Atticus, Atticus ... How I love you! Who says that you are not a good parent?To Kill a Mockingbird is moving, painful and joyful. It fills my heart with the goodness and stupidity of humanity.When I read a story like To Kill a Mockingbird, I feel the power of literature. Literature can echo in your head with phrases and pictures that make you want to close your eyes and relive each moment.A man, be he any colour of the rainbow, is equal in the eyes of law. I love that. I remember that one line from the first time I read it, when I was too young to treasure more bits and pieces. I love the idea of people being different colours of the rainbow. And even this imagined violet/green/red man is equal to the white man in court.I can see in my head the court scene, Mayella Ewell and Tom Robinson. I can see Aunt Alexandra, who can behave like a lady even in the worst of … [Read more...]
Storytelling at The Cultural Centre, Pune
What better place to tell stories than in the silence of a place surrounded by nature?The Cultural Centre Pune is ideal.I had a truly enjoyable session with five children from three different countries. In keeping with the international spirit, we told stories from three different countries. And then, I had the fortune of listening to a fascinating story told by one of the children there - about a tiger and a wild boar. It is about the wild boar's unhappiness at not getting a return gift at the tiger's birthday party. So much does he complain and so generous is the tiger, that the wild boar ultimately gets a 'BIG' internet connection. In addition, his complaints earn him a lamp, a torch, a cooking pot, a pair of shoes and a man, each as large as the room we were in!Working with children opens the mind. I can only just imagine the wild boar sitting with his big internet … [Read more...]
Storytelling with Varsha at The Cultural Centre, Pune!
Yesterday, I secretly did a storytelling session for a child's birthday.We recited together, we acted together, we laughed and shouted together.It's coming back tomorrow - at The Cultural Centre!Here's how to get there. And here are the details once more: Age-group: 5-8 years Date: Saturday, 7th June, 2014 Fee: Rs. 350 Time: 11 am - noonPlease register your child at tcc@prelocate.com. For further queries contact 09764 441 478 See you tomorrow! … [Read more...]
The Macmillan Book Review Contest on Rivokids
Why are there no reviews of Indian books for the Macmillan Book Review Contest yet? This is true for all the age-groups!Do invite children in the age-group 10-15 to review The Story-Catcher; the carrot dangling at the end of the stick is a Macmillan book hamper! Last date for entries is the 30th of June. … [Read more...]
Olivia’s First Term
When I picked up Olivia's First Term, I was more than a little sceptical. The book was light purple, with splashes of silver on it. It did not promise to be the kind of book I would like. I don't like books that run on crushes and fantasies and lipstick and shoes and make-up. And lavender, purple and mauve books are often filled with just that. Happily, Olivia's First Term was nothing like that.In fact, I would go as far as to say that I experienced after a very long time the joy bordering on addiction that I felt when I read Malory Towers the first time. When I read Malory Towers now, I cringe with embarrassment at the fact that eighteen-year-old Darrel behaves as if she is eleven. But I cannot deny that when I read the series the first time, I devoured each book and wished Enid Blyton had written more.Olivia's First Term gave me that same simple, childlike happiness. I … [Read more...]
Storytelling with Varsha
This time, I have something coming up for younger children.If you know children between the ages of 5 and 8, tell them to join me this Saturday at The Cultural Centre Pune for a storytelling session followed by activities that give free rein to their imaginations! … [Read more...]
Day Five: Reading Workshop at JustBooks
Another workshop came to an end yesterday. Lots of parents came in and asked me when I would do something like this again. Soon, I hope, soon. For now, I am filled with gladness. Comics, stories, poems, myths ... A reading workshop is so fulfilling! … [Read more...]
Day Four: Reading Workshop at JustBooks
My reading workshops are always learning experiences. If not for those who attend mine, for me!Yesterday was a day of comics and stories. One child made a comic depicting a race to win a golden sword. One write a fable and illustrated it. One wrote an essay with a picture.They showed me, again, how inspiration can come from anything! … [Read more...]
Day Three: Reading Workshop at JustBooks, Wanawadi
Each day brings more happiness!Yesterday, day three of my reading workshop at JustBooks, was lovely. We told a story together, then wrote letters and played a new game - the Word Train! Children constantly inspire me to be creative! … [Read more...]
Day Two: Let’s Read at JustBooks, Wanawadi
One hour is not enough for everything I like to do with the children at the workshop!It was still lovely, though, with understanding copyright (and asking whether Google will know who owns the copyright for the Bible) and telling stories. Myths, book covers, publishing, copyright and a quiz - all on Day Two of the reading workshop at JustBooks, Wanawadi. Let's Read! … [Read more...]