We've been told to not judge a book by its cover. But when we come across Devangana Dash's The Jungle Radio (Penguin India), gleaming with gold embossed lettering, birds and foliage on the cover, it's hard not to stare — there seems to be no end to this fascination. And ahead of World Migratory Bird Day, observed on May 11, an annual event backed by the United Nations to highlight the need for protecting these birds, it only makes sense to pick this up.

Dash agrees with our judgement. "I am pleased with the final printed cover too, and it did end up looking and 'shining' like a little celebration of birds of India." Based in New Delhi, she has frequently illustrated book covers. But this is her debut picture book, and so illustrating her own, she says, was overwhelming.