Yogendra Yadav shares his thoughts on a vibrant literary movement. In an age dominated by reels and videos, a renaissance is blooming. This revival connects children to their roots through innovative books.
Discovering Hidden Gems at the World Book Fair
The ongoing World Book Fair in New Delhi offers a treasure trove. Hall 6 stands out, dedicated solely to children's literature. Children's books need their own space, just as children do.
Visitors must navigate past glitter and gimmicks. They avoid decorated pavilions and big publishers. The goal is to find creative works, not standard imports or repetitive tales.
Why Attend a Book Fair?
People go to sample new and creative work. They seek books that develop a taste for reading. These books help children surrounded by digital content.
Parents aim to connect kids to their context. This includes the history, myths, and real life of the Indian subcontinent. Books tickle curiosity and creativity in an AI-driven world.
In essence, attendees search for Indian books. These are written for Indian children, preferably in Indian languages.
The Renaissance in Indian Children's Literature
Good news awaits those seeking such books. Indian children's literature is experiencing a renaissance. It started with English books and now spreads to Indian languages.
This is an exciting time for authors, illustrators, publishers, and readers. The focus is on quality and cultural relevance.
Starting with Parag Initiative
A great starting point is the Parag stall. This initiative by Tata Trusts curates outstanding books. Their annual Honour List features selections in English and Hindi.
The list includes 286 books from 24 publishers. It categorizes them by age group and type. Many books are available at the stall, including from publishers without their own booths.
Exploring Publishers and Their Offerings
Exciting developments occur in Indian English literature. C G Salamander and Rajiv Eipe approach fame with stories like Asunam. Pratham Books and Tulika Books excel for early readers.
For older children, HarperCollins and Speaking Tiger offer good options. Karadi Tales presents real-life stories from rural India. Art1st introduces children to Indian art through exquisite books.
Hindi Literature Standouts
Two stalls deserve special attention for Hindi books. Ektara Trust leads in creativity with works by Gulzar and others. They offer a diverse range from pocket books to novels.
Eklavya, from Bhopal, expands beyond science education. Their imprint Pitara covers poetry and fiction. Books like Varun Grover's Futt-ball enrich cultural understanding.
Encouraging Exploration with Children
Visitors should bring children to the exhibition. Kids discover more than adults can imagine. Children's books are where imagination learns to walk.
This renaissance fosters a love for reading. It grounds young minds in their heritage while preparing them for the future.
