Celebrated author Ruskin Bond turned 86 on May 19. His granddaughter baked a carrot cake for his birthday and decorated the house with blue balloons.

Image posted on Facebook by Fans of Ruskin Bond.

Acclaimed author Ruskin Bond, who turned 86 on May 19, celebrated his birthday with family at his residence in Mussoorie. Pictures and videos from the author’s birthday celebrations were shared on Facebook by a fan club, Fans of Ruskin Bond, today.

Ruskin Bond’s granddaughter Shristhi baked a carrot cake for his birthday and he was delighted about it. In a video that was shared by the fan club, Shristhi sang Happy Birthday for her grandfather as he cut the cake with a big smile.

“Ruskin Bond’s birthday celebrations. The carrot cake has been lovingly baked by his granddaughter Shristhi,” the caption of the post reads.

Watch the video here:

Ruskin Bond’s birthday party commenced on the eve of his birthday at midnight as he posed with two blue balloons. “Happy birthday, Daa,” a card on the cake said.

Such a lovely picture!

Ruskin Bond’s fans from all across the world wished the author on his birthday on social media and he is elated about it.

In a separate video message, Bond thanked his admirers for their messages and said, “Nice to hear from you. So pleased that so many readers and listeners have been writing in to Facebook. Enjoying my stories. It’s great to know that I am giving pleasure to so many. Wish I could meet and thank you all, personally. So, I take this opportunity to say thank you. Have a great year. Have a wonderful life, all of you. Stay happy. Stay safe. And, stay in touch. Thank you

Quarantine Curation: Happy Birthday, Ruskin Bond. 10 books to treat your lockdown blues

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10 Ruskin Bond books to treat your lockdown blues

He is one of the most beloved Indian authors. He helped shape the childhood of generations with the tales he managed to spin with his words. But his books are equally fascinating for adults as they are for children. We are talking about celebrated author Ruskin Bond, who turns 86 today.

Born in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli in 1934, Ruskin Bond’s legacy is fascinating. One just has to travel to the Queen of Hills – Mussoorie, to witness this. One of the most iconic hangout places there – the Cambridge Book Depot, witnesses readers, who travel from all parts of the country, every Saturday, as the author comes to meet a throng of excited fans. He signs books, cracks jokes, and leaves his delighted sea of fans with yet another Saturday to cherish.

Well, with the novel coronavirus outbreak, we cannot suggest you to visit the bustling streets of Mussoorie. But what we can suggest are the books by Ruskin Bond, which will be the perfect antidote for your boring quarantine days. Here are 10 books by the master storyteller you can re-read during the lockdown.

The Room On The Roof

The Room On The Roof

If you want to begin reading Bond’s work, The Room on the Roof is the perfect start. Bond’s words give you a taste of life in a small town. Embark on a journey with Rusty, an orphaned teenager running away from his strict guardian. As Rusty travels on trains, wanders in valleys, bathes in bubbling streams, gets a job, and finds love, you will fall in love with his story. Fun fact: Ruskin Bond wrote this novel when he was just 17 years old. The book also received the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize.ADVERTISEMENT

The Blue Umbrella

The Blue Umbrella

This simple yet beautiful story follows the journey of Binya, who lives in a small village in Himachal Pradesh, and how she trades her lucky leopard’s claw pendant for a pretty blue umbrella. The book was also adapted into a film by the same name, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

Roads To Mussoorie

Roads To Mussoorie

The book is a nostalgic collection of incidents and stories of the author’s beloved town. Bond documents his journeys to and from the town. He also delves into the daily scandals and happening in his life, with a touch of his incredible sense of humour.

The Book Of Nature

The Book Of Nature

This book documents Bond’s love for nature. It brings together the best of his writing on the natural world, of the Himalayan foothills, the cities and the small towns that he has lived in or travelled. The book tries to convey the message to never let the beauty of nature pass by unnoticed.

Our Trees Still Grow In Dehra

Our Trees Still Grow In Dehra

This book is a collection of engaging stories from the author’s life. It is a semi-autobiographical book, where Bond talks about his childhood and his life until now. The book also introduces the readers to various people who left a lasting impression on him and also talks about his beloved Garhwal hills.

Love Among The Bookshelves

Love Among The Bookshelves

Ruskin Bond documents his love for books and reminisces about the ones that he grew up with and helped in shaping his life. He also gives stunning details about his encounters with these classics. It is a perfect read for all book lovers.

A Face In The Dark And Other Hauntings

A Face In The Dark And Other Hauntings

This is a collection of paranormal tales where Bond tries to make the supernatural seem natural. If you love reading ghost stories, this one by Ruskin Bond is a treat.

Susanna’s Seven Husbands

Susanna’s Seven Husbands

The book was originally written as a short story, after which Bond adapted it into a novella. Then it was adapted into a script for Vishal Bharadwaj’s film 7 Khoon Maaf. It follows the story of Lady Susanna, who leaves a trail of dead husbands, seen through the eyes of the narrator Arun.

A Season Of Ghosts

A Season Of Ghosts

It is a collection of nine short stories set in the majestic Himalayan Mountains. The book is filled with stories that are equal parts thrilling and mysterious.

and finally, Lone Fox Dancing

Lone Fox Dancing

Ruskin Bond’s autobiography tells of the solitary tales of a solitary person, and how these mundane daily happenings become interesting. Special. Written in signature Bond style, Lone Fox Dancing is a collection of memories, stories and everything that will help you get to know this reclusive author a little better.