There's so much around the corner! This month, apart from all the regular workshops, I'm going to be part of The Lit Bug Fest! The Lit Bug Fest is a children's literary fest to be held on the 29th of April at Persistent Systems, Bhageerath, Senapati Bapat Road. It is an all-day event, and I'm looking forward to it! In May, I have wonderful things in store for me too. I'm going to be speaking at the Asian Festival of Children's Content, Singapore. The first one on the list is Pictionary by another name. I can't quite believe that I'm going to Singapore to officially play Pictionary. The second is a panel discussion, which I'm looking forward to ... We're going to be talking about diversity and inclusiveness, and the challenges we face while writing in Asia - in English or in other languages. I'm also going to be doing an official international launch for the first … [Read more...]
Book Launch at Atta Galatta
Launching my railway adventures for children in a city in which I know very few children was bound to be a challenge, but it was such fun! The event began with a college friend who came to show her support - and she made my day. I hadn't met her for a decade, making her presence even more special. As children started trickling in, we began to explore the series of railway advenures through the audio books and activity kits. The joy of each of the railway books is that it is sold both as a book and as part of a kit, making for wonderful activities with children at events like this! And of course, for any writer, people who want to buy your book and get it signed just warm your heart! … [Read more...]
Reading Workshop and Book Launch in Bengaluru
I have two events coming up in Bengaluru this week - a book launch tomorrow, and a reading workshop on Saturday. I hope to see you there! Book Launch at Atta Galatta, Koramangala, Bengaluru Date: 9th March 2017 Time: 5:30 pm Open to all! Reading Workshop at Kids Collective, Jayanagar, Bengaluru Date: 11th March 2017 Time: 11 am to 1 pm Age-group: 8-12 Workshop fee: Rs 500 per child … [Read more...]
Writing Workshops at Gurukul School
The British Library invited me to conduct writing workshops for the fourth and fifth standard students of Gurukul School, and what fun it was! A student of mine introduced me to a lovely activity that I improvised for the fourth standard. I handed out sheets of paper to groups of children, and asked them to write six characters. Here's what they wrote: I find the denture, toothbrush and fork the most interesting characters of all! Then, I asked them to write six settings. I like Crystaly! I wonder where it is. Then, I asked them to write actions. Here's what we got: Each child comes forward and rolls the die three times. The die rolls determine the character, setting and action. All that remains is to write the story. It was delightful! … [Read more...]
Workshops at Symbiosis International School
I love the concept of the language week that is held at Symbiosis International School. The students organised a language quiz; they explored the cultures associated with different languages; they had competitions ... And I was invited my to conduct creative writing workshops for grade VIII. In November last year, I conducted reading workshops with grade VII and thoroughly enjoyed myself, so I was sure these would be fun too! As I was going to be there anyway, I was also asked to judge an event, and it was wonderful! Students of the seventh grade dressed up as characters from books and made speeches or enacted scenes. It was such fun! From the moment each character walked into the room, my brain began to whir. Who could this be? What book is s/he from? From the prince and the pauper to Frankenstein, Ebenezer Scrooge, Elizabeth Bennett and Mark Antony, I had a lovely morning, immersed … [Read more...]
AFCC 2017
Last year, I attended the Asian Festival of Children's Content for the first time because I was shortlisted for the Scholastic Asian Book Award. This year, I'll be attending it again--as a speaker! I'm speaking as part of a panel discussion titled "Writing about Us". Here's a little about where the whole thing came from. At workshops I conduct, I find that participants rarely write about Indian children, especially when they write fantasy. I meet Harry, Lucy (sometimes even pronounced Lucky because the name isn’t real to the children) and Mary, and a few made-up names too, but almost no Indian ones. When the children write Indian tales, I find, repeatedly, a traditional storytelling pattern with a clear moral. I originally believed that this came from what the children read. They talk about Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and Cassandra Clare, and when I ask what Indian … [Read more...]
The Reading Challenge is Back!
The Reading Challenge is back at the British Library, Pune, and this time, the theme is 'The Big Friendly Read'! Celebrating 100 years of Roald Dahl, we have a lovely collection of books as usual. Many feature Dahl characters that I fell in love with as a child, and of course, many others with the wonderful illustrations of Sir Quentin Blake. There are all kinds of stories, though, so even if you've read everything Dahl ever wrote, there will be something for you to read too! For those who have never taken part in the Reading Challenge, it is an exciting programme conducted every year at the British Library, Pune. If you are anywhere between 5 and 13 years old, you can register. There are two sets of books - junior books and senior books - and all you need to do is finish reading six books in six weeks. If you do, you will get a certificate, maybe even a medal! I will … [Read more...]
Journeys with Shakespeare
When I was asked to speak about Shakespeare at a gathering of school principals and English teachers, I was more than a little nervous. I borrowed and read books; I watched DVDs about his life; I pulled out notes from my Master's course on Shakespeare ... And I enjoyed myself thoroughly! Reading about Shakespeare again made me chuckle and wonder at the amount people have read and written about him. The interpretations people have come up with are amazing! From saying that he was (definitely) a moneylender to saying that he was a butcher's son who would make a speech while killing a calf, I read a range of stories, and that's why I decided to talk about just that - a few of the stories that make up the Shakespeare that we "know" today. After my talk, Mr Sridhar Balan spoke about the First Folio, a delightful session that drew the audience in and explored Shakespeare's journey … [Read more...]
The Puppy Who Wanted to Fly
I enjoyed reading this short, simple play by Caron Thomas, one of the girls at the Writers' Club at St. Mary's School. I've published it here for you to read (with her permission, of course). The Puppy Who Wanted to Fly Caron Thomas Characters Puppy Little bird Mommy Daddy Cat __ Scene I A warm afternoon, under a tree. Stage right: A large field with many trees; stage left: a cottage Puppy: I wish I could fly just like the birds. (Goes around the tree and scratches his head) Yes! I have decided. I will go to the birds and ask them to teach me how to fly. (Looks at the tree) Hey, hey everyone please teach me to fly. Little bird: Ha, ha! How will you fly? You’re a dog, you don’t have beautiful wings like us! (Puppy runs away making a sad face) (Blackout) __ Scene II A warm afternoon in a cottage. Stage right: a dining table; stage left: the living … [Read more...]
Reading Challenge at MIT Gurukul
Going back to a school at which I was once a teacher was a whole new experience for me! Despite all the reasons I quit, I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I walked around the school. This time, I was not there an employee, but as an independent trainer from the British Council. Going to the buildings where I taught English and ToK, visiting the library and the refectory, and, most importantly, meeting all the lovely people I worked with ... What a grand day! MIT Gurukul has taken on the Reading Challenge, and I worked with the PYP section today, reading out stories and teaching the children about book reviews. With Grade 1, I did a book I had not read before - There's a Shark in the Bath! It's a delightful story, one of those that is enjoyed differently by each reader. What does young Dulcie do when she sees a shark in her bath? I chuckled as I read … [Read more...]
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