Picnic and Pine Needles

Picnic and Pine Needles written and illustrated by Careen J Langstieh is a level-3 book (for children who are ready to read on their own). It follows a family on their trip to the forests to collect pine needles.

This book was published by Sauramandala Foundation, Meghalaya, as part of The Forgotten Folklore Project (TFFP) which brings to life 65 stories from communities in Meghalaya and other northeastern states of India. The story books, developed in collaboration with local artists, aim to contribute to early childhood education and disseminate knowledge on local nature, culture, foods, garments, kitchens, and more. Picnic and Pine Needles is a collaboration between the Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, and TFFP.

The story, based on the author’s own childhood experiences follows three siblings – Bih, Deng and Hep – and their Mei and Pa. The story begins when Mei remarks that a mattress in their home is getting too thin and suggests the family venture out to collect pine needles with which to stuff a new mattress. The following weekend, the family visits a small grove in Upper Shillong and makes a weekend picnic out of their pine needle collection. The story gives young readers a small glimpse into an old way of mattress making and speaks of the value of time spent with family.

The 28-page book, with full page illustrations, is available in English, Garo, Khasi, Pnar, and Tamil – on Storyweaver by Pratham Books.