The Buzz

When grown-ups presume to know what is good for children,they come up with inflictions like green vegetables,algebra — or,ugh,a visit to an art museum. A book that wants to introduce them to one of India’s best artists too runs the risk of being dismissed by a yawn. But Barefoot Husain takes up the challenge and makes M.F. Husain fun. Jai is on a visit to a museum when he finds Husain forlorn because he can’t find his shoes. Rotten luck,really,when he has promised sister Zubaida to turn up at an art show,shod in leather for once. Off go the two on a hunt for the shoes,from the dizzying heights where the artist painted film hoardings to the sets of Gaja Gamini. The artwork by Menon is delightful,with the waxy-crayony feel of childhood.

There are three other books in this series: on Raja Ravi Varma,Jamini Roy and Amrita Sher-Gil. Art books that familiarise children with Monet’s lilies or Mondrian’s rectangles are a rage in the West. Cheer the fact that your children can now be wooed into the world of Indian masters. The production quality,design and artwork are excellent. The text of the three books,though,could have been more engaging. How fascinated can a child be about art restoration (in the book on Varma) and fakes (Roy)?