Book Review- 5 Fantastic Facts About the Indian Constitution

5 Fantastic Facts About the Indian Constitution

Illustrated by Ashok Rajagopalan

This was one of the books I was most looking forward to. The topic intrigued me, and I was excited to see Ashok Rajagopalan’s much-loved art bring it to life for young readers. Alas, none of that was to be had—this is easily one of the most uninspiring books I’ve read in a while.

The Constitution of India is a living, breathing document—one that shapes our nation and its citizens. It is also one of the most complex legal texts in the world, reflecting the diversity and depth of India itself. This book, however, takes a completely different approach, using a YouTube video by an actor as its foundation. While the video itself is engaging, adapting it into a book for a younger audience without reworking the content has resulted in something uninspired and, frankly, uninteresting.

The artwork is possibly the book’s saving grace, with plenty of intricate detailing. But even that struggles under the weight of an uninspired narrative. The book only finds its footing in the very last section—where it breaks free from the video’s influence and introduces original content. The included activities and prompts are fun, engaging, and serve as great conversation starters, but it’s unfortunate that the book only finds its voice at the very end.

For those hoping this book would explore the complexities of India’s Constitution—its creation, the people behind it, its evolution over time, and its significance today—this is not the book for you. Instead, it offers surface-level trivia, like the fact that India’s Constitution is the longest written one in the world, without ever delving into the “why” or “how.” And that is where it ultimately fails.

Writing non-fiction for children is a unique challenge—one that requires balancing accuracy with engagement. Unfortunately, this book falls short. If you’re looking for easily accessible trivia, you might find some value here. Otherwise, it’s a pass.

Ideal for ages 5+, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it for any age group.