing that I wasn't so keen on was how the characters were described in detail -- the illustrations show what the characters look like, so why bother describing them? However, that's probably just me.
Overall, I'd say that this is a perfect story for kids aged 5 and up, especially if they like folk tales.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2016
This charming children’s tale, from the talented Priya Narayanan, has equally charming illustrations throughout the book. The story of Mitu and her attempts to assist the Moon to clean away his dirty patches reveals to its readers, both young and older, how important friends can be when compared to personal trivial vanities like a “perfect” appearance. At the same time it is full of intriguing new words and interesting behaviour that may reflect some of the cultural differences between India and other countries. Curious myths and traditions are hinted at without too much moralising, while children of primary school age can learn much from the entertaining and often amusing story. I know of at least two children close to me who will read this book with pleasure. I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
January 20, 2015
Priya Narayanan has managed to capture the innocence of childhood in a well illustrated book using very simple language. The illustation is so beautiful that imagining the story works perfectly in our mind. It is very much like watching a mini movie in our head while we are reading. The language is simple and crisp, children who can join letters and read will be very happy to come across such books
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April 5, 2014
The original review of this book is posted on my blog...
To read the original review of this book, click here...
November 10, 2014
This is a delightful book which I really enjoyed. The story flows along nicely and the characters are likable. I think that most 5 to 8 year olds will love reading this book on their own or with a little help. The illustrations are great too and will help keep children entertained.
July 27, 2013
i strongly recommend it to all parents, grandparents and adults who would like to present kids with good books to develop the reading habit among the little ones.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews