"Carefully researched, fascinating stories of children in India since 3500 B.C. ... imagination takes off from carefully researched facts ... a fascinating treat for children...an activity trail that innovatively makes fact finding a fun-filled exercise"

"T.V. Padma's delightful book is a boon for curious children ... the stories are meticulously researched ... The author's scientific background is evident in the careful sidenotes and detailed bibliography ... The charm of the stories is not restricted to their unusual settings. Each story goes beyond location to capture a situation that is timeless and universal... Older children will be intrigued ... and this book will go far towards increasing their appreciation for history and good writing."

"The stories are narrated in simple clear language evoking the sights and sounds of the particular region... the judicious mix of fact and fiction keeps you interested and kindles an interest to know more ... a treasure trove of knowledge and fun, an unusual blend indeed ..."

"... sure to appeal ..."

"The author's credentials have resulted in creating just that exciting blend of fact and fiction ... an inveigling story line... a delightful collection that must grace the bookshelf of every child ..."

"Padma is able to explain scientific concepts ... without talking down to children ... the narrative tone is original and lively, the facts are given in an accessible form ... "

"Lovely...children will love the slim books ..."

"This book is definitely worth picking up. Especially if your history lessons have bored you. For this teaches you that history is about real people and as fascinating as any work of fiction."

"a rare sensitivity to the sights and sounds of nature ... well attuned to the swing of choice words"

"Your book is simply exquisite, Padma. After reading each story, I just wanted to close my eyes and imagine the whole world in that story - you really have a great talent! Hope you write more such books. How do books get awards? Do they need to get nominated by other literary folk or is it the lay public that nominates? If only the right people can see your book, there will be no doubt about it's award-winning calibre."

"I have been following your articles in The Hindu on Saturdays and have used it in my classes. I like the way you have explained continental drifts, ocean mysteries and so on at the kind of level kids will understand and want to know more about. ...
I have only just got hold of your stories from Tata Infomedia. The stories are just the right thing for young kids. I think you write great books for kids...Please keep up the good work. I hope to get to see more of your efforts in the near future."

"I enjoyed the book so much that I ended up feeling sorry for myself - that no one had taught me history the way Padma did through her book. History for most of us is just that: history. Yet, we forget that people who lived in the long forgotten past were living, breathing human beings with joys, sorrows and anxieties of their own. Padma does an absolutely fantastic job of bringing these people alive, so despite the huge "age gap", we can relate to them as contemporary human beings. It's no longer history but stories of us. This should be made into a compulsory "text book" and all history books should be written this way. Preferably by Padma."