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Manu Mixes Clay And Sunshine
Manu Mixes Clay And Sunshine
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Country: India
Author: Bulbul Sharma
Illustrator: Shanta Devi
Ages: 8-10
Publisher: Dastkari Haat Samiti
Story Source: StoryWeaver

About The Story

Whilst children around the world lead different lives in different situations, they share one thing: A love of learning new things, and a desire to feel important and grown-up.
Manu, a potter’s son, looked forward to being able to go to the market in the neighbouring town with his grandfather to sell their wares – pots, big and small, that they had formed out of the soft clay collected from the river bed. His life is similar to those of many other children around the world whose families over generations earned their livelihood from their traditional skills.
In this story as well as in A Fish and a Gift and The Tale of the Water Hyacinth children will learn the joys, challenges and even difficulties that such families face to earn a living. The story is illustrated in the traditional Madhubani folk-art form, one of the many in India. Another one on this website is the Warli art form used for illustrating the story, Dancing on Walls.

Themes

Environment & Conservation
Social & Emotional Learning
STEAM

Sub Themes

Madhubani Folk Art
Traditional crafts
Livelihoods

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Learn about pottery as a traditional art and livelihood
  • Understand how cultural knowledge is passed down through generations.
  • Appreciate the beauty and labor behind everyday handmade objects.
  • Build curiosity about how things are made in different parts of the world

Lesson Plan

  • This story can introduce children to traditional crafts, folk art, and intergenerational skillbuilding, highlighting pride in cultural work.

Activities

  • Clay Craft Session: Let children shape a small pot or animal from clay or playdough.
  • Folk Art Exploration: Introduce Madhubani art and have children color or design in similar style.
  • My Family’s Skills Chart: Children interview family members about skills/trades they know.
  • Market Math: Create a role-play activity selling pots in a market and counting earnings.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • Have you ever seen someone make something with their hands?
  • What do you know about pottery or clay work?
  • Do you help your parents or grandparents with any tasks?

During reading

  • What steps are involved in making a pot?
  • How does Manu feel about learning from his father?
  • What do the illustrations remind you of?

After reading

  • What is something you’ve learned from a parent or grandparent?
  • Why do you think making pots is both hard and joyful?
  • What makes handmade things special?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8 is reflected in the value and dignity of traditional livelihoods like pottery.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 12 promotes the appreciation of sustainable, handmade crafts and rural artisanship.

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