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! … [Read more...]
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 Exit 43, was like that. In the last two chapters, you're just waiting for resolution, no longer anticipating what could happen.The Court Painter's Apprentice was nothing like that. In many ways, I found its telling old-fashioned, and I liked that. I liked how different incidents come together to create a story. There was a build-up with no unnecessary crests and troughs. One story after another, with very few sub-plots. Didn't Aristotle say that that was the making of good literature?A young painter's talent is discovered when he is still very young. Apprenticed to Hugo, the leading painter of … [Read more...]
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! … [Read more...]
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! … [Read more...]
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 slot to almost two hours, simply because the children were so excited. It's been wonderful, these four days. I can't believe that tomorrow is the last day either! … [Read more...]
Let’s Read! – Reading Workshop
Look what's coming next!Register now! Call (020)30116811 or +91-7385022202 for more details. … [Read more...]
Day Two: Exploring the World of Stories
Two more children joined the reading workshop at Friends Library today!With seven children in the cosy children's section of Friends Library, Day Two of the reading workshop was a day of learning. We spoke about the publishing process and copyright. We designed book covers. We shared myths from around the world. And we had a quiz to round things up.Tomorrow promises to be fun too! … [Read more...]
Day One: Exploring the World of Stories
As of yesterday, I had no registrations for my reading workshop. I decided to go to Friends Library anyway. Three children came. And then one more. And one more. And one more promises to come tomorrow - all in all, it was delightful.Among other things, we played Pass the Story - a cross between Pictionary and Chinese Whispers, with the element of stories added into it. Here's how it works: Participant One picks a chit. Suppose it says 'Geronimo Stilton'. Participant One draws Geronimo Stilton and passes on his sketch. Participant Two makes a guess. Suppose Participant Two guesses 'rat'. He writes 'rat' on a sheet of Paper and passes it on. Participant Three draws. Participant Four guesses. And so on.It's a hilarious game. Harry Potter became Wimpy Kid. And Sleeping Beauty became Barbie, as did one of the seven dwarfs.The world of stories continues tomorrow - here's … [Read more...]
Skellig
Skellig by David Almond is a human story, and like so many human stories, contains a little miracle. A scientific miracle, perhaps. Or maybe a spiritual miracle. Sometimes the two go together, along with angelic intervention, scientific study and William Blake.Skellig is not a story that wants to be believed. Yet it is not fantasy. It is not a story about magic. Yet, it contains the inexplicable. It is not a spiritual story of divine intervention. Yet, it is the story of a little miracle that brings Joy.Sparse, sometimes disgusting, often moving, Skellig is, above all, the story of a quiet boy who is not so quiet in his head. And his friends who understand. And those who don't. … [Read more...]
Three Days to Go for my Workshop at Friends Library!
Are you ready? Have you passed the word? Will you please?Any queries? Write to me! … [Read more...]