For the child who dreams of inventing gadgets and exploring the unknown, this collection of tales sparks wonder and the thrill of scientific discovery.
A parent would reach for this book when their imaginative child is starting to ask big "what if" questions about science and technology, and is ready for a classic adventure story. This collection of diary entries from the brilliant, globetrotting inventor Professor Shonku is a delightful journey into the world of creative problem-solving. Each story presents a fantastic invention, from a memory-booster to a robot, and a thrilling adventure to go with it. It celebrates curiosity, resilience, and the pure joy of discovery, making it perfect for budding scientists and engineers aged 9 to 13 who appreciate a bit of humor with their sci-fi.
The book is very light on sensitive topics. It contains mild, old-fashioned adventure peril (being chased, facing strange beasts, dealing with villains) but no graphic violence, death, or heavy emotional themes. The approach is entirely secular and scientific, with resolutions that are hopeful and rely on intelligence and wit.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9 to 12-year-old who loves tinkering, building, and asking "how does that work?". They have a strong imagination, enjoy a bit of dry humor, and are ready for stories with more sophisticated vocabulary set in a classic style. This child is likely fascinated by science but wants the thrill of a fictional adventure, not a dry textbook.
Parent Prep
The stories were originally written in Bengali in the 1960s. A brief mention of the time period and Indian setting can add helpful context. The vocabulary is rich and advanced for the age range, which is excellent for learning but may mean a younger reader might ask for definitions occasionally. It can otherwise be read cold. A parent has just heard their child say, "I wish I could invent a..." or has seen them become completely absorbed in a science documentary. The child is showing a strong aptitude for STEM and creative problem-solving, and the parent is looking for a book that fuels that curiosity with fun, inspiring stories rather than just facts.
Age Experience
A 9-year-old will be thrilled by the surface-level fun: the wacky inventions, the robot, and the exciting adventures. A 12 or 13-year-old will more deeply appreciate the cleverness of the scientific solutions, the dry, understated humor of the professor's narration, and the classic science fiction tone reminiscent of Jules Verne.
What Makes It Special
What makes this collection unique is its blend of classic "gentleman scientist" adventure with a distinctly Indian setting and a protagonist who is humble, witty, and driven by pure curiosity. Unlike much of contemporary, action-heavy sci-fi, Shonku's tales celebrate the quiet, profound joy of intellectual discovery and invention for its own sake.
Read plot summary
This book is a collection of short stories presented as the diary of Professor Trilokeshwar Shonku, an eccentric and brilliant inventor living in Giridih, India. Each entry details one of his incredible inventions (e.g., a gun that makes people sneeze, a robot, a device to understand animal language) and the subsequent adventure it leads him on, from encountering mythical creatures in the Himalayas to thwarting the plans of scientific rivals in Germany.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Professor Shonku invents the Annihilin pistol but decides it is too dangerous for the world. If you invented something incredibly powerful, would you share it or hide it? Why?
2
In the story 'The Unicorn Expedition', Professor Shonku travels to Tibet based on a diary. What do you think drives his curiosity, even when it puts him in great danger?
3
Of all of Professor Shonku's inventions, which one would you most want to use in your own life, and what is the first thing you would do with it?
4
Professor Shonku’s cat, Newton, is his clever companion. How does having a pet help the professor in his work and on his adventures?
