In The Crescent Moon, Rabindranath Tagore brings alive the world of a child—in some poems he describes the simple joys of children at play, while in others, he feels the bonds of affection between mother and child, and in yet others, he expresses wonder at the earthly beauty all around us. Also included here are some of his most thought-provoking stories with themes that are relevant for children. In ‘The Kabuliwalla’ little Minnie becomes friendly with a burly Afghan man, but will she remember him when he returns after many years? ‘The Parrot’s Tale’ is an allegory about the perils of the modern system of education, and ‘The Kingdom of Cards’, set in a fantasy land of cards, is a powerful statement against the stifling of freedom of any kind.

Playful, innocent and full of tender love, with themes that will resonate with readers who are young and old, The Crescent Moon—with a thoughtful introduction by Ruskin Bond—is truly an enduring classic.