4.0_Maverick_final_compressed_compressed_compressed

In the words of Ada Adams - “There is a light at the end of every tunnel.” Holds true in Mr. Mir Suhail’s pain ng, Depicts dark clouds of the looming pandemic, Portrays hope at the hopeless me, Combats the feelings of powerlessness; By building the ul mate Bridge of con nuity And making schools a utopia. Cover Page by guest illustrator - Mir Suhail Mir Suhail is a poli cal cartoonist and illustrator based in New York City. He is from Indian-occupied Kashmir, where he grew up and started his poli cal cartooning career drawing for a local daily at the age of fourteen. He has since drawn cartoons for leading print and digital news media, magazines, publishers and non-profit organiza ons in the Indian sub-con nent and interna onally including for CNN-News 18, The Caravan Magazine, Amnesty Interna onal, Ac on Aid and Save the Children. His work has been profiled in the Raiot, BBC and Al-Jazeera English amongst other publica ons. All material and illustra ons in this magazine are copyright of The Somaiya School. No material, in full or part maybe reproduced without the explicit wri en consent from the school Authori es. All opinions expressed herewith are of the author only. Some images / illustra ons have been taken from royalty free pictures of the World Wide Web.

Our Founder Padmabhushan Pujya Shriman Karamshibhai Jethabhai Somaiya 16.05.1902 to 09.05.1999



From the Desk of Maverick Team … We had a goal that had been set We put in all the time we could get So no matter what the odds were to be We don't compromise on our quality We had to prove that even If the world was locked Our minds and creativity remained unblocked A new team was chosen and tasks given out Tons of ideas to think about Though communication was on laptop screens We started finding out different means As the stories, poems, opinions, all came We set out to present and reframe Straight since when it all had begun The journey has been long yet fun And a result of all this effort you and us spent To you, we would like to present

Saommiariya President | Somaiya Vidyavihar Dear Students, Last year was a crazy year. The world has changed in ways that we had only read about in books. Many families have been affected by the pandemic. Many of us have lost our loved ones, or have known some who have suffered the virus. The virus has exposed gaps in our health care systems and also brought out the best in many of our front line workers as they worked to help us fight the virus. But so much for things that have been sad. Travel came to a standstill. We took the opportunity to walk in the woods. As a family, we spent time in Mahabaleshwar and walked daily. We walked in the forests, on the paths often used by villagers or in many cases, jungle animals. Often, we needed to keep visual cues along the way, so that we would be able to find our way back.

Similarly, we started hiking in the hills in Palghar district. Takmak Gadh on one weekend, and Bahrot Caves on another. Lovely forests and amazing biodiversity. Biodiversity we must preserve. For ourselves and for its own sake. But we saw trash in so many places. Why do we 'trash' everything. We keep our homes clean, but isn't this State, this country, this planet our home. One of the articles in maverick 5.0 One, one such trip, we visited a 900-year-old Gond palace in the Vindhyachal forests. Beautiful. On a trek we ran into a Buddhist site where King Ashoka is said to have visited when he was a prince. History and heritage are everywhere. While we create our future, we should also preserve our heritage, and heritage is in our forests, our animals, our architecture, our dress, our culture, our music, our language and so much more. I do hope that the pandemic goes away soon. We are all longing for what was. But the world has changed. Technology has shown us that we can function remotely. Technology has also shown that vaccines can be created quickly. We have to learn from this to make digital access to learning and access to health care more equitable. And while we embrace the benefits of technology, let us also learn to get closer to nature and enjoy and preserve the world we live in. And of course, we all hope for a quick return to meeting and attending school in person. Last year, I mentioned that 'The pandemic is here, and this too shall pass'. It will pass. The world has changed as it always does.

From Principal's Desk As I write this, we are in the second year of lockdown. The world is facing the most significant catastrophe, a situation that we are struggling to tame. Many lives are lost, health infrastructure and the economy is depressing. The empty school corridors are mocking us. We are rendered helpless in the face of the pandemic. This bleak circumstance has put our resolve to the test and crushed our spirit. Yet, we have stayed steadfast and adapted. Our homes have been transformed into classrooms and offices. Children have adjusted to virtual schooling and adults to working from home. Pandemic has forced us to make changes in our lifestyles that were long overdue. It has also given us time to pause and rethink our priorities in all spheres of life. There are lessons to be learnt and important decisions to be made.

The 360-degree change in the mode of schooling, which only a year back seemed near impossible, makes us question our content-driven and exam obsessed education system. We will do a disservice to our students if we do not teach them to care for their physical and mental health, value their family and community, nurture relationships, and stand for what's good, not just for them but for the larger society. The Somaiya School, in its 10th year of existence, continues to make a humble attempt to make education a meaningful and transformative experience for all. As an optimist, I have immense faith in the power of change. I am dreaming with my eyes open of a day sooner than later when my students walk through the Somaiya school gates with their enthusiasm and bright smiles. When school is abuzz with the intelligent chatter of learning—the days of packed auditoriums for assemblies, noisy cafeteria, football ground fights and cheering from classrooms for inter-house matches. Looking forward to unmasked, fearless and safe children back in school, doing what they should: learn, play, grow and be happy!! Parveen Shaikh Principal | The Somaiya School

12...................................M. y Last Vacation Before Covid-19 13........................................................ A Huge Relationship 14...............................................Covid 19 A Necessary Virus 16.............................. Rape Cases- A Shame To The Nation 18..................................W.. hat Is I Ran At The Speed Of Light 19........................................... Strokes - Maverick Illustrators 20.....................Dinosaur - Time Machines And What Not ?! 21................................................................................... Jokes 22................................................................ A Dog’s Birthday 23.............................................................My Lovely Teacher 24..............................................................................kuC idla sao 25.............................................................................Who Am I 26....................................................................... Truth Prevails 28...................................................................... Far-far Away 30.....................................................................Defenestrated 32.............................................................Instrumental Music Book Series Review - 33..................................George And His Space Adventures 36....................................... The Dancing Prancing Dinosaur 37............................................................ Photoons Grade 10 56................................................................Cleartyland Story 58............................................My Furry Friends - The Kittens 60................................................................. Laughter Corner 62........................................................... Wearing A Blindfold 63...............................................A Brief History Of Icecream 64..................................................Once Upon A Quarantine 65............................The Naughty Monkey And The Squirrel 66.......................What Is Meant To Be, Always Finds A Way 69.................................................................................A Letter 72.......................................................................... Art Gallery

Clay Work By Pre Primary .................................................74 My Sunday Afternoon. .......................................................75 My Creative Mind...............................................................76 LEGO....................................................................................77 Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.....................................78 Love For Reading................................................................80 Nature of Love ................................................................81 Harmonized Bonds (love For Music).................................82 Embracing Challenges......................................................83 Favorite Food Fight..............................................................86 An Irresistable Emotion: Love............................................88 ivaivaQata ..................................................................................89 First Day Of School After Covid19.......................................90 Warriors Of The World..........................................................92 Others Choices In My Story ..............................................93 The Journey Towards Becoming 'the Art Chef' ...............94 Alumni Wall Of Tss...............................................................96 Sneak Peek Into The French Classroom.........................102 Did We Ever Think..............................................................107 Post Cards From Pre Primar.y.............................................108 Just Imagine .....................................................................114 rasto .....................................................................................115 Sneak Peak Into The Sanskrit Classrooms .....................116 saaÐp saIZI...............................................................................117 Say ChM eeesee ..................................................................118 Go Corona Go...................................................................119 When We Went To A Farm.................................................120 Farewell ............................................................................122 Student Editorial Board ....................................................124 Teacher Editorial Board ...................................................126

My Last vacation In October 2019, during the Diwali Before Covid vacation, my family and I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We went By Atharva Kumarswamy, Grade 1 A to the airport and boarded the 5- hour long flight from Mumbai and Illustrated by Zoha Ansari, Grade 9 A reached the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. From there we boarded another flight to Johor Bahru. Johor Bahru has a huge Lego themed amusement park called Legoland. There were many rides, shows and a miniature display of world-famous heritage spots. I played in a room full of Lego bricks and created so many models! It was a fun filled experience. The next day, we visited the Legoland water park. This was the best day of my life! I went on a roller coaster that ran through a pool of water drenching us completely. I did not get scared or feel dizzy at all! My mother had promised to buy me one Lego toy of my choice as a Diwali gift. I chose the ‘policeman set’. I love playing with it even now after all these months.

A Huge Relationship By Sanchi Sarawagi Grade 4 A Once there was a tree, Which was free. It had a big flower, With a huge shower. The flower was round, And was found. By a boy, Who had a mini toy. Sitting behind the mountain, Looking at a fountain, Also being a sway, As he wanted to play In the sky, With a fly. He saw a girl run, And have fun. Illustrated by Raghav Taneja Grade 4 C

COVID 19 Coronavirus came as a big blow to us wherein the entire nation went under A Necessary lockdown, unaware of its consequences. We have put in strenuous efforts to find its Virus cause and vaccine. By Devika Ramkrishnani, Grade 9 A There are many theories about how the coronavirus has spread among humans. One is about a human eating a bat that already contained the virus. Furthermore, a theory also says that this virus is man- made. Due to lockdown and the virus being immensely contagious, people became frantic, frustrated, and irritated. The virus also brought in unemployment and economic distress; many lost their loved ones. We shouldn’t blame the situation and criticize it. I personally believe that through this virus nature is responding. Moreover, the cruelty and remorseless behaviour of humans have destroyed nature to an extremely high extent. Comparing nature to humans is like

comparing a blue whale to an ant. What Global warming is the worst result of part of nature have the humans not human greed and nature definitely doesn’t touched? They have taken more than they deserve it. Humans do not own this planet deserved but have they really given back as and never will. COVID-19 is just a small much? This describes their greed and hindrance, perhaps the melting glaciers are avaricious attitude. not so slow.... Nature has the competence to swallow the Illustrated by Anoushka Panda, Grade 6 C whole planet in a fraction of seconds. Humans are viewed as intruders who are intruding many habitats. There is a vibration and feeling enunciated by nature which only some can hear. COVID-19 is 100% the fault of humans. Nature is not dependent on these species and doesn’t need their help. Most of the species of flora and fauna are endangered due to our greed and it is us who will be paying the price for it. We have to understand that every single organism on the earth may be big or small and plays a very important role in the ecosystem.

Rape Cases – In 2020, a wave of anger, repulsion and A Shame to the abhorrence enveloped India in response to a Nation gang rape and murder, in which the body of the victim was set alight. How horrific and dreadful! By Aryaman Santosh Grade 10 B Is this what the women of the nation are to face? It sadly seems so. This makes the future look grim, bleak and desolate. Mind you, this wasn’t the only rape case. There have been 8 other reported rape cases in the same week. How many more cases might have gone undiscovered? How many more daughters, wives or mothers might have endured such a barbaric and unprincipled assault? Is this the way one would treat a woman from their own family? No, absolutely not. Then, why would one rape a woman who is someone’s mother, sister or a daughter? For many decades we have fought long and hard to put safety measures in place through special laws, but is the government monitoring the juvenile homes and the women’s shelters? We have special police forces now, to keep a check on Cyber-crimes, harassment and physical abuse of women. But how do we protect the women of this nation from sex predators and uncivilized ruffians? Even though the nation asks a thousand questions every time a rape occurs, where is the political action? When will any substantial implementation of reforms be conducted, to bring a halt to these crimes?

After the global outcry over the brutality of the government boasting about winning the battles December 2012 Delhi rape case, referred to as against rape cases? No. The government has to the Nirbhaya Rape Case, India introduced think and mainly act. stringent rape laws, including death penalties in To sum up, we have read our respected Prime especially horrific cases, and promised to set up Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan “Beti padhao, fast track courts to try rape crimes. However, I beti bachao”. Why don’t we change it to “Beta believe that the situation has not changed padhao, beti bachao?” To me, that seems to be much. the urgent requirement. While protecting women and girls of our nation Rape is immoral. It is unethical. We need to put should be the top agenda of the government, an end to it and I am sure that every civilized ironically, this subject has taken a back seat. In individual agrees with me. that case, introducing the reforms but not implementing them is futile. Yes, there is a dire Illustrated by Radhika Dhavle 11 Sci need to ensure better implementation of these laws. They will help us create a safer environment for women in India by instilling a sense of morality and fear in the minds of perpetrators. Many cases are going undiscovered, and justice is given after several years. Even today in India, many cases are not reported and a handful of cases that are reported, the justice is delayed. The faster we act to implement measures, the lesser the cases will be, and the situation will improve. I would like to conclude by asking one more question. We often see government raving about their success in various fields such as sports, politics, science, but have we seen the



What If I Ran At The Speed Of Light? By Armaan Gupta Grade 8C Light was considered to have unlimited speed, its mass into energy and using that energy as before Albert Einstein published his Theory of speed. For example- the mass of fuel in a vehicle Relativity. Although his theory strongly or machine decreases due to conversion of its suggested that light is the fastest entity in the mass into energy and then into speed. This universe, he never mentioned that light had simple observation or principle makes it clear infinite speed. that at a point, the mass of an object would completely deplete, because all of it would be Albert Einstein answered the question that I am converted into energy to attain the speed limit asking now, when he published the General of the respective object. Theory of Relativity. A few phenomena that he Therefore, for the object to attain greater speed explained beautifully were- time dilation, the (this is to reach the speed of light, because it is photoelectric effect, the fabric of space and obvious that light is going to be faster than the time, and the prediction of a singularity. object), it will have to add more mass to itself for it to convert into energy. This will now turn into According to the General Theory of Relativity, 2 a theoretical situation, instead of a practical one. events would occur if I were able to run at the This process of adding mass to the object to speed of light. reach the speed of light would result in a rather hilarious situation Albert Einstein suggested that any object can only reach a particular amount of speed as per Illustrated by Saina Kini, Grade 8 A its physical speed limit. This physical speed limit is not to be confused with its biological speed limit. A physical speed limit is the maximum energy an object could use in the form of Kinetic energy. How is this physical speed applicable? Each body attains an ‘x’ value of speed only by converting

Dinosaurs, Time Machines and what not?! By Krisha Appannan Grade 1 B Illustrated by Zoha Ansari Grade 9 A If I get a time machine, I would like to travel back to the Dinosaur period, which holds the key to so many questions. I would stand next to the dinosaurs and use all my courage to take a few selfies with them. Also, I would try to find out how these humongous and powerful creatures became extinct and explain the same to everybody because everyone seems to be confused and clueless about it.

Jokes By Dhriyaan Rajesh Grade 3 C Illustrated by Nidhi Bhatt Grade 11 Sci

A Dog’s Birthday! By Bhuvi Rajesh Grade 3 C Today’s a Dog’s Birthday A very special day, Today’s the day a dog was born Today’s a dog’s birthday! Today’s a day to celebrate, A day full of joy, cake and songs For a dog, girl, or boy. Illustrated by Suhan Pawar Grade 2 C Happy Birthday, dear dog You should be very proud This day is just perfect! The song is perfectly loud. Today’s a dog’s birthday, A very special day. Today’s the day a dog was born. Today’s a Dog’s Birthday!

My Lovely Teacher By Niharika Ambekar Grade 7 C You give us the inspiration to read, write and learn, It's you who helps us become good humans and earn. Even if you’re going through a difficult phase, You always have a warm smile glowing on your face. You scold us at times for our faults, But you also respect and appreciate our thoughts. You teach us that knowledge is wealth, You always take good care of our health. You show us the path and become our guide, Every time we swim against the tide. Though you teach us only in our tender years, Yet you make it a lifelong learning without fears You are vital to our lives Illustrated by Anushka Panda Grade 6 C Without you it is difficult to survive. So all I can say is, Thank you for being an integral part of our live.

ByRajniPachouri,TeacherTSS IllustratedbyRishiMehta,Grade8B

Who Am I? By Shivaan Bhanushali Grade 1 C This is a story about a 6 year old boy who loved to build different objects with Lego, his favourite toy set. Every day he would make something new. On one such day he invented two extraordinary machines with Lego for an adventure mission. Before he began his mission, he checked whether the machines were working or not. The first one he made was a TIME MACHINE. The Time Machine takes you to a time period you want to travel to. He also made a PLACE MACHINE this takes you to a place you want to go to. The boy with pride, was all set for his mission. First, he used the TIME MACHINE and pressed a button which took him to the time where he was a mere child of 4 years. He landed in an exciting and vibrant place full of Legos named - LEGOLAND. There he sat in a gigantic roller coaster and had loads of fun. After that he quickly scrambled into his PLACE MACHINE. He pressed a few buttons which took him to the Brabourne stadium. There he played cricket for hours and hours with his favorite cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and learnt many techniques to play better. Soon, he was exhausted and it was time to bid the legendary Sachin Tendulkar goodbye. The boy sat back in his machine and jolted back to the real world. After he came back, he went to sleep dreaming about narrating his incredible adventure to his friends. The next day he eagerly narrated the story to his friends and asked them to guess who that boy was!? All his friends laughed as they knew the answer and shouted out, “SHIVAAAAAANNNN!!!!!” Yes, that’s me! Illustrated by Suhan Pawar Grade 2 A

Truth prevails By Anjali Varma, TSS Teacher \"Truth prevails\" is the national motto of the Czech Republic. If an entire nation of thinking- feeling people can uphold it as their motto and it is a very important aspect of human existence, then we need to stop and pay heed to the callings and trappings of ‘truth’. Truth has always had a troubled history. Revolutions and movements began because of truthful questions asked. By being always discussed and not always adhered to. Truth is well, not much loved, although we would like to say so. It can scare the bravest of hearts. Truth comes across as genderless and rudderless. Worshipped as the highest epitome and pillar of existence, the very balance of ‘truth’ with ‘lies’ forms the basis of every moral story ever written. We do not know when the concept of truth seeped into our evolutionary history. We have been characterized by great idealistic and spiritual awakenings. We have been led by search for justice and truth, which often than not ended with disappointment and disillusion. Why do we ask such uncomfortable ‘true’ questions to ourselves? What is truth then? Is it the real fact which cannot be denied? God has always said that they are the truth and the light. How many of us understood this and adhered to it as strongly as we do not forget to breathe?

Truth is taking a stand for what is. It could be a journalist or an activist coaxing to accept and retrace our path onto the one that may be tough to follow but is the correct one beneficial in the long run. Pontius Pilate asks Jesus point blank, “What is truth?” What a classic question. The voters asked the government during the innumerable scams, “What is truth?”. Our parents ask us, “What is truth?”Can we calmly tell and accept the truth just because it has to be done that way? The essence of acceptance of something as semblance of truth, personifies something and everything that is real. Truth can be hated. If it is denied the right to live then, it is the death of all reality. No use opposing Truth, like the weight that increases upon indulging, it will still manage to come out. By definitions, truth in metaphysics and the philosophy of language, the property of sentences, assertions, beliefs, thoughts, or propositions that are said, in ordinary discourse, to agree with the facts or to state what is the case. There are theories attributed to this ‘Truth’. In any situation, there can be as many descriptions of an event as there are people who experience or share it. People see truth the way they want to see their own truth in the world. So is truth relative? Yes and No. We can have Objective Truth, Normative Truth, Subjective Truth and Complex Truth. So no matter what we consider truth to be ‘true’, because we are conditioned through ages to live with it. It is our very being and our soul and as pure as the dew and as true as the universe. There is yin and yang, black and white and true and lie...no denying that. One has to exist with the other. Because for truth to exist and function, we have to allow the non-truth to be born and execute its plans too…ironical yet, necessary. Truth is life…so no matter what ‘Truth prevails’.

Far-Far Away By Vaishnavi Mairpady, Grade 10 B Come back I say, come by I request Come by and sit beside me I wish, If not as an angel but at least as a dream. So I could have a glance at your beautiful face Come by at your pace. The way you are doesn’t matter your presence will make my day better. With you, every hour was a minute and every minute a second Time goes by so fast, I reckoned. Now that you are gone, Every minute is an hour and every second a minute No one to welcome or smile at Time is no more a limit. The only way to see you Listen to your voice and to feel you, Is to recollect our songs, photos, and memories. Memories we had many, photos almost none We were busy enjoying all the fun. Illustrated by Saina Kini, Grade 8 A

I wait for my time to arrive, When I can unite with you. Heaven or hell with you is the same delight. Come back I say, come by I request. Or take me with you far-far away. Grandpa sat on the usual park bench where he and his wife sat together every day except today, yesterday, and the day before, staring into the clouds with joy. It had not been too long since she passed away in his comforting arms. From the day, he was alone, he recited poems for his wife who was far-far away. Under the evening sky, he delivered his poem reminiscing about his wife.

Defenestrated (Adapted from a Real Experience) By Vishruth Shoba Balaji, Grade 11th Arts It was six-thirty in the evening. The tangerine-coloured sky casted golden shadows on the school compound as my friends and I traipsed across, after an exhausting day. The scary stillness of the setting was compensated for by my prattling companions, while I trudged along, lost in thought about the endless assignments that had been so generously gifted to us by our teachers. Suddenly, a realization dawned upon me and my bags slid to the ground with a soft thud. I had forgotten my art portfolio in the art room, on the sixth floor of the school! Fuming and cursing myself, I pleaded to my friends through gritted teeth “Wait right here. I’ll be back in a second, I promise!” Leaving my groaning companions with bewildered expressions, I raced back into the building and sprinted up the stairs, relying on my instincts to guide me through the ocean of darkness. The only sounds in that spooky environment were those of my panting and running. After kicking the doors of the room open, I clawed blindly at the walls until I found the light switches and flipped them on. My eyes scanned the room and I exhaled the pent-up worry in me when I located the portfolio in a corner. I was about to close the doors and leave, when my body chose, with impeccable timing, to alert me with nature’s calls. Deciding that another two minutes was not too long to make my friends wait, I entered the cold restroom, the clacking of my feet echoing in the silence. I slammed the cubicle door shut, went about my business, and rose to leave. ‘Rattle, rattle, rattle’. The doorknob stubbornly refused to turn. Unwilling to admit the predicament that I might, or hopefully might not be in, I frantically tried to have it out with the doorknob, but it refused to budge. Sheets of opaline perspiration burst forth from my temples.

My animal instincts kicked in as I scratched, pounded and hurled myself against the door, but to no avail. Exhausted, I slumped to the ground like a rag doll. A glimmer of hope shone in my eyes when I saw the window at the other end of the cubicle. It is said that the daredevil within one burst forth in episodes of extreme pressure, much like diamonds. I believed that I could not save myself in any other way. The shivers jogging up and down my spine at the thought of my new plan were suppressed by the surge of adrenaline in my body, as I weighed the benefits and risks. The risks seemed to dangerously outweigh the benefits, but I decided the humiliation of spending an entire night in the school toilet would haunt me for life. I liked to think I was quite athletic too. I threw the windows open and stepped onto a ledge below it.The brown towers seemed to be collapsing and the sun was spinning like a Ferris wheel in the cinnamon-coloured sky which gave me a serious case of vertigo. The cold wind lapped at my neck and ankles, blowing the emptiness of the sky onto my stomach too. Cursing my new plan and its outright stupidity, I decided I’d like to stay alive a little longer and turned to climb back in. Mortified, I watched in slow-motion, as the windows of my cubicle slammed shut in the wind, betraying our friendship and hanging me out to dry. Horses cantered in my chest and blood flushed up to my face. I had no option, but to scooch over to the next cubicle. Squeezing my eyelids shut, I moved inch by inch, grasping the wall with both hands while reinstating my belief in God. Tears escaped my eyes while I let out small whimpers with each step. After what seemed like an eternity, I reached my destination and slithered back in, lying on the floor while my chest heaved up and down, gasping for air. I turned my head towards the door. Although it was an ordinary door for a bathroom stall, they became the gates to heaven when I saw them wide open. I had survived the wildest experience of my life. My stupidity and lack of judgement had shocked me. I vowed to always review any thought a hundred times before I executed it, and not to allow desperation to cloud my decisions. Illustrated by Nidhi Bhatt, Grade 11

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC By Aarohi Shah, Grade 6 C The soft tunes, Ignoring everything around, Whispering out, Trying to reach deep into the soul, Rising are the musical waves, For a good friend thee have found, Music is what life’s about. Heart it has stolen. Hands twirling freely, Still digging and digging, Head swaying side by side, Trying to find the real message The tired brain wanted to hear it keenly, behind it all, With eyes shut tight. Pulling the mind back together, For the music piece itself has said it Nerves never so still, all. Having no message to pass, Ears practicing a calmness drill, All it says is to Listen and Feel While music, forever as soft as grass. Listen to the soft sound, Let the soul of the music be found, The sound drifting afar, and feel the tranquillity around. Soothing everyone it sees, Never ready to say “ au revoir!”it seems. Illustrated by Krish Vakharia Grade 7 B

Book Series Review George and His Space Adventures By Kartik Sharma, Grade 4 B During this period of coronavirus, I have been reading a series of books written by Stephen and Lucy Hawking. I had gotten the first book of the series as a birthday gift. I read the first few pages and it felt like a slow start so I put it away but then again during quarantine, I brought it out to continue reading. On reading further, the story picked up momentum and it turned out to be an action-packed space adventure. I wasn’t able to put it down till I finished it. As the lockdown rolled into several more months, I read all the books in the series. So, I am going to give you all a review about the stories in this series. I will be careful not to give away any spoilers!

George’s secret Key to the Universe: George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt: George, a small boy never expected that he In this book, the two friends learn how to travel was going to be included in a space in space but they don’t know what to do when adventure. He meets Annie who has a they see a strange machine on Mars. They go to talking supercomputer called Cosmos. different planets to figure out who was trying to Cosmos can take them anywhere they steal the Cosmos. They figure out the clues in all want, even to another galaxy! As they the planets and finally solve the mystery. travel in space they realize that someone is trying to steal Cosmos from them. They try George and The Unbreakable Code: to save the super computer The story starts with a weird day where banks starts circulating money for free while markets started George and The Big Bang: selling things for free and planes stopped flying and George and Annie get to know about a so on. Annie and George got to know that new science experiment, which is going to there was an evil scientist who was the be a deadly disaster. They put all their mastermind behind it They try to take him down efforts to try and stop the experiment. with the help of Annie’s father. They become successful in doing so and thankfully are just in time to save the Universe from a second Big Bang. George and The Blue Moon: George and The Ship Of Time: George remains stuck on the spaceship and mTw.isosiofrnientdos get selected for an exciting cannot seem to escape. After a few days he Mars! But, something feels comes back to Earth and feels overjoyed. But when he lands and walks around, he sees loads strange. The camp soon starts to get scarier of barren land, intelligent and advanced robots, strange and genetically modified animals and and scarier. They realize that someone much more. He tries to find out where he is and realizes that he is stuck in the future and wants to send all the cleverest kids to space can’t get back. for various missions. George and Annie rescue the kids back but George gets stuck on the spaceship.

Conclusion In my opinion, this series is a splendid and extremely engaging one. As the story progresses, the book introduces many real images and facts about space crafts, stars, planets and much more. But, the one thing I dislike about the books is that they have a long introduction and the book takes time to pick up pace. I would surely recommend this series to people who love science-fiction and have a keen interest in space and technology.

The Dancing Who said dinosaurs can't dance? Or jump or skip or prance. Singing Dinosaur The lion couple did the tango, The elephants did an elegant ballet, By Sharan Chopra Grade 6B The monkeys did the naughty hip hop, With an added pinch of pop. The dinosaur was the only one Who knew nothing about what is to be done, All the animals laughed it out, Except for the dinosaur, who knew what was it about. He knew he couldn’t dance, Or jump or skip or prance, From Ballet to Bharatanatyam, he tried all the dance forms, But not even one he could perform. He met a mantis, a clever one, Who solved problems for everyone? The mantis asked, “What if the dinosaur could do something else, A hobby like collecting stamps or bells?” The dinosaur thought of this, He felt a wave of bliss, From that day on he stopped dancing and started singing, And you know what? He was great at it. Illustrated by Saina Kini Grade 8A The animals were amazed and let him in “The Great Animal Band”, He was the singer and the others were dancers And the moment they jammed together, It was like a unique family altogether.

of grade 10 & 12