Bhopal, Apr 16: In this age of competition man has learnt how to move with the times. In this era of consumerism children have also changed. There were times when children would go to their maternal uncles place to spend their vacations and their activities would be restricted to going on morning walks and roaming about in parks and neighbourhood. Times have undergone a tremendous change and children have also found new ways of spending their summer vacations. Now a days they are reading children's magazines, comics, and books to enjoy their holidays. They are also trying to make themselves better by learning new skills.

All seasons bring golden memories with them. It is summer season and the heat is at its peak. The scorching tempratures have compelled people to stay indoors. Everybody wants to do something special in the summer. Some people are planning to go on vacation while some others decided to stay at home and enjoy the summer season. What do the chirpy and bubbly children do in such a situation? Neither do the children have to go to school nor do they have the fear of being scolded by their teachers for not doing their homework on time. Now the children no longer go to their maternal uncles place and instead have decided to enhance their knowledge by reading children's magazines, comics and other books.

To enhance their personality and make their holidays memorable children of the city have become very aware. One day we decided to visit the Jawahar Bal Bhawan. There we talked to some children. We found that children had taken to reading books such as Chandamama, Harry potter, Grandfathers and grandmothers stories with great interest.

Some magazines and books that are attracting children these days

Chandamama, Champak, Twinkle, Nandan, Balhans, Wisdom, Dizney, Panchatantra, Vikram Vetal, Chacha Chaudhary, Harry Potter etc

Narendra Dange: Librarian of Jawahar Bal Bhawan says that the number of children increases during summer vacations. A large number of children come to read books in our library. We have kept many books and magazines in our library. Various titles are available on our shelves. Harry Potter is availabie in its English version in 7 volumes while in its Hindi version it is available in 6 volumes which the children are reading with great enthusiasm.

What do the children say

Jayant Patil, a student of standard 3 says that ``I read childrens books and magazines at Jawahar Bal Bhawan. My father, who is a businessman got me admitted there. I like to read all editions of Harry Potter.''

Devesh, a student of fifth class says he reads magazines such as Harry Potter, Chandamama and Champak. I have also asked my father to bring me certain books. During the vacations I read all books related to children.

Richa Rajouria, a student of 11th standard says her father is an Income Tax Consultant. ``I study in IPS International School. I am reading magazines of very small children. I have read all editions of Harry Potter. I read magazines in summers because it increases knowledge.''

Himanshu Karve, a student of class 8 says that he is spending his holidays reading books. ``I have read Champak magazine recently. I have also read Chandamama and Twinkle magazine. I love to read all magazins of children.''