Thulir's Stroll
Join Thulir on a soothing and enchanting stroll through the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Ghats, where every turn reveals a new wonder! From the serene shola forests to the sprawling green grasslands, she will introduce you to fascinating creatures, both big and small. Whether you prefer to read her poetic verses or sing along, let Thulir guide you through the vibrant world of these incredible critters!
Overview
Take Thulir’s hand and step into a world of wonder! She’ll lead you through deep, shadowy forests, across sunlit grasslands, and even to some unexpected places—like the tops of towering trees or the slippery, moss-covered rocks hidden in the undergrowth. Wherever Thulir takes you, one thing’s for sure: you’re in for a treat.
Along the way, she’ll introduce you to some incredible critters. Meet the sleek and nimble Nilgiri Tahr as it leaps gracefully along rocky slopes. Marvel at the majestic Wild Gaur, standing tall and powerful amidst the greenery. Look out for the fluffy Malabar Giant Squirrel as it scurries through the branches, and spot the delicate Nilgiri Flycatcher with its vibrant colors lighting up the canopy. Every stop on this stroll is a chance to uncover the magic of the Western Ghats!
But that’s not all—Thulir will also share stories about trees like Pine and Eucalyptus, once outsiders to the Western Ghats, but now quietly settling into the landscape. You might even find yourself picking a water lily from a serene pond and tucking it into your hair, just like Thulir might do.
This book is perfect no matter your mood. Need some quiet time? Play soft music and lose yourself in its gentle poetry. Craving adventure? Follow Thulir deep into the forest for discoveries at every turn. Feeling jolly and playful? Sing the verses aloud and dance to their rhythm!
With its lyrical storytelling and vibrant illustrations, Thulir’s Stroll promises to teach you the most fascinating facts about these incredible creatures while bringing the beauty of the Western Ghats to life. So, what are you waiting for? Jump in and explore!
Inspiration
Thulir’s Stroll feels like a completely different journey compared to my previous books. For the longest time, I’ve dreamed of creating a book filled with full-color illustrations on every page—something that truly brings my love for the mountains to life.
What sets this book apart is the way it zooms in, focusing on the fascinating plants and animals that make my home so extraordinary. To make it even more fun, I’ve added quirky little facts about these creatures—details you might not come across otherwise.
Writing it as a collection of poems felt surprisingly natural, and even I’m amazed by how rhythmic it turned out, especially since my earlier books were novels.
I can’t wait to hear what my readers think about this new style of storytelling. Will you enjoy the rhymes? Will you fall in love with the creatures as much as I have? I hope you’ll feel the magic of Thulir’s Stroll as you turn each colorful, poetic page!
Meet the Nilgiri Flycatcher
While Thulir’s Stroll has a variety of incredible critters, there’s one that holds a special place in my heart—the Nilgiri Flycatcher. It is not just beautiful with its striking blue feathers; it’s also a near-threatened species, which means it could really use a bit of limelight.
So let’s take a look at some amazing facts about the Nilgiri Flycatcher.
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The male bird sports a stunning powdery blue coat, while the female keeps it simple and elegant in grey—talk about a fashionable duo!
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Its song is a sweet, whistling tune that’s as refreshing as the cool breeze in the hills. You might even find yourself humming along if you're lucky enough to hear it.
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These birds are exclusive residents of hill stations above 1200 meters. They’re like nature's VIPs, thriving in the cool, misty heights.
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Now, here's the best part: true to its name, the Nilgiri Flycatcher is a skilled insect-hunter. It doesn’t just snack on bugs—it catches them mid-air! It’s like watching an acrobat in action!
Visual Journey
Ashlin has worked her magic once again! This time, Thulir's Stroll features her enchanting full-color illustrations that truly bring the critters to life. With her unique style and technique, she’s made every creature feel vibrant and real, as if they’re ready to leap off the pages.
What I adore most is how her art perfectly complements the free-flowing, rhythmic poetry I’ve written—mirroring the essence of nature itself: boundless, harmonious, and alive.
The illustrations below are just a sneak peek of what’s in store. Get ready to be swept away by the colors and rhythm of Thulir's Stroll!
Here are a couple of her beautiful illustrations from the book.
A Note for Parents and Schools
Thulir's Stroll is a must-have for our young readers! The book introduces children to some of the most fascinating, lesser-known creatures from the Western Ghats. These aren’t just any animals—they’re unique, often overlooked, and deeply connected to India’s incredible biodiversity. Kids will love discovering fun facts about these critters while also learning to appreciate the amazing wildlife we have right here in our own country.
But here’s the real charm: It is a collection of rhythmic poetry. It’s playful, engaging, and perfect for classroom activities or even sing-alongs. Imagine kids clapping, singing, and learning all at the same time—it’s such a fun way to make reading interactive!
I hope the book sparks curiosity, joy, and a love for our local creatures in every child who reads it!
Book Reviews
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Author's Notes
Writing Thulir's Stroll was such a natural, almost organic process for me. I didn't have a strict plan or structure in mind—I just let the story flow. And it came together pretty quickly, too! I finished it in almost two months during the summer holidays. It was a time when I was desperate to write after a long stretch of not writing at all. It felt like I needed to get something down, anything at all.
Before Thulir's Stroll, I was working on another book titled A Girl Who Painted the Skies, but I had to put that on pause. I was stuck, unsure of where to take the story next, so I decided to step away from it for a bit. That’s when Thulir’s Stroll sort of popped up. It came to me during a time when I was craving something light and fun—nothing too heavy or long. I wanted to write something that felt free and jolly, with a bit of a carefree spirit.
And that’s exactly what Thulir’s Stroll became—a product of that urge to write, without the pressure of tackling something complex or serious. It was a perfect way to dip my toes back into writing after a break.