The Adventures of Toto by Ruskin Bond, reviewed by Akash Goyal

The Adventures of Toto by Ruskin Bond

Reviewed by
Name: Akash Goyal (12 years)
School: Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi

In the story “Adventures of Toto”, Toto is a monkey. The story is written by Ruskin Bond. Ruskin Bond has described how his grandfather was fond of animals. He bought a monkey from a Tonga-driver for Rs. 5. First when the grandfather saw Toto tied up to a feeding-trough, he looked very ill and ugly. As the grandfather had his own private zoo he kept the little monkey in it.

Toto used his tail as a third hand. He used it to hang from a branch and for scooping up any delicacy that might be out of reach of his hands. Toto’s presence was kept a secret from grandmother as she didn’t like animals. One day when grandfather was going out of station, he decided to take Toto along with him. A big black canvas kit bag was provided for Toto so that he could not escape.

Gradually grandmother accepted Toto in the house.
In winters when Toto had to go for bath he would cunningly test the temperature with his hand. When the water became cold, he would run to the kitchen fire to dry himself. If anyone laughed at him, he felt hurt and would refuse to continue with his bath.

Soon grandfather realized that Toto was not the type of pet to be kept in the house.He found the Tonga-driver, and sold Toto back to him for Rs. 3 only.