I sit on the sofa looking at the wall in front of me. Hundreds of images cover the wall. A young brown girl. The book does not say anywhere that she is brown. In fact, she is English. But her great-great-aunt – or was it another relation? – used to wash the socks of tramps. […]
Ashadi Ekadashi at Prashanthi Nilayam
Standing there, behind the backdrop, we held our breath. We had been working with 43 Bal Vikas children with little or no knowledge of dance since May, and this was the outcome of all our efforts. Working towards the performance for Ashadi Ekadashi at Prashanthi Nilayam was often frustrating, but ultimately, deeply rewarding. The […]
The Story of Cirrus Flux
“Where are you, Varsha?” “I’m not here!” I call back. “It looks like you are.” “No, I’m inside here.” (pointing to my book) That’s the way it was with The Story of Cirrus Flux. I enjoyed the ride through 18th century England, with Matthew Skelton’s small liberties with historical facts. I wondered again at how […]
Storytelling with Varsha – Tomorrow!
Here are some pictures from the past. See you tomorrow! Storytelling with Varsha Age-group: 5-8 years Venue: Friends Library, Salunke Vihar Road Registration Fee: Rs. 350 Date: 20th June, 2014 (Friday) Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Storytelling at Friends Library, Pune
When I conducted a reading workshop at Friends Library, many parents came to me and asked me to do something for younger children. Finally, here is a storytelling workshop for the littler ones. Venue: Friends Library, Salunke Vihar Road, Pune Date: 20th June, 2014 (Friday) Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fee: Rs. 350
Storytelling Photographs
Here are a couple of photographs from my storytelling session at The Cultural Centre. Looking forward to my next workshop!
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 […]
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: […]
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 […]
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 […]
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!
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!
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, […]
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!
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 […]
Day One: Reading Workshop at JustBooks, Wanawadi
The week began with another reading workshop! It’s a new place for me, with new children and new activities. One thing remains the same, though. It’s still all about books and a library is the perfect place! It’s not too late to join in – come, Let’s Read, at JustBooks, Wanawadi, Pune!
The Court Painter’s Apprentice
I love novels that read like short stories. I don’t like it when the plot is so complex that my excitement reaches its peak too early. When I read a book like that, I’m just waiting to find out what happens in the end, not enjoying the journey. The book I read before this, The Boy Who Fell Down […]
Author Interview!
The Story-Catcher was the second runner-up for the “Parents and Kids Choice Awards 2014” for Books (Indian authors) in the age-group 10-15. TeamRivo interviewed me – read the interview on rivoblog!
Day Five: Reading Workshop at Friends Library
Another wonderful reading workshop came to an end today. “Five minutes more.” “Please, last day!” “Can we stay till 1?” “Please …” Despite everything, we did not finish at 11:30 as planned, but at 12:30! It’s hard to refuse when children want more time with you!
Days Three and Four: Reading Workshop at Friends Library
“How can it already be 11:30?” “Time is already up?” “I could sit here for five hours daily!” “Why is tomorrow the last day?” Today, Day Four of Exploring the World of Stories, my reading workshop at Friends Library, I ended up extending my one and a half hour […]