In The Dordles trilogy (Pratham Books), little aliens are stuck on a planet with scarce resources. They must find fuel to get their spaceship running in order to get home. In his three-part narrative, CG Salamander opens conversations on fuel, and the need for its judicious use for young readers.
CG Salamander
He explains, “With books that have an element of learning, I prefer to craft an adventure around the concept.” He imagined “a post-human Earth where we see these endearing characters.” After Aindri C revealed the illustrated creatures, he knew that they would be called ‘Dordles’, “because it’s super fun to say out loud.”
The Dordles Find Fuel
We meet the Dordles, who are busy making a list of all the fuels that could get their spaceship started. From a small piece of coal to the bark of a tree, they try to gather whatever is left behind by humans, if there is anything left at all. Young readers learn what fuel is.
The Dordles Save Fuel
The Dordles learn to use fuel smartly, now that what they’ve found is getting over. They look for ways to save energy, plant trees, and replace broken things. Children are introduced to the concept of fossil fuels.
The Dordles Go Home
The Dordles take to the sea and sky in search of alternative, quick energy sources. They discover devices that could help them harness energy better. Readers gather what renewable fuel is and how sunlight, wind, rain, and waves can be great sources of energy.
Cool fact
This series falls under Pratham Books’ initiative to build STEM literature for kids. As part of STEM with stories, they distributed STEM library kits to 2000 government schools and libraries in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with support from the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University and the Tamil Nadu Department of Education.
Cost Rs 80 (each title)
Available Leading bookstores and e-stores
