"Can it get verse?" Delhi High Court judge Justice Anish Dayal authors poetry book for children

Justice Anish Dayal of the Delhi High Court has written a book for kids and really “for anyone who can be one”.

The book titled “Can It Get Verse?" is a set of nine poems that Justice Dayal has dedicated to his kids -- Kabir and Meher.

He wrote these verses when he was confined to his bed with a broken ankle. This was before he was appointed a judge of the Delhi High Court.

Like the title of the book, the poems are witty, quirky and playful. ‘Abracadabra’, ‘Which Witch is Which’ and the ‘Attack of Polygons’ deal with the themes that fascinate and scare almost every child.

The book is illustrated by Saumya Varuna and each verse comes with activities meant to be a “playfield, a fun-space, plasticine to mould.”

In the book, Justice Dayal says that the poems are a result of his love for words, rhyme and rhythm.

“This medley of words and activities is offered as a playground for kids, to help them dream and give wings to imagination.”

Journalist and author Dr Nalin Mehta describes the book as a “marvellous collection” that “lifts you up”.

“Whether you are having fun with kids or the kid within you, the poems and activities lift you up. Funny and thought-provoking at the same time-- this book is a lot of fun and a balm for the child inside you. With poetry, wordplay, and action -- a must for thoughtful parents of little ones,” Mehta adds.

The book has been published through Notion Press and all the proceeds from the sales, as per Justice Dayal, will go to his village libraries initiative for children in Uttarakhand.