Two of author Arefa Tehsin’s books – Land of the Setting Sun & Other Nature Tales, and The Elephant Bird released recently.

The idea of Land of the Setting Sun & Other Nature Tales germinates from naturalist and co-author of the book Dr. Raza H. Tehsin, who has been the initiator of wildlife conservation movement in southern Rajasthan. He has always believed that stories are the medium to bring children and adults close to nature, not preaching and teaching. This book is an attempt to connect older children as well as adults with nature through facts of conservation and animal life cycles blended into tales of quest, adventure and mythology.

Nobel Laureate Dr. R. K. Pachauri, Director-General, TERI says, “I am very happy to read this absorbing book which would sensitize children to the glory and beauty of nature.  If we wish to preserve the natural bounty of this planet, it is children who will have to take the lead and persuade adults to change their ways as well.  This very well written book, I am sure, will succeed in equipping children with an understanding and appreciation of conservation in all its dimensions.”

Award winning writer and playwright Anushka Ravishankar, who has authored more than twenty five children’s books, says about the book, “Charming stories – a great way to get children interested in the fascinating creatures that share this earth with us.”

The Elephant Bird is a picture book for younger children with traditional gond art/illustrations, which released in six languages – Hindu, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, English and Urdu. The book is published by Pratham, under their ‘Read India’ movement. It is supported by Parag, a Sir Ratan Tata Trust.

Arefa Tehsin is the Honorary Wildlife Warden of Udaipur district and writes articles and columns for publications like The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Hindustan Times, JetWings (Jet Airways), TERI’s Terra Green magazine, Times of India, Udaipur Times etc. She is also the author of the rainforest based fantasy novel Iora & the Quest of Five, Tales from the Wild and a few other books, which are slated for release.