This Sudha Murty book will make you fall in love with dogs all over again

An illustration by Sandhya Prabhat from The GOPI Diaries | Growing Up

How does an adult golden retriever behave around his first crush? Does he still jump in joy on seeing puddles? Does he like his fur cut short? In Gopi's world - a web of love shared by his Ajja, Ajji, Tachi Ajji, Appa and Amma - life is about the small things. But more often than not, they leave a big moist imprint on his family. Author and educator Sudha Murty's lucid diary-writing style makes the last part of the series special through her choicest selections of events colouring Gopi's life. As most dog parents would vouch for, the transition of a pet becoming a near equal family member is barely tangible. And so, while holding the book in your hands, you might think of an energetic dog jotting down his day under a reading lamp while snacking on chew sticks.

Murty with her dog. Pics Courtesy /HarperCollins

The dog's final feat of bravery - and his subsequent word of advice to other pets - tells us what makes them our harbingers of happiness. We also learn that a first swim can make them anxious, and being able to accompany their Ajji during the course of an interview can feel rewarding. But we love Gopi the most as a deewana, who can't take his eyes off his first crush, Super Nova, at the dog pool. The Gopi Diaries comes to life with Sandhya Prabhat's inimitable illustrations.

Title: The GOPI Diaries | Growing Up
Author: Sudha Murty
Genre: Kidlit
Publisher: Harper-Collins
Cost: Rs 399