Blog
1st November 2019
Acknowledging the literary geniuses this author’s day!
While the Harry Potter series is the first name in everyone’s mind in the universe of children’s books, multiple Indian authors to have contributed immensely to this genre.
The world of literature has seen dynamic shifts over the past few centuries, but one genre of writing has always remained relevant - fairy tales and children’s stories. For generations, our writers have delighted parents and kids alike with their timeless novels and short stories. This Authors day we commemorate these inspirational authors who have shaped and garnered the dreams of children across India and the world.
Anant Pai
Anant Pai affectionately called Uncle Pai’ and ‘Walt Disney of India’ was an Indian educationist and pioneer of the Indian Comic Industry. He is the man behind timeless and comical characters such as Suppandi, Tantri the Mantri, Kalia the crow, and Shikari Sambu. If you haven’t already, share a piece of your childhood with your children by filling the bookshelves with Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle comics.
Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle are two of his most famous and iconic comic book series that are enjoyed by all age groups. Amar Chitra Katha narrates traditional Indian folk tales, mythological stories, and biographies of historical characters through a graphical representation of characters.
To his credit Uncle Pai, is one of the very few authors who reimagined and retold Indian mythology in a way that was appealing and understandable for children. His work is a must-have, as part of your child’s reading list.
R K Narayan
Born in Chennai and due to his father’s work-related transfers he had to move around, therefore, Narayan had to change many schools. His interest in reading was evident from a very young age and his hobby soon became a habit. He later graduated and decided to become a stay at home writer. In the early days of his writing career, Narayan faced a bumpy start as his initial work was not as popular and wasn’t received well by the public, until his third novel, ‘The darkroom’. After that there was no looking back for Narayan, he wrote multiple novels after that and soon became a renowned author.
His most notable work Malgudi Days, and the town behind it wasn’t just a fictional town because it came alive in R.K.Narayan's writing. He is the creator of the endearing character, Swami who speaks to young minds and adults alike. Although children nowadays don’t go about plucking mangoes like Swami and his friends, Narayan’s work will introduce to your child the carefree life of a rural young boy growing up in South India. His overall work reflects traditional Indian values with grandmothers being an integral part of families complimented with banyan trees and busy marketplaces.
An acclaimed Indian author Narayan's honours included the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Royal Society of Literature's Christopher Benson Award, and the Padma Bhushan in 1964, elevated to the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2000.
Ruskin Bond
Known as one of the top novelists not only in India but also all over the world, Ruskin Bond is considered an icon among Indian authors. A surprising fact for many, Ruskin wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof at the tender age of seventeen and was subsequently rewarded for his work in 1957. Ruskin Bond boasts a varied range of work from over 500 short stories, various essays, poems. When it comes to the most admired chroniclers of contemporary India, Ruskin’s work is adhered to by all.
He brings alive the spirit of the mountains with his writing for young readers. His stories depict the flora and fauna of the hills, the landscape, seasons and hill folk with interesting characters. He has been credited with writing more than 30 books for children. He now lives with his in Mussoorie.
Rudyard Kipling
Kipling's best work, Jungle Book, is based in India. The book is a classic and it’s a great read for all ages. The jungle adventures of the skinny boy, Mowgli and his animal friends - Bagheera, the panther and Baloo, the bear filled our childhood with happy memories.
Kipling is and always will be one of the most successful novel writers for children for his time.
Richa Jha
Richa Jha is an Indian children’s author and picture book, enthusiast. Her books have been shortlisted for prestigious national literary and industry awards to add to that she also won a popular choice award and hence entered the Limca Book of Records. She had the honour of hosting the country’s first online critique platform and also runs the only website dedicated to reviewing Indian picture books.
With the virtual world taking over, normal books tend to scare children away, what garners their interest are picture books. The segment of picture books has been everpresent but unlike many Richa Jha has made her mark into this segment with her creative work.
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