Opposites

"Old and young, under the sun / Life’s journey is for everyone", goes a line from this book of opposites. Set in rhyme and coloured in vibrant shades, the book presents opposite terms – like sharp and blunt; thick and thin; high and low; broad and narrow – illustrated through common objects. The book has been written by Eleanor Sangma and illustrated by Leirik Oinam. Published by the Sauramandala Foundation, it is a 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.

The books uses illustrations of everyday objects to exemplify different descriptions. For instance, in the lines "Thick or thin, the notes begin / Instruments play a melody within" a dama which is a traditional drum is used to illustrate the quality of being thick while an illep or a short flute is used to depict thinness. 

The 17-page book is available in English, Khasi, Pnar, Garo, Hindi– with more translations to come on Storyweaver by Pratham Books.