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Children of Mama Asili
When a ten-year-old Tanya discovers a mysterious, furry creature in her balcony, unbeknownst of its identity or origin, she embraces it into her life and unknowingly changes the course of her world’s history.
The world little Tanya has inherited is centred around the fictional and futuristic colony of Kalpana Nagar, nestled somewhere in the locale of South Delhi, in the year 2050. It’s a land of flying advertisement drones and creeping city sludge, of miniature wearable ‘computers’ and lofty mountains of garbage. It’s where a strict Mamma and a kind, old ‘Jiji’ complete Tanya’s family and where, without telling them, Tanya hopes to rear a new family member, who she’s innocently taken to be her little brother.
But the gutsy girl doesn’t realise that she and her ‘brother’ are separated by over 40 million years of evolution and in this fast choking world, there might not be a place for two little children of Mother Nature, or as an old African poacher likes to call her ‘Mama Asili’.
The world little Tanya has inherited is centred around the fictional and futuristic colony of Kalpana Nagar, nestled somewhere in the locale of South Delhi, in the year 2050. It’s a land of flying advertisement drones and creeping city sludge, of miniature wearable ‘computers’ and lofty mountains of garbage. It’s where a strict Mamma and a kind, old ‘Jiji’ complete Tanya’s family and where, without telling them, Tanya hopes to rear a new family member, who she’s innocently taken to be her little brother.
But the gutsy girl doesn’t realise that she and her ‘brother’ are separated by over 40 million years of evolution and in this fast choking world, there might not be a place for two little children of Mother Nature, or as an old African poacher likes to call her ‘Mama Asili’.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2019
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 30, 2020
We often talk about how badly we’re treating our environment and usurping its natural resources for our benefit. However, have we ever realised how our future will look like when nature turns it back at us for this unforgivable plunder? Umpteen plant and animal species are extinct now, how many more will get added to the list in a few decades? This book tries to show us this bleak but real picture.
What this book is about?
Set in 2050, this book introduces us to a world where technology has progressed rapidly but humans live in dire atmospheric conditions. Wearing masks is a norm, pollution has ruined everything from food to quality of life and many animals are only heard of. Despite everything, people are as mean to each other as ever.
Tanya, the child protagonist, lives with her mother and caretaker Jiji in a fictional colony located in South Delhi. One rainy night she chances upon a mysterious creature and welcomes it in her world as her younger brother, unknowingly playing a key part in the survival of a species fast nearing extinction.
What worked for me?
I restrained myself from finding the meaning of the title and it was a wise decision since I approached this book with no prejudices. The long story moves at a brisk pace and packs in punches at regular intervals. One can’t help applauding Tanya for her bravery while mentally reprimanding her for being a brat at times. The whole twist about China added layers to this book while reiterating the untold fact that ‘we’re all in it together’ and probably deserve it too.
The author has stressed on the consequences of climate change in a subtle but effective way. The innocent attachment between Tanya and her brother is proof that love transcends difference in species too. The gruesome treatment meted out to animals is uncomfortably graphic but drives the point home. The author’s writing style is engaging and intelligent. I hope he writes more on this topic.
What this book is about?
Set in 2050, this book introduces us to a world where technology has progressed rapidly but humans live in dire atmospheric conditions. Wearing masks is a norm, pollution has ruined everything from food to quality of life and many animals are only heard of. Despite everything, people are as mean to each other as ever.
Tanya, the child protagonist, lives with her mother and caretaker Jiji in a fictional colony located in South Delhi. One rainy night she chances upon a mysterious creature and welcomes it in her world as her younger brother, unknowingly playing a key part in the survival of a species fast nearing extinction.
What worked for me?
I restrained myself from finding the meaning of the title and it was a wise decision since I approached this book with no prejudices. The long story moves at a brisk pace and packs in punches at regular intervals. One can’t help applauding Tanya for her bravery while mentally reprimanding her for being a brat at times. The whole twist about China added layers to this book while reiterating the untold fact that ‘we’re all in it together’ and probably deserve it too.
The author has stressed on the consequences of climate change in a subtle but effective way. The innocent attachment between Tanya and her brother is proof that love transcends difference in species too. The gruesome treatment meted out to animals is uncomfortably graphic but drives the point home. The author’s writing style is engaging and intelligent. I hope he writes more on this topic.
Read
June 21, 2019A book set in 2050 Delhi. What could be a sensational, apocalyptic piece about the future is nuanced and surprisingly gentle. The characters are very human—as opposed to the robotic humanoids you might expect to see in a book about the future—and the descriptions of their interactions are often very witty and gently ironic.
But that doesn’t mean that the author evades the reality of what has become of the planet: he describes acid rainstorms, putrid underground cities and a plummeting number of species. As scary as these earthly conditions may be, what is really terrifying is that they are described in such a matter-of-fact way: it appears to be the new normal as perceived by its inhabitants.
This compelling and extremely humane story is seen through the eyes of Tanya, a lonely girl who lacks meaningful connections with the people in her life. She does connect with a furry creature, however—the last of a dying species—and their sibling-like relationship brings out the courage and determination of the young protagonist.
The book is a terrifying look into the future and at the same time it suggests that the qualities of empathy and valor may have a chance of surviving in the worst of times.
But that doesn’t mean that the author evades the reality of what has become of the planet: he describes acid rainstorms, putrid underground cities and a plummeting number of species. As scary as these earthly conditions may be, what is really terrifying is that they are described in such a matter-of-fact way: it appears to be the new normal as perceived by its inhabitants.
This compelling and extremely humane story is seen through the eyes of Tanya, a lonely girl who lacks meaningful connections with the people in her life. She does connect with a furry creature, however—the last of a dying species—and their sibling-like relationship brings out the courage and determination of the young protagonist.
The book is a terrifying look into the future and at the same time it suggests that the qualities of empathy and valor may have a chance of surviving in the worst of times.
August 15, 2020
I remember reading 'Panchtantra' stories as a child. For me, two things matter the most in a story meant for children. One is imagination and second is a meaningful message. The author has managed to achieve both. We often wonder what the future would look like with our depleting natural resources and extinction of endangered species. The author has used vivid descriptions to create this world and it is hard to believe it is his first novel! The language is simple and the narration is effective. The cover is beautiful. The title is mysterious. The story has been written with passion for a cause. Looking forward to many more books by Sarthak Parashar!
July 2, 2020
In the prevailing situation, when young generation is busy with mobiles and net, a young writer spreads his wings of imagination in the future world, amalgamating science innocence and loneliness in a humane way, weiving a perfect story worth reading.
March 23, 2020
Have you ever felt so at peace, so satisfied after reading a book that you just can’t express the feeling?
We’ll, I’m glad I got a chance to experience this feeling after reading the book “Children of Mama Asili” by Sarthak Parashar.
The book is purely magical! It takes you on the beautiful journey of a kid named Tanya and her little brother whom she meets in her balcony for the first time, on a rainy night. The story begins with Jiji narrating a bedtime Panchatantra story to Tanya from the book her father had gifted her, the imagery this book creates for a reader helps the reader connect with the storyline in the best way possible.
As for the genre, you can’t call it a children’s story, it is a fictional plot but with quite a realistic approach, and the author has taken special efforts to keep a thin line between fact and fiction, and has also differentiated between the two at the end of the story.
The story has a deeper meaning to it which somehow resonated with the current corona virus situation. The book tells us that the way we’re depleting the natures resources, it’s gonna fight back someday and that won’t result in humans’ favour, just as we’re facing the nature’s toll on humans in the form of Covid-19
So I somewhere felt that the author has a distant vision which is clearly evident in the story, the way he depicts the scenario of Delhi-2050 is beyond our imagination but all of it makes sense, the smog, the face masks, underground cities and much more.
I absolutely enjoyed every bit of the book and also pondered upon the hidden message. We all should do our bit to save the environment and nature in the most original way possible.
Thank you Sarthak, for such a lovely curation. It’s one of the best books for adults as well as kids to teach some values to them and an eye opener for adults.
We’ll, I’m glad I got a chance to experience this feeling after reading the book “Children of Mama Asili” by Sarthak Parashar.
The book is purely magical! It takes you on the beautiful journey of a kid named Tanya and her little brother whom she meets in her balcony for the first time, on a rainy night. The story begins with Jiji narrating a bedtime Panchatantra story to Tanya from the book her father had gifted her, the imagery this book creates for a reader helps the reader connect with the storyline in the best way possible.
As for the genre, you can’t call it a children’s story, it is a fictional plot but with quite a realistic approach, and the author has taken special efforts to keep a thin line between fact and fiction, and has also differentiated between the two at the end of the story.
The story has a deeper meaning to it which somehow resonated with the current corona virus situation. The book tells us that the way we’re depleting the natures resources, it’s gonna fight back someday and that won’t result in humans’ favour, just as we’re facing the nature’s toll on humans in the form of Covid-19
So I somewhere felt that the author has a distant vision which is clearly evident in the story, the way he depicts the scenario of Delhi-2050 is beyond our imagination but all of it makes sense, the smog, the face masks, underground cities and much more.
I absolutely enjoyed every bit of the book and also pondered upon the hidden message. We all should do our bit to save the environment and nature in the most original way possible.
Thank you Sarthak, for such a lovely curation. It’s one of the best books for adults as well as kids to teach some values to them and an eye opener for adults.
March 23, 2020
They have been an inspiration to us… don’t let them become a story to coming generations…. Save tigers!!!
.
Suppose a situation where our next generation will watch a creature on digital media & ask you - Who is this big striped animal?
.
Children of mama asili by sarthak Parashar raises a big question on the present scenario. The poaching of endangered animals is a great concern for the environment as well as for humanity. Human has always been dependent on nature and as a result of their ambitions, they have done a lot of harm by exploiting it excessively. As a result, the balance of nature has deteriorated and the human being is suffering.
The story of the year 2050 is the story of Tanya Sharma who presents a detailed picture of the future. Tanya gets a cub a day. Truthfully ignorant Tanya hides him from the family and raises him. Unaware of her dreadful being, she keeps him like a younger brother. The first part of the story narrates Tanya's childhood where her mischievousness and naivety nature wins the reader's heart.
As Tanya grows up, the future world is seen through her eyes. The cub turns into a tiger and it becomes difficult for Tanya to follow it.
The story of Tanya, highlighting the natural imbalance, brings the subject of concern to the reader.
The actual message of this story is deep. It initiates a chain of thoughts regarding climate change & environment imbalance.
Result of deep research & transforming the facts into fiction author did a marvellous job by putting serious issues in such a satisfying manner.
.
Suppose a situation where our next generation will watch a creature on digital media & ask you - Who is this big striped animal?
.
Children of mama asili by sarthak Parashar raises a big question on the present scenario. The poaching of endangered animals is a great concern for the environment as well as for humanity. Human has always been dependent on nature and as a result of their ambitions, they have done a lot of harm by exploiting it excessively. As a result, the balance of nature has deteriorated and the human being is suffering.
The story of the year 2050 is the story of Tanya Sharma who presents a detailed picture of the future. Tanya gets a cub a day. Truthfully ignorant Tanya hides him from the family and raises him. Unaware of her dreadful being, she keeps him like a younger brother. The first part of the story narrates Tanya's childhood where her mischievousness and naivety nature wins the reader's heart.
As Tanya grows up, the future world is seen through her eyes. The cub turns into a tiger and it becomes difficult for Tanya to follow it.
The story of Tanya, highlighting the natural imbalance, brings the subject of concern to the reader.
The actual message of this story is deep. It initiates a chain of thoughts regarding climate change & environment imbalance.
Result of deep research & transforming the facts into fiction author did a marvellous job by putting serious issues in such a satisfying manner.
April 13, 2020
Children of mama asili is a simple yet thought provoking read.
Mama asili is anything what we choose it to be. We may call it soil, soul, earth, god or anything but it's literal meaning is mother nature.
Story is placed in year 2050 and it begins with Jiji narrating panchtantra story while residing at her apartment located in a fictional colony of Kalpana nagar, a place in South Delhi. Soon a 10 year old girl, Tanya finds a furry creature, whom she later on calls her brother and she secretly starts raising him, little did she knew her brother is not a human being but a last specie of an animal who is supposed to have been extinct.
This book questions our way of living. We humans are known for deteriorating our mother nature for the sole purpose if minting money, we exploit it's resources for our benefits and eventually blame earth for the same.
Language anf vocabulary throughout the book has been kept simple yet meaningful. Narration is smooth and linear with a cute and attractive cover page.
Rating: 4/5
Mama asili is anything what we choose it to be. We may call it soil, soul, earth, god or anything but it's literal meaning is mother nature.
Story is placed in year 2050 and it begins with Jiji narrating panchtantra story while residing at her apartment located in a fictional colony of Kalpana nagar, a place in South Delhi. Soon a 10 year old girl, Tanya finds a furry creature, whom she later on calls her brother and she secretly starts raising him, little did she knew her brother is not a human being but a last specie of an animal who is supposed to have been extinct.
This book questions our way of living. We humans are known for deteriorating our mother nature for the sole purpose if minting money, we exploit it's resources for our benefits and eventually blame earth for the same.
Language anf vocabulary throughout the book has been kept simple yet meaningful. Narration is smooth and linear with a cute and attractive cover page.
Rating: 4/5
March 17, 2020
I love it's animated cover design. It's a story with a strong message. It's not just a story but alesson for all of us. Story is set in the year 2050 , where nature is going downhill. Tanya , a 10yo who innocently shelters a furry , mysterious creature in her balcony and that decision changes her world. I think everyone should read this book , it's beautiful , innocent and much more than just a story. Overall I loved this book. Good characters , engaging plot , good pace and a strong message. It'll help see the different side of nature of jungle. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2020
Any story that involves a girl just like my younger version raising a wild ferocious animal(can't reveal because of suspense involved) which is already extinct in the world's eyes, on her own, as if it were her brother had to grab my full attention.
But this book offers more than an enticing storyline or good vocabulary.
It draws attention towards how trivial one's time of existence is as compared to planet Earth already giving tests of survival from billions of years ago. So my birth as a human gives me a right to enjoy these resources but not alter or exploit them.
But this book offers more than an enticing storyline or good vocabulary.
It draws attention towards how trivial one's time of existence is as compared to planet Earth already giving tests of survival from billions of years ago. So my birth as a human gives me a right to enjoy these resources but not alter or exploit them.
August 25, 2020
This genuinely is a must read book for all adults and kids in my humble opinion, let me enumerate the reasons why😊
.
So far we have only talked about the repercussions of the harm we are causing to Mother Nature today by disrupting her equilibrium but this books realistically shows what are future generations will actually face if we don’t stop, in the form of a beautifully weaved fictional tale
.
The premise of the book is very pure and sweet. How the 10 year old protagonist Tanya saves the little one of an almost extinct species and accepts it as her little brother is extremely heart touching and teaches us a beautiful lesson on happily co-existing with all flora and fauna
.
The young author has incredibly weaved the meaningful fiction keeping it closest to human sentiments along with giving us subtle warnings on what we are doing to the world we are living it and that what pain we will leave our future generations who will battle the worst environment ever
.
The story is set in 2050 in a fictitious colony is South Delhi where the protagonist Tanya lives with her mother and caregiver Jiji. Since I too reside in South Delhi, I could relate to the impeccable narration with ease and the rapid pace of the book kept me on toes to see what the little brat does next
.
This book is a candid read for elder kids too and the language is crisp, engaging and entertaining too, both me and my son are voracious readers and we genuinely
loved this book 😊
.
So far we have only talked about the repercussions of the harm we are causing to Mother Nature today by disrupting her equilibrium but this books realistically shows what are future generations will actually face if we don’t stop, in the form of a beautifully weaved fictional tale
.
The premise of the book is very pure and sweet. How the 10 year old protagonist Tanya saves the little one of an almost extinct species and accepts it as her little brother is extremely heart touching and teaches us a beautiful lesson on happily co-existing with all flora and fauna
.
The young author has incredibly weaved the meaningful fiction keeping it closest to human sentiments along with giving us subtle warnings on what we are doing to the world we are living it and that what pain we will leave our future generations who will battle the worst environment ever
.
The story is set in 2050 in a fictitious colony is South Delhi where the protagonist Tanya lives with her mother and caregiver Jiji. Since I too reside in South Delhi, I could relate to the impeccable narration with ease and the rapid pace of the book kept me on toes to see what the little brat does next
.
This book is a candid read for elder kids too and the language is crisp, engaging and entertaining too, both me and my son are voracious readers and we genuinely
loved this book 😊
April 28, 2025
This book is set in a dystopian future where extinction has eroded much of the world’s natural heritage. The novel opens with a brief reference to Panchatantra tales. For me, this early gesture framed how the story quietly engages with ANTHROPOMORPHISM (might not as its central theme, but as a subtle undercurrent)
Tanya, the little protagonist, finds a supposedly extinct orphaned cub and instinctively adopts him as a brother, without imposing any human expectations on him. She just accepts Bittu’s wild instincts despite the unfamiliarity. This shows the innate emotional maturity that children often possess.
What worked for me was the novel's reflection on the complexity of emotional attachment to the non-human world.Tanya’s relationship with Bittu is deeply personal. She considers him as an individual, not as a symbol of an endangered species. Her love wasn't for a cause, but for him, just him. Her indifference toward broader conservation efforts contrasts with Mr. Mandima’s pragmatic detachment, which prioritizes the survival of species over individual lives.
What I loved most about the book is how softly it addresses the balance between the beauty of attachment- an interspecies bond on a personal level, and the necessity of detachment- the most crucial tool for the unbiased conservation of the overall ecosystem.
a really engaging read! :)
Tanya, the little protagonist, finds a supposedly extinct orphaned cub and instinctively adopts him as a brother, without imposing any human expectations on him. She just accepts Bittu’s wild instincts despite the unfamiliarity. This shows the innate emotional maturity that children often possess.
What worked for me was the novel's reflection on the complexity of emotional attachment to the non-human world.Tanya’s relationship with Bittu is deeply personal. She considers him as an individual, not as a symbol of an endangered species. Her love wasn't for a cause, but for him, just him. Her indifference toward broader conservation efforts contrasts with Mr. Mandima’s pragmatic detachment, which prioritizes the survival of species over individual lives.
What I loved most about the book is how softly it addresses the balance between the beauty of attachment- an interspecies bond on a personal level, and the necessity of detachment- the most crucial tool for the unbiased conservation of the overall ecosystem.
a really engaging read! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
"Pray all you want holy man, but the laws of jungle are holier than your god."
A book set in 2050's though the time stamp I first encountered was 23rd April 2043.
Year of 2050, extinction of tigers, nature at the brink of annihilation and unbalanced cycle of nature.
This novel is not a mere story, but endeavor to preserve nature and bring awareness among readers.
Author Sarthak Parashar merges down the essence of a children classic to what we can say into a worthy book, targeting a cause.
I realized the feeling of subtle rhythm among the plot and narration from the beginning of the book. It slowly builds the momentum to bring forth what you might not expect easily.
The narration and storytelling are appealing, the vocab set used is not stressed and I like this that it is written as an easy read rather than getting into a professional style piece of writing.
The way things are embedded into the story makes it so natural that's why I praise the rhythm of this book
The best thing I could tell you without giving spoiler is the way "The Mysterious Furry creature" was introduced, just after a pause. Neither too late nor too early.
The timing of the element introduction is very nice and the story is ell crafted to bring an impact to the reader.
But I feel that somewhere there is a lack of emotional connectivity.
The topic that is used in this book and the way they are represented is so catchy that if a reader connects to them with a normal reading style, I expect there could have been a lot of stuff done with the presentation.
If the emotional connection between the reader and the plot, (not the subject as it is there) the impact and the grip would have gone ten folds.
Despite being a decent read of almost 300 pages, it seems like a short read.
There were few things which were not acceptable, as the story is set in 2050, I hardly see any of some revolutionary stuff or concept which the reader expects when the word future comes to mind.
But as it is not science fiction I don't stress this out and can tolerate.
It is a 4 star read for me but I like it very much, it is a book for a cause and a purpose, there are very few books which are written not for the purpose of popularity, earning, or come out of natural time cause, but this one is a natural piece of work and holds a purpose, and at the same time it appeals the reader.
If you like books like Black Beauty and Poonachi I suggest you look into this one.
Happy Reading!
A book set in 2050's though the time stamp I first encountered was 23rd April 2043.
Year of 2050, extinction of tigers, nature at the brink of annihilation and unbalanced cycle of nature.
This novel is not a mere story, but endeavor to preserve nature and bring awareness among readers.
Author Sarthak Parashar merges down the essence of a children classic to what we can say into a worthy book, targeting a cause.
I realized the feeling of subtle rhythm among the plot and narration from the beginning of the book. It slowly builds the momentum to bring forth what you might not expect easily.
The narration and storytelling are appealing, the vocab set used is not stressed and I like this that it is written as an easy read rather than getting into a professional style piece of writing.
The way things are embedded into the story makes it so natural that's why I praise the rhythm of this book
The best thing I could tell you without giving spoiler is the way "The Mysterious Furry creature" was introduced, just after a pause. Neither too late nor too early.
The timing of the element introduction is very nice and the story is ell crafted to bring an impact to the reader.
But I feel that somewhere there is a lack of emotional connectivity.
The topic that is used in this book and the way they are represented is so catchy that if a reader connects to them with a normal reading style, I expect there could have been a lot of stuff done with the presentation.
If the emotional connection between the reader and the plot, (not the subject as it is there) the impact and the grip would have gone ten folds.
Despite being a decent read of almost 300 pages, it seems like a short read.
There were few things which were not acceptable, as the story is set in 2050, I hardly see any of some revolutionary stuff or concept which the reader expects when the word future comes to mind.
But as it is not science fiction I don't stress this out and can tolerate.
It is a 4 star read for me but I like it very much, it is a book for a cause and a purpose, there are very few books which are written not for the purpose of popularity, earning, or come out of natural time cause, but this one is a natural piece of work and holds a purpose, and at the same time it appeals the reader.
If you like books like Black Beauty and Poonachi I suggest you look into this one.
Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews