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Der Wundergarten: Nek Chand baut sein geheimes Reich
The incredible story of the world's largest visionary environment: the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, kept secret by outsider artist Nek Chand for fifteen years.
After the partition of India in 1947, Nek Chand Saini settled in the city of Chandigarh, with nothing but stories brought from his homeland. Dismayed at his stark new surroundings, Nek began collecting river rocks, broken glass, and cracked water pots found on the roadside. He cleared a section of jungle and for seven years he stockpiled odds and ends. They were castoffs and rubbish to everyone else, but to Nek, they were treasures. He began to build a labyrinth of curving paths, mosaics, and repeating patterns: his very own tribute to the winding village of his youth, a hidden land of stories. Nek kept his kingdom secret for fifteen years, until a government crew stumbled upon it and sought to destroy it. But local fans agreed in awe: the Rock Garden had to be protected. Author Barb Rosenstock introduces readers to the outsider artist's stunning creation, while Claire A. Nivola's illustrations bring to life the land's natural beauty and the surreal world Nek coaxed from his wild landscape.
After the partition of India in 1947, Nek Chand Saini settled in the city of Chandigarh, with nothing but stories brought from his homeland. Dismayed at his stark new surroundings, Nek began collecting river rocks, broken glass, and cracked water pots found on the roadside. He cleared a section of jungle and for seven years he stockpiled odds and ends. They were castoffs and rubbish to everyone else, but to Nek, they were treasures. He began to build a labyrinth of curving paths, mosaics, and repeating patterns: his very own tribute to the winding village of his youth, a hidden land of stories. Nek kept his kingdom secret for fifteen years, until a government crew stumbled upon it and sought to destroy it. But local fans agreed in awe: the Rock Garden had to be protected. Author Barb Rosenstock introduces readers to the outsider artist's stunning creation, while Claire A. Nivola's illustrations bring to life the land's natural beauty and the surreal world Nek coaxed from his wild landscape.
Hardcover
First published February 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
July 20, 2020
This is one of those stories that I had no idea existed in this world and I'm so glad I know it exists. This is a nonfiction account of a recycled artist in India. Nek grew up in a village listening to all these stories as a child. When India and Pakistan split their border, Nek had to move with his whole village to a new modern concrete city in India.
From there Nek is unhappy working in this concrete city with no village stories. He goes off into the edge of the jungle and begin to use recycled junk to make characters from his stories. He created a 12 acre rock garden to remember all these stories. He went 15 years without being found and then some authorities found this art space and wanted bulldoze it all, but the city found out about it an than came to see it and save it.
There is one real life fold-out photo of the real place and it's amazing looking. It's an interesting looking garden.
I thought this was an interesting story about real life. It might not be for every kid, but it's really interesting what people can do in life. I'm so glad I found this.
From there Nek is unhappy working in this concrete city with no village stories. He goes off into the edge of the jungle and begin to use recycled junk to make characters from his stories. He created a 12 acre rock garden to remember all these stories. He went 15 years without being found and then some authorities found this art space and wanted bulldoze it all, but the city found out about it an than came to see it and save it.
There is one real life fold-out photo of the real place and it's amazing looking. It's an interesting looking garden.
I thought this was an interesting story about real life. It might not be for every kid, but it's really interesting what people can do in life. I'm so glad I found this.
May 14, 2018
Nek Chand loved living in his village of Berian Kalan in the Punjab region of India before the Partition of 1947. He especially loved listening to the ancient stories that were always being told there by the whole community. As a child, Nek began to build a world of his own based on the stories he heard along the river back, using rocks, sticks, and other materials found in nature. But, in 1947, when Punjab was split into two countries, India and Pakistan, Nek and his family were forced to leave their home - they were Hindu and their village was now in Muslim Pakistan. Fleeing at night, they walked for 24 days to the new Indian border.
The family traveled to the newly created city of Chandigarh, where Nek found work as a government road inspector, but he never felt at home in this new modern city. When he discovered a few acres of scrubland in northern Chandigarh, he began clearing it away and bringing all kinds of materials he might need to create a new world of his own in miniature again. After seven years of secretly collecting, Nek was ready to begin building.
Nek managed to keep is kingdom a secret for 15 years, until one day, the government began clearing the area and found his secret. They wanted it all destroyed, including the small building Nek had illegally been living in, but then the people of Chandigarh heard about what he had built and began to visit by the thousands. Nek's kingdom made everyone happy, and soon stories were once again being told. Luckily, they managed to convince the government not to destroy Nek's creation, and instead provided protection for this incredible piece of folk art.
This is a beautifully written, fascinating story of how one man's love of his childhood home drove him to turn his nostalgia into a kingdom made up of recycled materials and the stories he had heard as a child. The lyrical text compliments the folk art style watercolor and gouache illustrations, each capturing those aspects of India that Nek loved and the disruption due to the Partition. Nek's story is topped off with a four page pull-out spread of photographs of just some of the parts of the real secret kingdom. Included in the back matter is an Author's Note describing more about Nek, his childhood dream, and what has become of his kingdom, as well as an extensive bibliography. This is an enchanting biography of a true folk artist.
The family traveled to the newly created city of Chandigarh, where Nek found work as a government road inspector, but he never felt at home in this new modern city. When he discovered a few acres of scrubland in northern Chandigarh, he began clearing it away and bringing all kinds of materials he might need to create a new world of his own in miniature again. After seven years of secretly collecting, Nek was ready to begin building.
Nek managed to keep is kingdom a secret for 15 years, until one day, the government began clearing the area and found his secret. They wanted it all destroyed, including the small building Nek had illegally been living in, but then the people of Chandigarh heard about what he had built and began to visit by the thousands. Nek's kingdom made everyone happy, and soon stories were once again being told. Luckily, they managed to convince the government not to destroy Nek's creation, and instead provided protection for this incredible piece of folk art.
This is a beautifully written, fascinating story of how one man's love of his childhood home drove him to turn his nostalgia into a kingdom made up of recycled materials and the stories he had heard as a child. The lyrical text compliments the folk art style watercolor and gouache illustrations, each capturing those aspects of India that Nek loved and the disruption due to the Partition. Nek's story is topped off with a four page pull-out spread of photographs of just some of the parts of the real secret kingdom. Included in the back matter is an Author's Note describing more about Nek, his childhood dream, and what has become of his kingdom, as well as an extensive bibliography. This is an enchanting biography of a true folk artist.
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May 6, 2018If there is ever any doubt in your mind about one person's ability to effect change in the lives of many, all you need to do is read a picture book biography. Authors writing picture book biographies and illustrators creating the artwork for these volumes, immerse themselves in a particular person's life, taking note of the historical context in which they lived. Everything must be as if we are stepping back in time. And when we do step back in time through the pages of a book, we are captivated and amazed.
To know these people walked among us during our lifetimes, or the lifetimes of our parents or within Earth's history is to hope atoms of their essence have found a place, even a very tiny place, within us. You have to wonder about the inner spark which inspired them and fueled their passion. Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art (Candlewick Press, February 13, 2018 written by Barb Rosenstock with illustrations by Claire A. Nivola is one of those picture book biographies which will leave you astounded at the accomplishments of a single human being.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
To know these people walked among us during our lifetimes, or the lifetimes of our parents or within Earth's history is to hope atoms of their essence have found a place, even a very tiny place, within us. You have to wonder about the inner spark which inspired them and fueled their passion. Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art (Candlewick Press, February 13, 2018 written by Barb Rosenstock with illustrations by Claire A. Nivola is one of those picture book biographies which will leave you astounded at the accomplishments of a single human being.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
September 10, 2020
Nek Chand's response to displacement and homesickness was large scale art through creative recycling. He built a new life for himself and enchantment for others. The illustrations in this book are superb.
January 12, 2018
This story follows a boy named Nek Chand as he grows up in the village of Barian Kalan in the Punjab region of what is now Pakistan. He had an ideal childhood, learning his people’s history and legends through the work and festivities of every season. When the Hindu people were expelled from the land, they traveled to India, where a disenchanted Nek hated the drab industrial landscape. Feeling nostalgic for his childhood dreams, he began building his own secret kingdom in the jungle outskirts. Years pass, and when his project is discovered, both the government and the people weigh in on the fate of Nek’s private retreat.
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh, built entirely of recycled materials, took years of collecting castoff items and painstaking work. The book includes real photos of the grounds and a detailed author’s note with a biography of its subject. The illustrations appear to be texture-rich watercolors that complement Chand’s style nicely. This is an excellent resource for educators, specifically art teachers wishing to expand their book collection to include lesser known world artists.
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh, built entirely of recycled materials, took years of collecting castoff items and painstaking work. The book includes real photos of the grounds and a detailed author’s note with a biography of its subject. The illustrations appear to be texture-rich watercolors that complement Chand’s style nicely. This is an excellent resource for educators, specifically art teachers wishing to expand their book collection to include lesser known world artists.
March 22, 2019
Secret Kingdom by Barb Rosenstock, illustrations by Claire A. Nivola is about how the country of Punjab was split into two countries, Pakistan and India. The text follows a young boy Nek whose perspective provides insight into the history and consequences of this type of conflict. Though the text provides a history lesson, it also provides a lesson on the human spirit and the idea of belonging and what “home” means.
This text was found on Orbis Pictus Award recommended books list. I think this text would be great for students in grades 2-4. It provides rich information about Indian and Pakistani culture that is often excluded form our text books and curriculums. It would be a great compliment to a cultural studies unit. The teacher will have to supplement learning especially with vocabulary that is specific to middle eastern culture (bougainvillea, chapatis, etc.).
This text was found on Orbis Pictus Award recommended books list. I think this text would be great for students in grades 2-4. It provides rich information about Indian and Pakistani culture that is often excluded form our text books and curriculums. It would be a great compliment to a cultural studies unit. The teacher will have to supplement learning especially with vocabulary that is specific to middle eastern culture (bougainvillea, chapatis, etc.).
March 10, 2018
An artist creating out of nature, recyclables, and trash. Pair with IN MARY'S GARDEN by Tina and Carson Kugler.
March 19, 2018
This lovely picture book biography brings to light a little known (in the U.S., at least) artist from India, Nek Chand. I loved reading about this creative, resourceful and thoughtful "outside" artist. As an imaginative child growing up in a small village, he was mesmerized by folk tales. After Partition, he struggled to make a living as a government road inspector in the new Indian city of Chandigarh. Missing his home village, he began collecting "broken pieces of village life" - chipped sinks, broken glass, cracked pots, half-dead plants, twisted bikes, and anything else he could find. He created a "kingdom" of the people, animals and folktale characters he remembered from his childhood, on a unused, wild piece of land outside Chandigarh. When government inspectors found what he had been doing, they threatened to destroy Chand's magical world. But then, the people of Chandigarh came to see his work and they were amazed. They protested its destruction. The people supported him and donated money, tools and materials so that he could continue building for many years. The story ends with a 4-page spread of photographs of the Rock Garden. Claire Nivola's signature watercolor art is folksy yet delicate. I loved examining the pages for the details of village life, especially her inclusion of many local animals on each page. Includes an extensive bibliography. I love that this artist created purely for the love of his country and his culture, and never sought fame or fortune. It's wonderful for children to learn that art can have value even if exists outside the established art world.
There are lots of other great biographies of outsider artists for this target age group of 5-9, such as Aston's Dream Something Big, about the Watts towers; Shapiro's Magic Trash, about Tyree Guyton; and Slaymaker's Bottle Houses, about Grandma Prisbrey. A great choice for elementary school art units.
There are lots of other great biographies of outsider artists for this target age group of 5-9, such as Aston's Dream Something Big, about the Watts towers; Shapiro's Magic Trash, about Tyree Guyton; and Slaymaker's Bottle Houses, about Grandma Prisbrey. A great choice for elementary school art units.
January 4, 2019
A nonfiction picture book look at the incredible Rock Garden of Chandigarh. Chand grew up happily in a small village in the Punjab region of India. He grew up there, hearing stories and building palaces on the sand near the river. As an adult, he became a farmer but everything changed when the partition of India happened in 1947. Forced from his home and into a city, Chand struggled to find the beauty he had grown up with. He finally discovered it in the jungle along the city’s edge. There he cut back the vegetation and built himself a hut. He started gathering items and bringing them into the jungle. Then he started building a secret kingdom, one that was undiscovered by anyone else for fifteen years. When the officials wanted it destroyed, the local community rose up to protect this outsider’s art.
Rosenstock manages to keep the complicated story of the partition of India to a scale that allows young readers to understand its impact on Chand, but also not get caught in the political details. She cleverly uses repetition of themes in the book, creating a feel of a traditional tale that suits this subject perfectly. She also shows the care and attention to detail that Chand demonstrated in his quiet work. There is a sense of awe around both his skill and his dedication to his vision.
Nivola’s art is fine-lined and marvelously detailed. From the lush jungle setting to the various figures he created. It is impressive that when the pages unfold to show photographs of the actual Rock Garden, there is no jarring moving from illustration to image. It flows naturally and yet allows the full images to amaze too.
A look at an outsider artist who created a world all his own. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Rosenstock manages to keep the complicated story of the partition of India to a scale that allows young readers to understand its impact on Chand, but also not get caught in the political details. She cleverly uses repetition of themes in the book, creating a feel of a traditional tale that suits this subject perfectly. She also shows the care and attention to detail that Chand demonstrated in his quiet work. There is a sense of awe around both his skill and his dedication to his vision.
Nivola’s art is fine-lined and marvelously detailed. From the lush jungle setting to the various figures he created. It is impressive that when the pages unfold to show photographs of the actual Rock Garden, there is no jarring moving from illustration to image. It flows naturally and yet allows the full images to amaze too.
A look at an outsider artist who created a world all his own. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
April 10, 2018
Nek Chand grew up in the Punjab and absorbed the stories and culture of his village and people. He became a farmer, but had to leave his home when the area was split into two countries – India and Pakistan. His farm was now in Pakistan and his people/religion – Hindu – were no longer welcome there. He moved to India’s first planned city, Changidarh, which was all cement and concrete and was nothing like the lovely, colorful village he had known. In his spare time over the years, Nek cleared land outside of the city and collected junk that other people had thrown away, which he eventually transformed into an amazing Rock Garden with winding paths, mosaics, and wonderful sculptures based on his memories of his village and stories he’d heard in his childhood. He kept this secret for almost 15 years and upon its discovery, city officials wanted to destroy it. But people from Changidarh came and saw what he’d made and loved it and they felt it should be preserved and protected. Nek was allowed to continue his work and eventually the Garden expanded to fill 25-acres! Nek passed away in 2015, but his Garden lives on and is supported by the Nek Chand Foundation. This lovely picture book biography of Nek Chand brings awareness of his special folk art to a new generation as well as those who have never heard of him or his Rock Garden. Includes one page of fold out photographs of the actual site/art that Chand created, an afterward that talks about the history of the Garden and the troubles it faces, and an extensive bibliography.
February 19, 2019
A picture book biography of Nek Chand, a man who grew up in the region that is now part of Pakistan, escaped as a refugee when the countries divided, and settled outside of Chandigarh where he secretly started an art project he developed over years using only reclaimed materials. When the government found his massive art installation on their land they wanted to destroy it, but the people of Chandigarh had another idea.
This is kind of a crazy story. The art installation/rock garden that Chand created was spread over twelve acres by the time the government discovered it and he made it all by hand out of recycled materials by himself. According to the back of the book this rock garden still exists (it was actually expanded) and it is a popular place to visit though every once in a while the government threatens to tear it down. I'm not sure how I feel about this story. On the one hand I'm amazed at what this one guy accomplished all on his own. On the other hand, he was trespassing and it sounds like he knew from the start that it was government land. You can let readers debate what they think. Should the government have forced him to move his creations somewhere else, should they have shared the profits from visitors coming, how would they resolve this issue? If you're looking for an interesting refugee story, this is definitely a unique one. Recommended to art lovers, art classes, and those studying India.
This is kind of a crazy story. The art installation/rock garden that Chand created was spread over twelve acres by the time the government discovered it and he made it all by hand out of recycled materials by himself. According to the back of the book this rock garden still exists (it was actually expanded) and it is a popular place to visit though every once in a while the government threatens to tear it down. I'm not sure how I feel about this story. On the one hand I'm amazed at what this one guy accomplished all on his own. On the other hand, he was trespassing and it sounds like he knew from the start that it was government land. You can let readers debate what they think. Should the government have forced him to move his creations somewhere else, should they have shared the profits from visitors coming, how would they resolve this issue? If you're looking for an interesting refugee story, this is definitely a unique one. Recommended to art lovers, art classes, and those studying India.
February 10, 2018
The kind of book you'll want to use with students--of all ages. Read this aloud to students, letting them savor the author Rosenstock's language--"Nek played and planted, laughed and listened, as the ancient stories circled with seasons, beginning to end and back again." Share with small groups and ask them to contemplate questions like, "What is the role of art (or storytelling) in society?" or "How did Nek reveal his determination?" Use as a mentor text for writers. Read and then reread, slowing down carefully to look at the water color illustrations asking, "What do you notice?" and "How does the illustrator Nivola convey X?" or "What is the role of the gatefold (photograph that folds out) in the book?"
Don't skip the author's note. Read this aloud to students or ask students to read. You can use this as a "second" source and ask students to think about how the content adds to their learning. Encourage them to ask lots of questions and do more research including reading about other artists and their endeavors.
I have so much more to say about this book. It's powerful and has a lot of classroom potential. Barb Rosenstock is a "go to" author for me. As soon I got the book, I knew it would be well written. Nivola has also illustrated several other informational books--her illustrations always expand and deepen my understanding of the topic.
Don't skip the author's note. Read this aloud to students or ask students to read. You can use this as a "second" source and ask students to think about how the content adds to their learning. Encourage them to ask lots of questions and do more research including reading about other artists and their endeavors.
I have so much more to say about this book. It's powerful and has a lot of classroom potential. Barb Rosenstock is a "go to" author for me. As soon I got the book, I knew it would be well written. Nivola has also illustrated several other informational books--her illustrations always expand and deepen my understanding of the topic.
March 11, 2019
Once India was separated into two countries--India and Pakistan--Nek Chand Saini was one of those individuals who was forced to resettle in a different place. Because his village was in the Muslim section of Pakistan and his family was Hindu, they needed to move into a different part of India. Not only did the government destroy 26 villages to create the big city of Chandigarh where Nek's family landed, but Nek felt terribly lost without all that had been his home and he started a secret art project in the nearby wilderness. After carving space in the foliage, he began collecting pieces of objects from the places that existed before the big city was erected, using them to fashion a replica of his former home. His secret kingdom also boasted flourishing plants that he carefully nurtured. He kept his project a secret for years. Once government officials discovered it and planned to destroy it, it was the local people who insisted on saving it, one man's tribute to the home and stories he missed so deeply. Young readers will certainly be inspired by Nek's story and curious to learn more. Created in watercolor and gouache, the illustrations use mostly soft colors and plentiful white space to showcase this story of an unexpected sort of artist and artwork found in a place where no one would have ever dreamed such things could exist.
November 22, 2018
The Secret Kingdom is a picture book biography of Nek Chand who built a secret rock garden in the outskirts of Chandigarh. Nek Chand was born in a village of Berian Kalan in Punjab. He grew up listening to stories and folk lores that fascinated him. He channeled his fascination into building a castles, forts and figures using sticks and stones he would find on the river bank. In 1947, his peaceful life was shaken up with the Partition of India and Pakistan. His family traveled miles to relocate to the newly partitioned India.
Nek found a job as a government roads inspector but never really felt at home in this modern city. He missed his home and village. So when he found an area of forestland that was abandoned, he decided to make this space his home. He cleared away some land and settled right in. He used all the natural material such as sticks and stones to start creating a world that he could relate to. Over the next 15 years, Nek created this secret garden from his imagination. He still continues his work..
The secret garden captures Nek's passion on creating a kingdom from his imagination. Nek truly find a way to channel his dreams into reality. A truly fascination subject, an intriguing story and wonderful biography to read. Highly recommended!
Nek found a job as a government roads inspector but never really felt at home in this modern city. He missed his home and village. So when he found an area of forestland that was abandoned, he decided to make this space his home. He cleared away some land and settled right in. He used all the natural material such as sticks and stones to start creating a world that he could relate to. Over the next 15 years, Nek created this secret garden from his imagination. He still continues his work..
The secret garden captures Nek's passion on creating a kingdom from his imagination. Nek truly find a way to channel his dreams into reality. A truly fascination subject, an intriguing story and wonderful biography to read. Highly recommended!
February 23, 2018
Some people are driven to make art, with no expectations for sale or fame. I had heard of the Watts Towers in LA (https://www.wattstowers.org/about-us) and the bottle houses of Grandma Prisbrey (https://speakzeasy.wordpress.com/2015...) , but not Nek Chand of India who created a similar whimsical world out of found items. This book tells his story and inspirations, with lovely watercolor and gouache illustrations. One quadruple-page spread shows photographs of the world he created, followed by a fuller explanation of what happened after its discovery by officials.
December 1, 2019
Interesting story about an artist I'd never heard of before, Nek Chand, who secretly built a whole wonderland of folk art in a forgotten wilderness corner of his Indian town. He sculpted animals and people from the folk tales of his childhood, made out of concrete and recycled materials; over 25 acres of whimsical art! In a postscript the book's author talks about how the authorities tried repeatedly to tear down his park, but always the local citizens rallied around it to keep it going. Nice watercolor and gouache artwork in this book, in a folk art style. It also includes color photos of the actual Chand art, on the back of the dustjacket and in a two-page pullout spread.
February 27, 2020
I highly recommend this beautiful picture book that will capture the interest of all ages in the family. It's the true story of Nek Chand that grew up in what is now known as Pakistan, but had to flee his homeland because his village was in the Muslim section of Pakistan and his family were Hindu. When he relocated to the drab city in India, he greatly missed his beautiful, colorful village and the stories of his childhood. He builds a beautiful "kingdom" made of stones, sticks, recycled materials, and more. Don't miss this interesting tale of his secret kingdom.
This is a nice companion to the book, "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani.
This is a nice companion to the book, "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani.
August 2, 2018
A beautiful story of Nek Chand, who stored away trash & other unwanted items to create one of the most unusual, most stunning art installations. The stories that delighted & entertained Nek as a child are represented in his art. What makes this such an fascinating read is that Nek kept his "Rock Garden" hidden from the world for 15 years. I loved the foldout pages with photographs from the garden. I cannot wait to share this story with children!
Perfect PB match for the MG The Night Diaries by Veera Hiranandani.
Perfect PB match for the MG The Night Diaries by Veera Hiranandani.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2018
Unique story about a person of which I'd never heard. Love that he turned junk into art, and seeing the actual photographs of his work was a treat. Gotta say, though, that I'm not a huge fan of breaking laws. Even to create art. I think it given a bad message to say that he built all this despite laws saying he couldn't. Really, it wasn't his space. He trespassed and basically stole the land. Not cool. Still, I think it's great that he created what he did, so that's a thing. But please, people. stop putting your stupid stickers on posts and painting all over public walls. It's rude. So there.
March 6, 2019
Ned Chand was forced to leave his home when Pakistan split off from India. Relocated in a place far from and much different from home, Ned secretly began to build the kingdom he remembered from stories combined with his true home. When the government threatened to bulldoze it, supporters who were also relocated came out of the woodwork to be at home at his beautiful creation.
Complete with real photographs of his art and told in lyrical language.
Use to teach collage, or art from recycled materials, or about refugees.
Complete with real photographs of his art and told in lyrical language.
Use to teach collage, or art from recycled materials, or about refugees.
May 4, 2018
True story - Even in war and displacement one can build, create and love the beauty of not only what grows but to create from discards, art. Art can be a remembrance of the things we love. I love the dedication of Nek Chand and what he has created in a part of the world where war is still going on - 71 years and then some. It's a children story but there are several subtle messages that I love.
August 23, 2018
The author paints a fascinating picture of the life that Nek lived. The reader is transported to a world unlike the one they live in. Beautiful and detailed illustrations show both the familiar and unfamiliar. The villagers dress differently from Westerners, but the trash they collect is trash the reader might see near home. This is a fantastic way to introduce kids to Indian culture and also an amazing way to show how perseverance and the human spirit can win.
February 27, 2019
I like the story and I like that it mentioned the partition without directly focusing on it. With other similar titles coming out on the topic, it's nice to have some that are not deeply depressing or distressing for young readers.
The centerfold photographs were lovely. I was reading it and kept asking myself what the Secret Kingdom looked like and then there was the large foldout with real pictures.
Art. Recycling. Social and governmental issues. It has a lot in a little book.
The centerfold photographs were lovely. I was reading it and kept asking myself what the Secret Kingdom looked like and then there was the large foldout with real pictures.
Art. Recycling. Social and governmental issues. It has a lot in a little book.
February 16, 2019
A fun random kid's biography. I've certainly not been to the garden in this book. But I've been to https://www.seerockcity.com/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peterse... which have kind of a similar flavor. It was a fun book and yet passed on a bunch of history and societal change at the same time. With quite good enough art.
February 11, 2018
Pair this book with OUTSIDE IN by Jennifer Bradbury. Nek Chand is the historical character who saves the life of the fictional homeless boy in OUTSIDE IN.
Also perfect to show how the experiences of someone's childhood can turn into their lifelong passions.
Also perfect to show how the experiences of someone's childhood can turn into their lifelong passions.
November 23, 2024
Will come back to write a detailed review. However, in very brief, this was a wonderful read.
November 19, 2019
If you have ever watched American Pickers, you will understand that art can be in any kind of form and be represented by almost anything to the right person. The trash that Nek found around his new town of Chandigarh, wasnt really ever trash to him at all. He viewed the trash as a way to create something beautiful out of something others throw away. This is what i love about art, it doesnt matter what it is, or what it is made out of, or who created it, its about the feelings it brings up in the people that are viewing it and trying to understand it from the mind of the artist. But this story isnt just about the art that Nek was able to create from trash, but its also about the fact that he built the "Secret Kingdom" because it made him feel like home, even though he couldnt return to his home. Its only when the government stumbles upon it almost a decade later and demands it be destroyed that the locals protest for its survival. Kids in a classroom would love to learn through the mind of Nek and would be curious even after.
September 11, 2019
The opening sentence of this book tells us specifically where we are by zooming in from continent to landmark to tiny village. That is generally enough specific reference that the reader (or their adult) knows where we are. The illustrations describe what this region looks like. In describing the change of seasons the narrator also describes his family and culture. The seasons of change set a rhythm and mark the passing of time. Until they are interrupted and the narrative is juxtaposed by what was and what is, and the conclusion is the reconciliation of the two halves of Nek’s life. The abrupt change in his circumstances make what he does to reconcile that interruption precious, with an inherent instinct to preserve it. By establishing a beautiful and cherished before setting the reader feels the harsh change in the “sharp” city.
October 16, 2019
In general, I enjoyed reading The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art. I specifically enjoyed the vibrant colors in this book and how it draws your eyes in. As far as content, I think that the author does a great job on presenting a new perspective on a culture that readers may not be super familiar with. Another thing that I enjoyed about this book is the inspiration that it provides; for example, the man built incredible art out of what most people would consider trash. From the perspective of a teacher, I think that this would be a useful book to have in a classroom because of the diversity that it shows, both culturally and artistically. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about India’s culture or anyone who is interested in learning more about art.
May 16, 2018
The Secret Kingdom is about Nek Chand Saini who lived in a tiny village of Berian Kalan. Nek spent his childhood listing to ancient stories that he loved. His village was perfect until The Punjab split into two countries Pakistan and India. Nek found acres of jungle and started building his own secret kingdom. The illustrations are painted with rich watercolors. Most of the background is white so it allows the illustrations to stand out. This book would be appropriate for ages 7 to 13. Teachers will be able to make projects from this book where their students would learn about history and Nek Chand life.
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