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Topi Rockets from Thumba
The year is 1963 and India is about to embark on an audacious adventure - launching its first ever rocket into space. After much searching, a team of scientists led by the visionary Dr Vikram Sarabhai zero in on Thumba, a tiny fishing village off the coast of Kerala as the place to launch the rocket and India's dreams of space exploration.
Mary is all of 10 years old and bored of life in sleepy Thumba. Nothing ever happens here but fishing. That is, of course, until Dr Sarabhai and team arrive!
Topi Rockets from Thumba is an imagined account of the weeks and months leading up to the launch of India's first ever rocket, told through the eyes of the inquisitive Mary.
Mary is all of 10 years old and bored of life in sleepy Thumba. Nothing ever happens here but fishing. That is, of course, until Dr Sarabhai and team arrive!
Topi Rockets from Thumba is an imagined account of the weeks and months leading up to the launch of India's first ever rocket, told through the eyes of the inquisitive Mary.
44 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Menaka Raman
21 books16 followersAs a child Menaka Raman used to write far-fetched stories about birthday parties, water parks and floating cake disasters. Since then, her life has been a series of fortunate events that led her far away from becoming a software engineer and set her back on the path of writing. She is a former advertising copywriter who chucked creating ads for plastic chairs and time share holidays to write about other things. She has been a newspaper columnist for over a decade now and enjoys working with non-profits. She is the author of nine picture books for children including Gappu Can’t Dance, Lenin’s Guests and I Love Me. Her short stories have appeared in anthologies published by Talking Cub, Scholastic India and Penguin UK. She lives in Bangalore with her husband, two children and dog. When she is not killing plants and walking Woody the dog, she is eating Nutella straight from the jar.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 12, 2025
During this festive season, when people are celebrating multiple festivals and the achievements of ISRO, what is the best gift you can give your children? My answer to it is this book by Menaka Raman.
If you are someone interested in space research, there is one photo you can never forget. It is the photo of the ISRO scientists carrying rocket parts for the launch on a bicycle in Thumpa, Thiruvananthapuram. It happened many years ago when the infrastructure in Kerala was in the budding stage. This book discusses the era when India started launching rockets from Thumpa.
Under the charismatic and enthusiastic guidance of the visionary Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and one of the best-dedicated teams that India has ever seen, working under him made this dream possible. If India can boast about any achievements in space research today, it was made possible by the arduous nature of Dr. Sarabhai.
How can religion play a role in space research, and how can a village contribute towards space research? Thumpa gives the answer to both these questions. When Sarabhai wanted to set up a space research center at Thumpa, where the magnetic equator passes through, several village houses and their main Christian Church were relocated as they were located in the area. Father Pereira showed the whole world a great example by doing it by saying we give Dr. Sarabhai God's abode for the scientific mission.
All these events are shown through the eyes of a young girl, Mary, by the author in a simple, engrossing narration. The illustrations by Annada Menon are nothing less than spectacular. The Rocket Adventure, in the book's last part, mentions all the main ISRO museums, making this one of the best recently published books for children.
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If you are someone interested in space research, there is one photo you can never forget. It is the photo of the ISRO scientists carrying rocket parts for the launch on a bicycle in Thumpa, Thiruvananthapuram. It happened many years ago when the infrastructure in Kerala was in the budding stage. This book discusses the era when India started launching rockets from Thumpa.
Under the charismatic and enthusiastic guidance of the visionary Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and one of the best-dedicated teams that India has ever seen, working under him made this dream possible. If India can boast about any achievements in space research today, it was made possible by the arduous nature of Dr. Sarabhai.
How can religion play a role in space research, and how can a village contribute towards space research? Thumpa gives the answer to both these questions. When Sarabhai wanted to set up a space research center at Thumpa, where the magnetic equator passes through, several village houses and their main Christian Church were relocated as they were located in the area. Father Pereira showed the whole world a great example by doing it by saying we give Dr. Sarabhai God's abode for the scientific mission.
All these events are shown through the eyes of a young girl, Mary, by the author in a simple, engrossing narration. The illustrations by Annada Menon are nothing less than spectacular. The Rocket Adventure, in the book's last part, mentions all the main ISRO museums, making this one of the best recently published books for children.
—————————————————————————
You can also follow me on
Instagram ID - Dasfill | YouTube Channel ID - Dasfill | YouTube Health Channel ID - Dasfill - Health | YouTube Malayalam Channel ID - Dasfill - Malayalam | Threads ID - Dasfill | X ID - Dasfill1 | Snapchat ID - Dasfill | Facebook ID - Dasfill | TikTok ID - Dasfill1
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December 27, 2021This amazing book holds the story of India's first ever rocket launch. It has a young girl, Mary in Thumba, a sleepy and lonely town. But she finds life at Thumba exciting all of a sudden when a team of scientists led by the famous Dr Vikram Sarabhai come to her town to make a rocket. Everyone who love science should read this amazing book.
December 2, 2021
I think its a wonderful book. And what a way to get in science through a story. Its simply superb. parents please dont miss it
அறிவியல் செய்திகளை அப்படியே செய்திகளாக சொல்வதைவிட குட்டி குழந்தைகளுக்கு ஒரு கதையாக சொல்லுதல் அதுவும் நிறைய அழகிய வண்ண வண்ண படங்களோடு சொல்லுதல் என்பது மிக சிறப்பான வடிவம் என நான் உணர்கிறேன்.
அறிவியல் செய்திகளை அப்படியே செய்திகளாக சொல்வதைவிட குட்டி குழந்தைகளுக்கு ஒரு கதையாக சொல்லுதல் அதுவும் நிறைய அழகிய வண்ண வண்ண படங்களோடு சொல்லுதல் என்பது மிக சிறப்பான வடிவம் என நான் உணர்கிறேன்.
October 20, 2021
Topi Rockets from Thumba is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that will take us onto the journey of the first-ever rocket launch by India. Thumba is a tiny village on the coast of Kerala where the major occupation of occupants is Fishing.
This book takes us onto a fictional journey of how the first ever rocket launch took place in November 1963. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai who is a visionary behind this rocket launch came to Thumba along with his colleagues and other scientists in the year 1962 and made St.Mary Magdalene Church their working hub. Mary who is a fictional character of the story is a sweet little girl full of curiosity. She keeps asking questions about the rocket launch as well as about how a rocket is built and what are the parts of the rocket entailing a reader to get this knowledge from this book.
The book also gives us more information about other rocket launches as well as other satellite launches. The Author has also provided the names and the place of various museums a person can go to if they are very much interested in space and galaxies.
After a heavy day, this book along with the illustrations was a very light and a soothing read.
This book takes us onto a fictional journey of how the first ever rocket launch took place in November 1963. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai who is a visionary behind this rocket launch came to Thumba along with his colleagues and other scientists in the year 1962 and made St.Mary Magdalene Church their working hub. Mary who is a fictional character of the story is a sweet little girl full of curiosity. She keeps asking questions about the rocket launch as well as about how a rocket is built and what are the parts of the rocket entailing a reader to get this knowledge from this book.
The book also gives us more information about other rocket launches as well as other satellite launches. The Author has also provided the names and the place of various museums a person can go to if they are very much interested in space and galaxies.
After a heavy day, this book along with the illustrations was a very light and a soothing read.
October 16, 2021
Topi Rockets from Thumba by Maneka Raman is the story of India's first-ever rocket launch from the tiny village of Thumba in Kerala.
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Mary who is nine years old is bored of her life in Thumba as fishing is the sole activity there. Like every other child, Mary dreams about living in city and have some excitement in life.
But enter, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai - the tall man with funny ears (as per Mary) who intends to launch India's first ever rocket from Thumba, the tiny fishing village, just off the coast of Kerala, at the foot of India.
A factual tale told through the eyes of Mary recounting the episodes of the year 1963, this book is a joy read. Through Mary's innocent questions, readers get to know about equator, parts of the rocket, about the launch and lastly Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and his role in India's entry into space exploration.
My six year old son absolutely loved reading this book, asking many questions like the author's fictional character - Mary. I am glad that the author kept it simple yet engaging for children. The illustrations by Annada Menon are captivating, breathing life into the book.
If you are planning to talk/introduce space to your child, then this book is a must buy. I am thankful that I recieved my copy from Penguin Publishers in return for a honest review. We absolutely loved it.
Book: Topi Rockets from Thumba
Publisher: Puffin India(Penguin Random House)
Pages: 44
Price: Rs 299
Rating: 5 / 5
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Mary who is nine years old is bored of her life in Thumba as fishing is the sole activity there. Like every other child, Mary dreams about living in city and have some excitement in life.
But enter, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai - the tall man with funny ears (as per Mary) who intends to launch India's first ever rocket from Thumba, the tiny fishing village, just off the coast of Kerala, at the foot of India.
A factual tale told through the eyes of Mary recounting the episodes of the year 1963, this book is a joy read. Through Mary's innocent questions, readers get to know about equator, parts of the rocket, about the launch and lastly Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and his role in India's entry into space exploration.
My six year old son absolutely loved reading this book, asking many questions like the author's fictional character - Mary. I am glad that the author kept it simple yet engaging for children. The illustrations by Annada Menon are captivating, breathing life into the book.
If you are planning to talk/introduce space to your child, then this book is a must buy. I am thankful that I recieved my copy from Penguin Publishers in return for a honest review. We absolutely loved it.
Book: Topi Rockets from Thumba
Publisher: Puffin India(Penguin Random House)
Pages: 44
Price: Rs 299
Rating: 5 / 5
September 4, 2021
India embarked on the journey of the first-ever rocket launch in 1963 and this beautiful story essays some of its important aspects through the eyes of a 9-year-old.
📘The Story:
The story is narrated by Mary, a 9-year-old girl who is obsessed with the only activity in her village, which is fishing. She is always curious to explore new dimensions in life. Her monotonous life suddenly takes a turn when she meets Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and his team of scientists.
How an anxious child like her throws innocent questions to Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and how he answers them is worth reading. The name topi is given by Mary to the rocket as according to her the mouth of the rocket resembles a pointed cap or a cone dosa.
🥏Get set go:
The author Menaka Raman very skillfully puts across an incident that marked the beginning of space explorations which is a valuable asset to the children aged 6 and up.
The story is set in Thumba village of Kerala where fishing was the only occupation of the people until this place was selected for a rocket launch.
The colorful illustrations by Ananda Menon are simply great and add value to the story which is an important aspect of any children's book.
The book opens up the imaginations of young minds and introduces them to the majestic space.
Very simple and easy to read that sets great know-how about the story of the rocket launch and the time this process takes place.
The book also includes some of the important rocket launches by ISRO till date.
To help the children understand better the book also speaks about various planetariums in India.
The story also puts across a message that one should always be curious to explore new things in life.
🎯Final word:
Children will enjoy a very different take complemented with powerful illustrations. It is a must-read for children aged 6 and up that focuses on introducing the world of space explorations. It is indeed a good and impressive way to inculcate interest within a child. 5/5
📘The Story:
The story is narrated by Mary, a 9-year-old girl who is obsessed with the only activity in her village, which is fishing. She is always curious to explore new dimensions in life. Her monotonous life suddenly takes a turn when she meets Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and his team of scientists.
How an anxious child like her throws innocent questions to Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and how he answers them is worth reading. The name topi is given by Mary to the rocket as according to her the mouth of the rocket resembles a pointed cap or a cone dosa.
🥏Get set go:
The author Menaka Raman very skillfully puts across an incident that marked the beginning of space explorations which is a valuable asset to the children aged 6 and up.
The story is set in Thumba village of Kerala where fishing was the only occupation of the people until this place was selected for a rocket launch.
The colorful illustrations by Ananda Menon are simply great and add value to the story which is an important aspect of any children's book.
The book opens up the imaginations of young minds and introduces them to the majestic space.
Very simple and easy to read that sets great know-how about the story of the rocket launch and the time this process takes place.
The book also includes some of the important rocket launches by ISRO till date.
To help the children understand better the book also speaks about various planetariums in India.
The story also puts across a message that one should always be curious to explore new things in life.
🎯Final word:
Children will enjoy a very different take complemented with powerful illustrations. It is a must-read for children aged 6 and up that focuses on introducing the world of space explorations. It is indeed a good and impressive way to inculcate interest within a child. 5/5
October 17, 2021
So we picked up a book to read after a super long time. This time, Tia & I had our read aloud session of this book 'Topi Rockets from Thumba'. No points for guessing that someone loved it so much, she read the book twice. Yeah.
Mary, a 9 year old from Thumba, was bored of her routine life. She, like any other child wanted to live a life in the city, thinking city life would be filled with fun and is exciting.
Then Dr. Vikram Sarabhai comes to Thumba and there begins fun for Mary as he was preparing to launch India's first ever rocket from Thumba.
Mary's thinking & her way of asking questions innocently is a joy to read. The illustrations were eye catching & Tia thoroughly enjoyed reading it while watching the beautiful art work. She asked me endless questions, which was a good way to bond with her over sharing of information.
Liked the way the author made the language simple & readable for little readers as well as their parents. If your child is inquisitive about space, rockets, I think this book is a good read. Totally recommend.
Mary, a 9 year old from Thumba, was bored of her routine life. She, like any other child wanted to live a life in the city, thinking city life would be filled with fun and is exciting.
Then Dr. Vikram Sarabhai comes to Thumba and there begins fun for Mary as he was preparing to launch India's first ever rocket from Thumba.
Mary's thinking & her way of asking questions innocently is a joy to read. The illustrations were eye catching & Tia thoroughly enjoyed reading it while watching the beautiful art work. She asked me endless questions, which was a good way to bond with her over sharing of information.
Liked the way the author made the language simple & readable for little readers as well as their parents. If your child is inquisitive about space, rockets, I think this book is a good read. Totally recommend.
September 24, 2022
Lovely book about India's first rocket launch. The story is told from the perspective of a 10 year old. Amazing addition to our collection
May 12, 2025
This book is about a small village in Kerala called Thumba and its significance in the world of space research.
It tells a beautiful and simple story about a not-so-simple event that sparked the beginning of India’s journey in space exploration. The story focuses on the launch of India’s first rocket and the visionary behind it, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
Told from the perspective of a 9-year-old girl named Mary, the narrative captures her excitement as new and extraordinary events unfold in her otherwise sleepy village, where every day had once been the same. Though the story is simple, it is powerful. The illustrations are stunning, and the village of Thumba is depicted beautifully.
I’ve read this book to my 5-year-old son multiple times already. He loves the illustrations and stays hooked until the last page to hear about the rocket launch. The story and visuals have truly captured his imagination and left a lasting impression.
I would give this children's book a 5/5 rating.
It tells a beautiful and simple story about a not-so-simple event that sparked the beginning of India’s journey in space exploration. The story focuses on the launch of India’s first rocket and the visionary behind it, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
Told from the perspective of a 9-year-old girl named Mary, the narrative captures her excitement as new and extraordinary events unfold in her otherwise sleepy village, where every day had once been the same. Though the story is simple, it is powerful. The illustrations are stunning, and the village of Thumba is depicted beautifully.
I’ve read this book to my 5-year-old son multiple times already. He loves the illustrations and stays hooked until the last page to hear about the rocket launch. The story and visuals have truly captured his imagination and left a lasting impression.
I would give this children's book a 5/5 rating.
August 14, 2023
Stunning illustrations and a beautifully told story of India's space programme. Great gift for a young person who loves space.
January 20, 2024
Story of a village in Kerala and how contributed to the rocket launching in India. A well-written story to create curiosity among young readers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews