03 January, 2025

Children’s Books: An Indian Story

The thought behind the book:

The Parag initiative of the Tata Trusts, a sector builder of the children’s literature scape in India, felt the need for a book that reflects on the current status of this sector. Through the process of its creation, we also felt that we could collectively and with a critical eye, understand the landscape that is being shaped through the work of authors, illustrators, publishers, non-profit organisations and educators in developing diverse books and facilitating their use in multiple contexts.

Children’s Books: An Indian Story

About the book:

Children’s Books: An Indian Story jointly developed by Eklavya and Parag, and edited by Dr Shailaja Menon and Sandhya Rao, is a collection of writings on contemporary children’s literature exploring its recent history in India, focusing especially on developments in the English language. It highlights salient genres and themes within children's books; examines challenges related to representation, accessibility and translation; identifies gaps; and discusses how literature and libraries can be used effectively with children to cultivate a deeper literary experience and understanding.

It also brings "voices" of different stakeholders including publishers, illustrators and authors, directly to the reader. Deliberately without jargon and technical language, the essays speak directly to anyone interested in the world of children’s literature. Peppered with examples and citations of published works, Children’s Books: An Indian Story springboards a thought-provoking platform for debate and discussion in a critical, creative space.

This is a must read for someone who is interested in Indian children’s literature or uses literature in their work with children. 

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Where and how to buy:

Click here to get your copy of the book.