by Mili Eugine

‘Murali and Me’ Original text, design and illustration in English by Mili Eugine.

Printed by Kolor Kode

Published by Srishti PressSrishti School of Art, Design and Technology,P.O. Box No. 6430, Yelahanka New Town,Doddabalapur Road, Bangalore - 560 106.T: +91 80 40447000

Mili Eugine designed this book on ‘growing up’ as a student of the Storybook Lab at Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore. Run by Matt Lee and Krupa Thimmaiah, the aim of this lab has beento re-evaluate stereotypical notions of creating books for Indian children andto make reading enjoyable, meaningful and inexpensive.

Copyright © Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology 2012Illustrations Copyright © Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology 2012

All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form orby any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology.

by Mili Eugine

My Amma always says, “Krishna, take Murali with you to the market!” “Take him to the playground with you!” “Help him have a bath!”

2

Amma has to go for work. I help take care of Murali. He needs special care, because his brain is different than Ganesh’s and mine. Doctor Uncle says he has Down’s Syndrome.

3

I take Murali to Balu bhaiyya’s stall. He picks out vegetables. Balu bhaiyya yells, “Don’t come to my shop again!” I do not like it when Murali tries to help.

4

I play cricket with my friends. I tell Murali, “Sit there on that bench, okay?” But Murali grabs the middle stump and runs on the pitch. I do not like it when Murali tries to play.

5

We go to the temple. Murali jumps into a puddle. He is all wet and muddy. Amma yells, “Hold that boy!” Murali makes me so mad sometimes! I wish he was like Ganesh’s brother.

6

Sometimes when I feel sad Murali sits with me and starts singing. His voice is loud and clear. I forget the things that made me sad. I love it when Murali sings.

7

On the playground, Ravi sees me. He always makes fun of me. I am afraid of him. Ravi comes near us and says, “Hey you, Krishna! Aren’t you going to run away again?”

8

I try to run. Ravi catches my collar and pulls me back. I cry for help. Ganesh, Ali and Gauri are also afraid of Ravi. They all run away.

9

Murali comes running. He pulls Ravi’s hair and shouts with his loud voice. Ravi yells. People turn to look. Ravi does not want to get in trouble. He runs off.

10

Ganesh and Gauri come running to me from their hiding places. I look for Murali. He is helping an earthworm crawl back into its hole. I go and hug him.

11

Sometimes I think Murali takes care of me.

12

MRP: ` 20.00

Krishna is embarassed about his little brother Murali because he is... well, different! One day however, Murali takes matters into his own hands...

Murali and Me presents an adolescent perspective of living with a sibling with Down’s Syndrome.