Ruemon and Mehul Bhattacharyya

A Bizarre Family of Animal Friends Ruemon and Mehul Bhattacharyya

In a normal suburban town, one family has a strange secret - the two boys can talk to animals! Follow Daddy, Mommy, Milan, and Roman as they meet a cast of amazing animals - from a dinosaur with teeth as big as bananas to a talking alligator stuck in the mud to a giant bird that gobbles up toy cars! A testament to all that animals both living and extinct can offer, this collection will spark the imagination of children ages 5 to 12 everywhere. Incredibly, the book's authors are children themselves. 14-year-old Ruemon has self-published several books: Ghost of the Mist (2012), Weird Larks!! (2012) and Ghost of the Mist II: The True Hero (2014), and along with 12-year-old Mehul, A Handful of Hope (2016). Active in charity work and education, they volunteer with Cradles to Crayons and donated the proceeds from A Handful of Hope to Syrian children in refugee camps throughout Europe. In 2013, Ruemon sent a 4-page handwritten letter about primary education systems to President Barack Obama. He received a letter back from the President that read, "Every day, I am inspired to hear from young Americans like you who are passionate about learning and growing into leaders ... by setting your sights high and encouraging others to reach for their potential, you will make your mark today and help shape America's tomorrow." Ruemon and Mehul donate entire proceeds from selling these books to children, students, and families in need. A Handful of Hope was sent to children in Syrian refugee camps in Turkey. They recently participated in a fund raising gala to raise $240,000 for Raising a Reader. Bristol Community College instituted two scholarships funded by Ruemon and Mehul to promote STEM for female students. Written for children by children, A Bizarre Basket of Animal Friends is not only a great addition to any family library; it is an inspiration for children to look inside for their own potential, do what is right, and follow their dreams.