What do you think?
Rate this book
The Whistling Schoolboy and Other Stories of School Life
Here is a collection of stories about school life that will appeal to every kind
of school-goer. These are incidents from the author’s own life, when he was
a shy, quiet boy in boarding school, who chose the library over the football
field, and was known as the best cook among the Boy Scouts.
Read about beloved and eccentric characters like the strict Mr Oliver, Miss
Babcock, the school nurse, and the Principal who once went missing. Get the
shivers at the strange and wonderful happenings at school, from the lady in
white roaming the school grounds to the ghost who turned up in a bed at
the dormitory!
Hilarious and heart-warming, this collection brings together well-loved
Ruskin Bond classics as well as brand new stories and is for every reader who
has enjoyed going to school or is in school right now.
of school-goer. These are incidents from the author’s own life, when he was
a shy, quiet boy in boarding school, who chose the library over the football
field, and was known as the best cook among the Boy Scouts.
Read about beloved and eccentric characters like the strict Mr Oliver, Miss
Babcock, the school nurse, and the Principal who once went missing. Get the
shivers at the strange and wonderful happenings at school, from the lady in
white roaming the school grounds to the ghost who turned up in a bed at
the dormitory!
Hilarious and heart-warming, this collection brings together well-loved
Ruskin Bond classics as well as brand new stories and is for every reader who
has enjoyed going to school or is in school right now.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2015
461 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,557 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 27, 2022
Didn’t expect to be creeped out but…
A few ones did!
A surprising read indeed.
A perfect 5 🌟 read for me as it offered me so many beautiful elements I wasn’t expecting from this young readers’ short story collection.
School stories ☑️
Childhood days ☑️
Family stories ☑️
Writing that would bring you closer to nature ☑️
And more highlights of this collection?
There’s the biographical parts in these stories that would make you live in the world the author has lived in and you will not regret it. The book is short. The stories are short but you will be surprised with the many contents!
Am happier after reading this book.
A few ones did!
A surprising read indeed.
A perfect 5 🌟 read for me as it offered me so many beautiful elements I wasn’t expecting from this young readers’ short story collection.
School stories ☑️
Childhood days ☑️
Family stories ☑️
Writing that would bring you closer to nature ☑️
And more highlights of this collection?
There’s the biographical parts in these stories that would make you live in the world the author has lived in and you will not regret it. The book is short. The stories are short but you will be surprised with the many contents!
Am happier after reading this book.
August 1, 2019
A refreshing trip down the memory lane with Mr. Bond's simple writing and eventful stories.
August 4, 2021
✏️
A collection of anecdotes from the childhood of Ruskin Bond, specially about his days in the boarding school in Shimla. It includes stories of mischiefs, hilarious adventures, seldom but memorable interactions he had with his father, some astonishing horror instances, and so much more.
📚
Through this book, Ruskin Bond also talks about his interest towards becoming a writer in an environment which was not very conducive to reading and writing. In fact, he appreciates the growth in number of readers in today's generation as against his own.
📝
As often said about Ruskin Bond books, and I would simply reiterate that the narration is lucid yet captivating. Reading this book felt like listening to my grandfather telling me about his childhood on a Sunday afternoon.
✨
I would conclude by saying that if you are fond of Ruskin Bond books, this one cannot be missed, and if you have not yet read any book by Ruskin Bond, this is an excellent start.
A collection of anecdotes from the childhood of Ruskin Bond, specially about his days in the boarding school in Shimla. It includes stories of mischiefs, hilarious adventures, seldom but memorable interactions he had with his father, some astonishing horror instances, and so much more.
📚
Through this book, Ruskin Bond also talks about his interest towards becoming a writer in an environment which was not very conducive to reading and writing. In fact, he appreciates the growth in number of readers in today's generation as against his own.
📝
As often said about Ruskin Bond books, and I would simply reiterate that the narration is lucid yet captivating. Reading this book felt like listening to my grandfather telling me about his childhood on a Sunday afternoon.
✨
I would conclude by saying that if you are fond of Ruskin Bond books, this one cannot be missed, and if you have not yet read any book by Ruskin Bond, this is an excellent start.
November 20, 2024
Cute, witty, and heartwarming.
Or you can say typical Bond.
Or you can say typical Bond.
July 31, 2021
Well the ending was not that good but the book was amazing
March 21, 2022
Never a dull moment with Ruskin!
December 6, 2024
Lovely and down to Earth, true stories in the life of Ruskin Bond!
June 3, 2019
Beautiful and heart-warming.
April 29, 2019
Nostalgia is a wicked thing. Having written in his later years, its much more contemporary that his other works. Very relatable.
His simplicity in writings distills the purest of emotions. Along with Roald Dahl he completes my childhood.
His simplicity in writings distills the purest of emotions. Along with Roald Dahl he completes my childhood.
April 27, 2021
When all the wars are done ,a butterfly will still be beautiful.
In this book 'The whistling schoolboy and other stories of school life' Ruskin bond takes us to the past to his Stories of Bishop Cotton Boarding school in Shimla in his very early years where he was a boy scout and how he and his friends ' The four feathers' ate pakodas below the hills, Their scout days and adventures,cycling in Debra Hills, beautiful story of his friendship with Omar and his ultimate departure after the 1947 partition , swaying at chimpus tuck shop in chotta shimla bazaar.
The author narrates How he wanting to be an Arsenal goalkeeper became interested in literature after reading Dickens and how reading being his true religion helped him discover his soul.
Excerpts of his memories with his dad going to jacko Hill ,the Elysium Hall before his father expired when Ruskin was 10.
Also there are tales of his obedient Scoutmaster Mr Oliver and housemates Mr Brown, their encounter with ghosts (probably the bhoot Aunty) on the foothills, tales of his walks with his companion - a dog named Hitler.
Their making of sweet and sour jam potato curry with nettle and dandelion leaves and gooseberry jam (Bond Bhujjia as everyone called it).
These 16 short children stories including the classics 'The whistling schoolboy' and 'The school among the pines' make up for good 1.5 hour read on any given day. As much as the stories are for children they are for the adults too who can reminisce their good old days.
The school among the pines is such a sweetly written account of three children Prakash,Sonu and Bina who travel to their school beyond the hills in Nauti village sometimes encountering a leopard in the way, making their way through the landslides and rocks and streams and big trees.
Mr. Mani Dahlia bulbs, porcupines ,his potatoes, Miss Ramola, the rains, mountains breezes - all these characters are perfectly intertwined with this hillside story. It's rightly said that it is the journey that matters.
What I felt wonderful that how the narrator has described the view to a school and how the writer has fantastically created a neglected incident of our childhood lives such as going to a school such visual appealing and interesting.
You will be amazed as how the writer has captured the rural foothills of India , schools built beyond the narrow streams and how young boys and girls overcomes all struggles to get their education.
The innocent misadventures of children, their take on serious important issues of world, pranks on their school teachers, acts of bravery, care free attitude will surely awoke the child in you wanting you to go the hills again swimming in cold breeze of the peaks.
Tisnt life that matters!Tis the courage you bring to it.
In this book 'The whistling schoolboy and other stories of school life' Ruskin bond takes us to the past to his Stories of Bishop Cotton Boarding school in Shimla in his very early years where he was a boy scout and how he and his friends ' The four feathers' ate pakodas below the hills, Their scout days and adventures,cycling in Debra Hills, beautiful story of his friendship with Omar and his ultimate departure after the 1947 partition , swaying at chimpus tuck shop in chotta shimla bazaar.
The author narrates How he wanting to be an Arsenal goalkeeper became interested in literature after reading Dickens and how reading being his true religion helped him discover his soul.
Excerpts of his memories with his dad going to jacko Hill ,the Elysium Hall before his father expired when Ruskin was 10.
Also there are tales of his obedient Scoutmaster Mr Oliver and housemates Mr Brown, their encounter with ghosts (probably the bhoot Aunty) on the foothills, tales of his walks with his companion - a dog named Hitler.
Their making of sweet and sour jam potato curry with nettle and dandelion leaves and gooseberry jam (Bond Bhujjia as everyone called it).
These 16 short children stories including the classics 'The whistling schoolboy' and 'The school among the pines' make up for good 1.5 hour read on any given day. As much as the stories are for children they are for the adults too who can reminisce their good old days.
The school among the pines is such a sweetly written account of three children Prakash,Sonu and Bina who travel to their school beyond the hills in Nauti village sometimes encountering a leopard in the way, making their way through the landslides and rocks and streams and big trees.
Mr. Mani Dahlia bulbs, porcupines ,his potatoes, Miss Ramola, the rains, mountains breezes - all these characters are perfectly intertwined with this hillside story. It's rightly said that it is the journey that matters.
What I felt wonderful that how the narrator has described the view to a school and how the writer has fantastically created a neglected incident of our childhood lives such as going to a school such visual appealing and interesting.
You will be amazed as how the writer has captured the rural foothills of India , schools built beyond the narrow streams and how young boys and girls overcomes all struggles to get their education.
The innocent misadventures of children, their take on serious important issues of world, pranks on their school teachers, acts of bravery, care free attitude will surely awoke the child in you wanting you to go the hills again swimming in cold breeze of the peaks.
Tisnt life that matters!Tis the courage you bring to it.
December 31, 2019
Short stories have never been my true inclination when it comes to reading. However, I got this book as a gift and right from the first story, I traveled through the time to relive my own stories from when I was in school. The book starts with Bond's own childhood and his experiences while studying in Doon in Shimla during the pre-partition era. It proceeds with a few chapters centered around popular personalities of his school and ends with stories of underprivileged school-kids who derive equal fun in school when compared to their privileged counterparts. Covering stories from both ends of the privilege spectrum, this book offers something for everyone.
Its a very light read and can be picked up when you are not in the mood of deep reading and want to rejoice stories with which you can relate to.
Its a very light read and can be picked up when you are not in the mood of deep reading and want to rejoice stories with which you can relate to.
July 10, 2019
When I was in school...I didn't think I'ld ever read stories about school. But... Here we are.
This is a very interesting and engaging short stories collection by Ruskin Bond. There are hostle stories, horror stories, anecdotes, all about or related to school. I enjoyed most of the stories.
I mean Ruskin Bond is a must for Indian literature.
RECOMMENDED 💙
This is a very interesting and engaging short stories collection by Ruskin Bond. There are hostle stories, horror stories, anecdotes, all about or related to school. I enjoyed most of the stories.
I mean Ruskin Bond is a must for Indian literature.
RECOMMENDED 💙
January 8, 2020
Ruskin Bond is my comfort food when it comes to reading.
There were some stories from his previous collections repeated here. But I don’t mind it. There are some new stories as well. All in all, a delightful read.
There were some stories from his previous collections repeated here. But I don’t mind it. There are some new stories as well. All in all, a delightful read.
October 6, 2020
Actual rating: 4.5
July 6, 2021
a wonderful read for childrens and adults. a semi autobigraphical book. some of the stories are really moving.
June 30, 2022
Ruskin Bond's stories elicit a joyously melancholic feeling of home.
January 30, 2025
You can never 'not enjoy' a Ruskin Bond book. They are always lovely.
March 15, 2017
This review was first published on The Era I Lived In
Like all works by Ruskin Bond, this book is a hilarious and heart-warming collection of stories about school life. From incidents from the author’s school life of his days of being a compassionate scout, to cherishing his being a shy, quiet boy who had only a few friends, to reminiscing his days of the fun the football field to looking back on the eccentric characters of his strict teachers while exploring their human sides, the book is a treat for every reader.
If you’re a Ruskin Bond fan, you’d be charmed by his seemingly simple yet succinct writing that’ll plaster a grin on your face right from the moment you set your eyes on the book’s pretty cover. The book is a classic that guarantees there is never a dull moment, no two stories are similar and there is a beautiful lesson to learn by the school goers of today while a memory to re-visit by adults like yours truly in every story that unfolds in this book.
To spice up the short story collection there a few fantastic, spooky stories too. There are tales of children walking for miles in the mountains just for the love of studying, braving the wild animals and looking life in the eye as they learn and grow every day.
So if you’re looking for a breezy, entertaining read for yourself or your child, 9 years and up, this book is a must read.
Like all works by Ruskin Bond, this book is a hilarious and heart-warming collection of stories about school life. From incidents from the author’s school life of his days of being a compassionate scout, to cherishing his being a shy, quiet boy who had only a few friends, to reminiscing his days of the fun the football field to looking back on the eccentric characters of his strict teachers while exploring their human sides, the book is a treat for every reader.
If you’re a Ruskin Bond fan, you’d be charmed by his seemingly simple yet succinct writing that’ll plaster a grin on your face right from the moment you set your eyes on the book’s pretty cover. The book is a classic that guarantees there is never a dull moment, no two stories are similar and there is a beautiful lesson to learn by the school goers of today while a memory to re-visit by adults like yours truly in every story that unfolds in this book.
To spice up the short story collection there a few fantastic, spooky stories too. There are tales of children walking for miles in the mountains just for the love of studying, braving the wild animals and looking life in the eye as they learn and grow every day.
So if you’re looking for a breezy, entertaining read for yourself or your child, 9 years and up, this book is a must read.
August 22, 2020
Lovely . The usual bond stuff.
May 17, 2022
4.3/5 stars
It's a great book, and our school life relates with that slightly and, Bond describes his childhood in Kashmir, which is really nice and slightly reminds me when I was 8 years old
It's a great book, and our school life relates with that slightly and, Bond describes his childhood in Kashmir, which is really nice and slightly reminds me when I was 8 years old
Read
August 30, 2020We take our shadows for granted, don't we?
Journey to the valleys of Shimla, through the eyes of one of the most imaginative minds ever, and see things which you see, but don't see. Not really.
A book, which from the outside seemed like a simple children's book, turned out to be one of the most beautiful and heartfelt books I've read, as fiction combined with reality in a way, which was indistinguishable and astonishing at the same time.
'And when all the wars are done,' I said, 'a butterfly will still be beautiful.'
You see Rusty and his friend Omar, as they shuffle through the underground tunnel towards freedom, unaware that the political machinery somewhere was hatching a plot to separate them.
Or as the whistling schoolboy, smiling, not on that misty day though, stops him in his track, and disappears as the author realises it's emptiness ahead of him, a drop of over hundred feet...
Book readers are special people, and they will always turn to books as the ultimate pleasure. Those who do not read are the unfortunate ones.
There is something inherently beautiful in the way Mr Bond writes, which makes you feel like a child again, filled with awe and curiosity for the simple wonders around you, the breeze playing, caressing your face, the sea roaring as if inviting you to see its might, the birds chirping, the trees swaying...
There is every sort of emotion in this book. You laugh uncontrollably, as the author, a boy scout, serves his group the 'all-Indian sweet-and-sour jam-potato curry', which was basically every ingredient they had, mixed and fried, and which surprisingly, turned out delicious!
You feel heartbroken as the author remembers his last day spent with his father, or as the author loses his childhood friend to partition.
You feel terrified as the author wakes up to realise a corpse is laying on his bed, a student who died years ago, or as their teacher passes through the lady in white, or the faceless boy.
But in the end, you feel satisfied.
Of having read a brilliant work of art.
And you should be.
Journey to the valleys of Shimla, through the eyes of one of the most imaginative minds ever, and see things which you see, but don't see. Not really.
A book, which from the outside seemed like a simple children's book, turned out to be one of the most beautiful and heartfelt books I've read, as fiction combined with reality in a way, which was indistinguishable and astonishing at the same time.
'And when all the wars are done,' I said, 'a butterfly will still be beautiful.'
You see Rusty and his friend Omar, as they shuffle through the underground tunnel towards freedom, unaware that the political machinery somewhere was hatching a plot to separate them.
Or as the whistling schoolboy, smiling, not on that misty day though, stops him in his track, and disappears as the author realises it's emptiness ahead of him, a drop of over hundred feet...
Book readers are special people, and they will always turn to books as the ultimate pleasure. Those who do not read are the unfortunate ones.
There is something inherently beautiful in the way Mr Bond writes, which makes you feel like a child again, filled with awe and curiosity for the simple wonders around you, the breeze playing, caressing your face, the sea roaring as if inviting you to see its might, the birds chirping, the trees swaying...
There is every sort of emotion in this book. You laugh uncontrollably, as the author, a boy scout, serves his group the 'all-Indian sweet-and-sour jam-potato curry', which was basically every ingredient they had, mixed and fried, and which surprisingly, turned out delicious!
You feel heartbroken as the author remembers his last day spent with his father, or as the author loses his childhood friend to partition.
You feel terrified as the author wakes up to realise a corpse is laying on his bed, a student who died years ago, or as their teacher passes through the lady in white, or the faceless boy.
But in the end, you feel satisfied.
Of having read a brilliant work of art.
And you should be.
December 10, 2025
With Ruskin Bond. The Man who gave me so much,,,,
This collection is a nostalgic, heartfelt journey through school corridors, playgrounds, and dormitory secrets.
Bond revisits the emotional landscape of youth with signature warmth and clarity, crafting stories that blend innocence, humour, and insight. The result is a book that appeals not only to young readers but also to adults who remember the sting of strict teachers and the thrill of childhood friendships.
Bond’s power lies in his ability to capture moments — the nervous excitement before examinations, the triumph of breaking a school rule undetected, and the quiet companionship between mismatched friends.
These stories remind us that school life is not defined by academics alone but by the small emotional shifts that shape a growing child.
The titular story, The Whistling Schoolboy, is particularly delightful. It encapsulates Bond’s playful storytelling, blending mischief with gentle humour.
But the deeper value of the collection emerges in the way Bond portrays vulnerability — loneliness in boarding school, the longing for acceptance, the pain of separation, and the healing power of friendship.
What elevates the book is Bond’s refusal to sugarcoat childhood. His young protagonists face failures, embarrassments, and fears. Yet there is no cynicism — only empathy and understanding.
Bond’s school stories lack the harshness often found in boarding-school fiction; instead, they radiate a kind of emotional sunlight that makes the past feel warm and alive.
The prose remains crisp and deceptively simple. Bond never overwrites; he knows the emotional truth of childhood speaks for itself.
His descriptions of Himalayan surroundings—pine-scented mornings, quiet dormitory nights, and rain-drenched pathways—give the stories a vivid sensory backdrop.
In all, The Whistling Schoolboy is both a tribute to youth and an exploration of the emotional education one gains outside textbooks. It is Bond’s love letter to childhood—tender, honest, and unforgettable.
Most recommended.
This collection is a nostalgic, heartfelt journey through school corridors, playgrounds, and dormitory secrets.
Bond revisits the emotional landscape of youth with signature warmth and clarity, crafting stories that blend innocence, humour, and insight. The result is a book that appeals not only to young readers but also to adults who remember the sting of strict teachers and the thrill of childhood friendships.
Bond’s power lies in his ability to capture moments — the nervous excitement before examinations, the triumph of breaking a school rule undetected, and the quiet companionship between mismatched friends.
These stories remind us that school life is not defined by academics alone but by the small emotional shifts that shape a growing child.
The titular story, The Whistling Schoolboy, is particularly delightful. It encapsulates Bond’s playful storytelling, blending mischief with gentle humour.
But the deeper value of the collection emerges in the way Bond portrays vulnerability — loneliness in boarding school, the longing for acceptance, the pain of separation, and the healing power of friendship.
What elevates the book is Bond’s refusal to sugarcoat childhood. His young protagonists face failures, embarrassments, and fears. Yet there is no cynicism — only empathy and understanding.
Bond’s school stories lack the harshness often found in boarding-school fiction; instead, they radiate a kind of emotional sunlight that makes the past feel warm and alive.
The prose remains crisp and deceptively simple. Bond never overwrites; he knows the emotional truth of childhood speaks for itself.
His descriptions of Himalayan surroundings—pine-scented mornings, quiet dormitory nights, and rain-drenched pathways—give the stories a vivid sensory backdrop.
In all, The Whistling Schoolboy is both a tribute to youth and an exploration of the emotional education one gains outside textbooks. It is Bond’s love letter to childhood—tender, honest, and unforgettable.
Most recommended.
February 6, 2025
I have always loved Bond's literature. They are simple and speak directly to our hearts and souls. I have consistently found his work light-hearted yet strong enough to move me deeply. Bond may not be creating a Hogwarts or a Middle-earth, but I certainly believe he creates magic.
The Whistling Schoolboy and Other Stories of School Life is a beautiful recollection of heart-touching stories from Bond's childhood entangled with an element of fiction, ranging from hilarious instances he had shared with his friends to heartwarming encounters with his late father. I enjoyed each short story, though each to a different extent.
I love this book for a handful of reasons. Firstly, Bond never lets me down. No matter at what age I pick up his book to read, he gives me the snugness of listening to my grandpa's tales while I lay on my grandma's lap. His stories emanate warmth and affability. The narrative, plot and characters instil a sense of familiarity without fail. Secondly, his literary style feels like home to me. There is something incandescent about reading it. There is nothing extravagant, there is no pretence, just sheer and absolute beauty.
Illegitimate Writer | A (Laconic) Scientific Indian | Instagram | LinkedIn
The Whistling Schoolboy and Other Stories of School Life is a beautiful recollection of heart-touching stories from Bond's childhood entangled with an element of fiction, ranging from hilarious instances he had shared with his friends to heartwarming encounters with his late father. I enjoyed each short story, though each to a different extent.
I love this book for a handful of reasons. Firstly, Bond never lets me down. No matter at what age I pick up his book to read, he gives me the snugness of listening to my grandpa's tales while I lay on my grandma's lap. His stories emanate warmth and affability. The narrative, plot and characters instil a sense of familiarity without fail. Secondly, his literary style feels like home to me. There is something incandescent about reading it. There is nothing extravagant, there is no pretence, just sheer and absolute beauty.
Illegitimate Writer | A (Laconic) Scientific Indian | Instagram | LinkedIn
September 8, 2020
The Whistling Schoolboy and other stories of school life by Ruskin Bond
📓Genre: Children's book Recollections
Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔖For those who have read any story by Ruskin Bond are aware of his simple and captivating narrative. This book too isn't any different and has the same simplistic magical signature of the author.
🔖The book is a collection of short entries about the author's own experiences as a school-goer in a boarding school. The entries don't follow a perfect order of timeline and narrates both trivial and important events of school life.
🔖Beautifully written, the book lets us dive into the world of a school-going kid and let's us follow his adventures (and misadventures), feel his excitement, connect with his inquisitiveness and relive the memories of our own schooldays.
🔖The stories are fun and heart-warming and will be equally loved and enjoyed not just by kids but also by adults.
For an afternoon of delightful reading, I would totally recommend this book.
🔸Final verdict: Great.
🔸Book cover: Will appeal to kids.
🔸Writing style: Simple yet beautiful narrative. Written in the first person point of view.
📓Genre: Children's book Recollections
Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔖For those who have read any story by Ruskin Bond are aware of his simple and captivating narrative. This book too isn't any different and has the same simplistic magical signature of the author.
🔖The book is a collection of short entries about the author's own experiences as a school-goer in a boarding school. The entries don't follow a perfect order of timeline and narrates both trivial and important events of school life.
🔖Beautifully written, the book lets us dive into the world of a school-going kid and let's us follow his adventures (and misadventures), feel his excitement, connect with his inquisitiveness and relive the memories of our own schooldays.
🔖The stories are fun and heart-warming and will be equally loved and enjoyed not just by kids but also by adults.
For an afternoon of delightful reading, I would totally recommend this book.
🔸Final verdict: Great.
🔸Book cover: Will appeal to kids.
🔸Writing style: Simple yet beautiful narrative. Written in the first person point of view.
December 3, 2020
This is a wonderful collection of short stories from Ruskin bond. I have always loved reading about school life.📒
Have you ever enjoyed reading stories about children in boarding school ? 🏫
This book features the school life of Ruskin bond in a boarding school. I could see how much he loved his school + 3 friends. Roaming together in school , they see a bundle which was having a crying baby inside.. 👼 this is the first adventure of four feathers.🧒
A scout camp near mountain seems to be more adventurous. Ruskin making new recipes (!!! ) , Lovely pool in the forest and band bhujjia are very interesting.🏕️
The separation of Pakistan had huge impact on the people. One of the bond's broken friendship was clearly mentioned in the 'the great escape'🇵🇰🇮🇳
Few scary short stories from Mr. Oliver's diary are very interesting. (A secret diary was maintained by bond for writing his short stories during his school time )👺
My most favourite was ' the school among the pines'. This features the life of children taking a long walk to their school. Amidst the landslide, threat by leopard., these children never gets discouraged. 🌲👉
Have you ever enjoyed reading stories about children in boarding school ? 🏫
This book features the school life of Ruskin bond in a boarding school. I could see how much he loved his school + 3 friends. Roaming together in school , they see a bundle which was having a crying baby inside.. 👼 this is the first adventure of four feathers.🧒
A scout camp near mountain seems to be more adventurous. Ruskin making new recipes (!!! ) , Lovely pool in the forest and band bhujjia are very interesting.🏕️
The separation of Pakistan had huge impact on the people. One of the bond's broken friendship was clearly mentioned in the 'the great escape'🇵🇰🇮🇳
Few scary short stories from Mr. Oliver's diary are very interesting. (A secret diary was maintained by bond for writing his short stories during his school time )👺
My most favourite was ' the school among the pines'. This features the life of children taking a long walk to their school. Amidst the landslide, threat by leopard., these children never gets discouraged. 🌲👉
June 17, 2021
Nice read!
A collection of stories based on school Life - Students, Dorms, Teachers, Pets, Friendships. They are full of innocence, mischief, learning and other things that remain as memories in adulthood.
First half of the book has stories from the author's own childhood. Ruskin Bond has lived a very different life - his origin being in London, a big city, but his growing up in Indian hills, his family situation, the effects that war had on his life and then choosing to live in India. All of these are reflected in his own stories.
Then the second half is not an autobiographical narrative. There are a few spooky stories. There are beautiful descriptions of nature amidst his stories as most of his works have. The last story is a long one and particularly highlights how children struggled to get education at that time in small towns and villages. The three children in this story have to cross a hill to get to school - a leopard is spotted around here many times, on some days it gets dark early and they have to rush back home, on some days it rains heavily and once there is even a landslide. But they go to school anyway and dream of a future.
A collection of stories based on school Life - Students, Dorms, Teachers, Pets, Friendships. They are full of innocence, mischief, learning and other things that remain as memories in adulthood.
First half of the book has stories from the author's own childhood. Ruskin Bond has lived a very different life - his origin being in London, a big city, but his growing up in Indian hills, his family situation, the effects that war had on his life and then choosing to live in India. All of these are reflected in his own stories.
Then the second half is not an autobiographical narrative. There are a few spooky stories. There are beautiful descriptions of nature amidst his stories as most of his works have. The last story is a long one and particularly highlights how children struggled to get education at that time in small towns and villages. The three children in this story have to cross a hill to get to school - a leopard is spotted around here many times, on some days it gets dark early and they have to rush back home, on some days it rains heavily and once there is even a landslide. But they go to school anyway and dream of a future.
May 10, 2017
I don't know why I like his writings so much. However, I do. I am a ardent admirer of his inimitable style of writing. Some people, when they write, pour in so much of their soul into their art that their goodness or pettyness shines through. Mr Bond is that rare character whose writings bring to mind the kindly whisperings of an affable, good natured raconteur with a wealth of experience. We all have such experiences to talk of, but sadly not the skills or the humour for it. Reading his books reminds me of simpler times and pleasanter people than those that I get to meet presently. Maybe the people have become coarser or I have become jilted over the years. Nevertheless, this anthology should be a must read for admirers of English fiction. Sometimes simplicity in itself is also a style. You don't need the sensuous lyricism of Conrad to make your stories stick to the readers' hearts and minds.
June 19, 2023
“And when all the wars are done,a butterfly will still be beautiful.”
We take a trip down the memory lane and Ruskin Bond recollects some of his eventful incidents of school life. The book has 16 heartwarming and hilarious stories.
“Those who do not read are the unfortunate ones. There’s nothing wrong with them, but they are missing out on one of life’s compensations and rewards.”
Although most of them are about ghostly encounters there are others where he speaks about his adorable father, his mischievous friends and eccentric teachers. He talks about his passion for reading and writing and his unsupportive environment. The narration is vivid and beautiful, never a dull sentence.
A fulfilling book for everyone and anyone.
“But being alone as a matter of choice is one of life’s pleasures."
We take a trip down the memory lane and Ruskin Bond recollects some of his eventful incidents of school life. The book has 16 heartwarming and hilarious stories.
“Those who do not read are the unfortunate ones. There’s nothing wrong with them, but they are missing out on one of life’s compensations and rewards.”
Although most of them are about ghostly encounters there are others where he speaks about his adorable father, his mischievous friends and eccentric teachers. He talks about his passion for reading and writing and his unsupportive environment. The narration is vivid and beautiful, never a dull sentence.
A fulfilling book for everyone and anyone.
“But being alone as a matter of choice is one of life’s pleasures."
Read
May 25, 2025We get out of life what we bring to it. There is not a dream which may not come true if we have the energy which determines our own fate. We can always get what we want if we will it intensely enough. So few people succeed greatly because so few people conceive a great end, working towards it without giving up. We all know that the man who works steadily for money gets rich; the man who works day and night for fame or power reaches his goal. And those who work for deeper, more spiritual achievements will find them too. It may come when we no longer have any use for it, but if we have been willing it long enough, it will come!
October 27, 2023
A heart warming , cute and a lovely collection of fun stories that are amazing to read and rejoice. There were som stories that I have read before but , rest of what I read were fantastic. Somehow , Bond sir’s simple magic is seen in all of his stories, makes you feel warm and happy and so so good from inside… you always are sporting a smile on your face while reading his books!! ☺️☺️☺️🥹
I deliberately read it slow and took it on my vacation and enjoyed reading it in the time I was getting fantastic ☺️☺️
I deliberately read it slow and took it on my vacation and enjoyed reading it in the time I was getting fantastic ☺️☺️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews