A great mystery book -- sunlight streaming in through the windows -- a peaceful environment -- That's what you need in these winters. And for that I recommend Mustard Seeds Library, operating from a flat in Vidyasagar Niketan, it's a regular place for all the local bookworms. The nice, inviting fresh air of books is always there to greet you. Though it's not as big as the Aurobindo Ashram Children's Library where I used to go it seems just like heaven to me. And always if you have any problem there is Maura Aunty to solve it (though sometimes she's very busy).

Books, competitions, puzzles, card-making, volunteering in eco-work ... really, what is NOT there would be the best thing to ask. Though I have been a member for only a few months, I have come to know the rules and habits of the library. Then, every 3-4 months a brilliant newsletter called Mango Smiles comes out (don't think it's shaped like a mango with a big smile)! In it there are lots of stories, competitions, activities, suggestions for the best websites, interviews, hobby ideas, cultural exchanges, etc. And there's often an eco- or peace poster contest at this time of the year. But books are what it's all about so let's come to the endless range of books -- Shakespeare, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, Enid Blyton, Tintin, Ronald Dahl, J.K.Rowling and all kinds of other what not!! There is also a great stamp collection from Maura Aunty and her friends. Stamps come from all over, from USA to Indonesia, from Japan to Brazil etc, etc. I used to get only two stamps a year and now I have two stamps a day! And my collection is nearly filled.

Can it be true that Maura Aunty is going away? Yes, and it was bad news for all of us in Mustard Seeds to hear that Maura Aunty and her family will head to Japan for two years. We hated to think that all the facilities and entertainment we have here will come to a blunt end in February. But we rejoiced when we heard that an effort will be made to keep the library open at select times, and that the newsletter will go on! Maura Aunty will operate the library from Japan, along with our participation and the help of her friend Mandira, so keep on coming for books and fun is what I say. I'm sure that without her it will not be the same over here, but who knows? Something different might be fun too! I'll keep coming and find out what's next in the Mustard Seeds adventure!

Go to:

Front cover
Mango Bite: An interview with Marguerite Shaddy by Hia Mookherjee
Young Bean Garden by Saantonu and Manasi Chatterjee
Hunting and Gathering by Maura Hurley
Mexico, I'm Here by Jillian Marcie Molina
"Bag It" by Devashis Mukherjee
Tiger Talk by Saptak Mohanta
Mustard Seeds Poetry
Hoop-Shoot Hooplah ! by Alyssa Molina
A Mela to Remember by Anomita Mookherjee
Off to Japan ... by Maura Hurley
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head by Doc. Basu
A Big Thank You
Book Review - TRASH !! ... by Chottu
The Litterbug Quiz
mustard seeds Hobby Stop by Chottu
mustard seeds library by Debasis Mukherjee