We launched Letters To Ammi, the second book in our City Series, on 20 July at Starmark Bookstore, Velachery, Chennai. The story follows a young girl, Fatima, as she traces her mother’s journey through the city of Delhi, writing letters to her along the way. Every monument holds a memory; every letter tells a story; and Fatima wants nothing more than to show her beloved Ammijaan that she is truly her mother’s daughter.
The author, Aftab Yusuf Shaikh, was joined in conversation by Timeri N. Murari, playwright and novelist, to discuss his connections to Delhi, and his inspiration behind the book.
Following this discussion, in keeping with the theme of the book and to celebrate the dying art of letter writing, the guests were all given Letters to Ammi postcards to write letters to their loved ones. A specially designed postbox was available at the event for people to drop their postcards in, so we could send them out.
Photos of Delhi, some of its most iconic monuments and locations, taken for the book by Adrija Ghosh and Soumitra Ranade were on display for people to browse through.
SHORTLISTED AGAIN!
Four of our titles – The Clever Tailor, Thukpa for All, Sadiq Wants to Stitch, and The Tale of Babban Hajjam – have been shortlisted for the Neev Children’s Book Award 2019 in the Picture Book category.
The Neev Children’s Book Award aims to recognize outstanding children’s literature from India. Books are shortlisted for this award if they “display an understanding and respect for a young child’s sensibilities” and “provide the reader with a visual experience.”
The Neev Literature Festival is an annual event that aims to take children’s literature seriously, and inculcate the joy of reading through a focus on how and what children read. Their aim is to create a culture of well-read individuals, who read all-time classics that are age-appropriate that get referenced into their world, now and in the future! They say their ultimate mission is to get children to “Love to Read, Read to Love”.
FANTASTIC REVIEWS
“There are wonderful sounds such as “gurgle, burble”, “cruck, crunch”, and “flap, thwap” that children will enjoy hearing in the story…This book is an excellent addition to any organization that would like to have books featuring different cultures.”
– Youth Services Book Review on Thukpa For All
Read the full review here.
“This book is truly special and it touched me in so many ways…the onomatopoeic words which not only engage the reader, musically giving us the feel of the terrain and surroundings, but also [indicates] how Tsering negotiates his way using his senses…the detailed, and unique style of illustrations by Shilpa Ranade which adds to the setting and tone…It is a warm, wholesome, soul satisfying read…”
– Myth Aunty, Librarian, on Thukpa For All
Read full review here.
“The illustrations are bold and colorful and have a real movement to them which really gives the feeling of this single piece of fabric flowing through the family and creating a connection.”
– Youth Services Book Review on The Clever Tailor
Read the full review here.
“My students loved the exuberant illustrations by Nayantara Surendranath, taking time to look at the details of how each item got worn out. I particularly loved how the illustrations builds the story along with the text, giving the reader plenty to pore and ponder over…This is a clever, fun, vibrant book, which lends itself to loads of participation and activities to stretch the story.”
– Myth Aunty, Librarian, on The Clever Tailor
Read full review here.
BOOKAROO: GANGTOK
Priya Kuriyan, illustrator of Princess Easy Pleasy, and Praba Ram, author of Thukpa For All, were both at Bookaroo, Gangtok, this month to conduct illustration workshops, writing workshops and book readings.
COMING SOON
Coming this August is our second book from China, Sion’s Misfortune.
Sion is a fortune-teller who lives in an ancient Chinese kingdom with his son and a beloved horse. When he begins to experience a series of unlucky events, he shocks everyone in town by saying that it is a sign of good things to come. Will Sion lose his reputation for being the wisest man in the kingdom, for how could misfortune ever be a blessing?
This profound folktale from China is beautifully adapted by Chen Jiafei and illustrated by award-winning artist Wang Ran.
Read a review of this book here.
WHAT WE’RE READING
The Crocodile Who Didn’t Like Water by Gemma Merino
Everybody knows that crocodiles love water, but this little crocodile is different. He doesn’t like water at all. In fact, he prefers climbing trees! But it can be lonely when you’re the odd one out, so the little crocodile tries his best to change. But being wet isn’t for everyone – and a shiver soon becomes a cold and the cold becomes a sneeze, a very hot sneeze… Could it be that this little crocodile isn’t a crocodile at all?
The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig, illustrated by Chris Mould
From number one bestselling author Matt Haig comes a hilarious and heartwarming story, brilliantly illustrated by Chris Mould. A very funny and lovable tale of how one special pixie learned to love herself. The Truth Pixie is an enchanting, rhyming story that will delight younger readers.
CII REGIONAL SUMMIT ON QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION
Mr. C.P. Viswanath, Founder and Director of Karadi Path Education Company, was invited to be one of the panel members at the CII Regional Summit on Quality & Sustainable Education – Realizing Full Human Potential Through Inclusive and Holistic Education. The event was held on 18th July, 2019, at Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
KARADI EXPO AT THE VIJAY MILLENNIUM SCHOOL, KRISHNAGIRI
Karadi Expo was held on 20th July, 2019, at The Vijay Millennium School, Krishnagiri, with over 500 students from Grade I to V. Almost 450 parents were invited to the event to project the benefits of the school adopting Karadi Path. Dr. H.G. Jeyaharish – Dean of Academics, Sri Vijay Vidyalaya Group of Institutions, was the Chief Guest, and Ms. Preetika Venkatakrishnan, Vice President, Training and Product Development at Karadi Path was Special Guest for the event.
AUTHOR VISIT: AFTAB YUSUF SHAIKH
Aftab Yusuf Shaikh, author of our latest book Letters to Ammi, visited two of our Karadi Path user schools, Devi Academy and Bala Vidya Mandir, for interactive ‘Meet the Author’ sessions. The children, all from Class 7, were extremely enthusiastic and had several interesting questions for the author.
STORYTELLING AT BALA VIDYA MANDIR
On 19th July, 2019, storyteller M.S. Lavanya delighted the children at Bala Vidya Mandir with her rendition of the story Little Vinayak.
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS WORKSHOP
Ms. Shobha Viswanath, Co-founder and Publishing Director of Karadi Tales Company, conducted a workshop titled ‘A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words’ at Center Point School, Nagpur. 55 teachers attended the workshop, and it was followed by an interactive session.