Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful and reflective mood. Today’s writing prompt took me on a sweet, nostalgic journey that rekindled the joy of my childhood.

The question—“Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?”—opened a treasure trove of memories, laughter, wonder, and imagination. And yes, I do remember. My heart still dances at the thought of one name—“Chandamama.”

Yes, that was Chandamama time.

In the quiet corners of my childhood home, after the day’s play was done and the night had fallen like a soft blanket, I would lie in bed with my little lamp glowing faintly beside me. That was my time—Chandamama time.

While many books came and went during those early years, Chandamama was the one that etched its stories deep into my heart.

It wasn’t just a book—it was a gateway to faraway lands, talking animals, brave kings, clever children, and enchanted forests.

Back then, the purpose of reading was both educational and entertaining. Our parents and teachers encouraged reading to sharpen our minds, enrich our vocabulary, and stimulate our imagination.

We had storybooks, school textbooks, moral tales, comics like Amar Chitra Katha, and even science magazines, but Chandamama stood out with its blend of mythology, adventure, and wisdom—all wrapped in colorful illustrations and storytelling finesse.

Each edition was a carefully crafted collection of stories rooted in Indian folklore and culture, mixed with fantasy and morals.

Whether it was the tale of the ever-wise Vikram and Betaal, the daring feats of princes and princesses, or the stories of divine beings and tricky demons, Chandamama had the rare ability to entertain and educate at once.

Reading it became a nightly ritual.

The calm silence of the night made the stories come alive even more vividly. As the crickets chirped outside and the soft rustle of leaves swayed with the wind, I would dive into that magical world.

Sometimes I’d laugh, sometimes I’d bite my nails in suspense, and sometimes I’d fall asleep with the book still open on my chest.

Looking back, I now realize how powerful those stories were. They subtly taught values like honesty, bravery, humility, patience, and kindness.

They spoke about the consequences of greed, the rewards of wisdom, and the strength of good over evil.

Unlike the flashy digital content of today, these stories spoke softly but profoundly. They shaped the very way I looked at the world.

That makes childhood special

What makes childhood reading so special is that books don’t just offer stories—they offer companionship. At that tender age, every page feels like a friend, every character like a confidant.

Books don’t judge or scold; they simply let you be. And when a book becomes your favorite, it’s not just for its plot or pictures. It becomes your secret world—safe, magical, and uniquely yours.

Even today, if I happen to find an old copy of Chandamama in a second-hand bookstore or online archive, a wave of emotion sweeps over me.

I may now be grown up, reading more complex literature or writing blogs and poems, but that innocent joy of childhood reading remains unmatched.

That was a time when stories weren’t about escape—they were about exploration, learning, and dreaming.

Children are surrounded by screens

In today’s digital age, children are surrounded by screens, quick videos, and instant gratification. But I believe there’s still immense power in the simple act of reading a book.

If you’re a parent or grandparent reading this, I urge you to introduce your young ones to the magic of books. Tell them about the joy of turning pages, of feeling the weight of a story in their hands, of being transported without ever leaving the bed.

So yes, when someone asks, “Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?” my eyes light up and my heart says, “Chandamama.” It was more than a book—it was a companion, a teacher, a storyteller, and a dream weaver.

And perhaps, deep down, it still is.

What about you? Do you remember your favorite book from childhood? Did it make you laugh, cry, or dream?

Take a moment today to revisit that memory—it might just bring a tear of joy to your eye.
(All pics courtesy: Google.com)

With warmth and nostalgia,
Vijay . Verma
(retiredkalam.com – where memories meet meaning)

Categories: infotainment

Tags: #भावना, #Childhood, book-review, books, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-1959, featured, reading, writing