On Air with RJ Rini by Sonia Mehta (Author) and Parul Sharma (Illustrator)
My take on the book:
Nine-year-old Rini is a certified chatterbox who can speak nonstop round the clock; not just random chatter but Rini is a live encyclopedia who could educate people around her about unique facts. However, none of her family members ever bothered to pay attention to her; her elder sister Ambika is always immersed in her headphones, her grandmother is busy with her prayer beads, her mother trying to learn the lyrics of the song her singing group is practising, her father disappointed with world news from his newspaper.
One day when Rini grabbed her sister’s headphones, she realised her sister is hooked to them because of RJ Roopa. Rini is inspired to become like RJ Roopa and she immediately had to share it with her best friend Uma; but Uma does not share Rini’s excitement, in fact she is upset that Rini chose a new profession while they already decided to form a detective agency when they grew up.
When she shares this new idea with GAGA (Gayathri Aunty), GAGA encourages Rini, however also points that it is not fair to Uma. The next day Rini sees Uma hanging out with her arch rival in the secret hideout that is exclusive to her and Uma. With no support and encouragement from her family and her best friend, will Rini continue to pursue her new found interest in being an RJ? How Rini finds her way forms the rest of the story
This is the story of Rini who had so much knowledge to share with her family and neighbours but her family were never interested in what she had to say and her neighbours even complained to her parents about her chatter. Rini discovers the dream profession for her, one that lets her use her chatter and knowledge to perfect use. However, deciding to be RJ and becoming one are not the same and Rini’s journey while dealing with family and friends who are not supporting her makes the crux of the story.
Rini’s friendship with Uma and with GAGA are equally well portrayed by the author; especially how elders like GAGA should guide kids in the right direction and how kids do not hold grudges for long — a quality adults need to learn from them. The meaning of community is woven wonderfully into the story by the author through the Sunshine Colony Funfair, as a good reminder to the reader about the declining community culture in our society.
On Air with Rini is a heartwarming story that will resonate with every child who has ever felt unheard. A quietly essential read for the adults in their lives too.
My rating:
4/5.