Catching them young

Learning ‘Parsipanu’ with Meher and Sarosh by Silloo Mehta. Published in 2011 by The Mazdayasnie Connection, 79, Heritage, Irvine, California, USA. Pp: 332. Price: Rs 1,500.

A colorful coffee table book for children inculcating the finer aspects of religion and religious life is a welcome addition to the scarce pool of books available for young readers. Learning ‘Parsipanu’ with Meher and Sarosh by Silloo Mehta is one such rarity, a beautifully designed book which will definitely catch the fancy of young and old alike. Mehta has put into the book her lifetime work and experience in dealing with children and teaching them religion.

The purpose of the book, according to the Foreword, is to answer basic existential questions as also to provide answers to frequently asked questions about the religion and religious life. However, the book uses many technical terms and several abstract concepts which may make it difficult for casual readers to understand.

Silloo Mehta: religious stories for children

The blurb on the title page describes the book as "A complete package of Parsi lifestyle. An understanding of the religion, history and culture to rekindle faith and devotion in the young and the old.” And a complete package it is. However in an attempt to pack in as much as possible it has missed the point that if it is essentially meant to be a children’s book it has to be child friendly. Unlike other children’s books, it is too bulky and unwieldy. Thus the plus point of the book of being "a complete package” works against it, as too much is cram­med into it.

The book’s utility increases manifold on account of the innumerable interesting activities and work papers it contains for children. The parents’ page adds a new dimension and shows how they can spend productive time with the kids and instil in them values and knowledge of the religion. It also guides one regarding ways in which the book can be utilized and highlights family activities that can be undertaken.

The book covers many interesting topics like sudreh-kusti, navjote, forgiveness, atash, rituals, prayers, yazatas, ameshaspentas, Prophet Zarathushtra, religious calendar, festivals and traditions in the form of dialogs between children and elders. However, sometimes one feels that too much information is contained in a single chapter.

There are about five short skits on Iranian history, life of the Prophet as well as about religious education and morals. There are many other little titbits of religious and spiritual information which are both helpful as well as practical. The history section, covering the five main Iranian dynasties and more, though quite brief is well rounded up and gives a fair overview of history to a child. The book also covers the contemporary culture of Iran which is unique, interesting, informative and fascinating.

The section on saints and sages covers kings and saints from pre-historic times up to modern times. Shahnameh stories with beautiful and aesthetic pictures will definitely be lapped up by the young ones and will help the elders to tell bedtime stories to children. The two pictorial stories will enthuse young children to read the book themselves. However, some pictures have been repeated in the book.

ERVAD (Dr) RAMIYAR KARANJIA