"The circus has come to Pune!" "Yes, and it can fly!" "Yes, and there are gymnasts jumping from the ceiling!" "Yes, and there is a flying unicorn!" "Yes, and there are singing koalas!" "Yes, and the tiger can bark!" "Yes, and the dogs are miaowing!"I love playing 'Yes, and ...' with … [Read more...]
Storytelling Workshop at Palm Groves
A group of parents got together and invited me to conduct a weeklong storytelling workshop at a housing society. Storytelling has never been more fun! Working with my own stories is a lovely experience in itself, and when the story comes with its own kit ... The enjoyment reaches new … [Read more...]
The Story-Catcher: A Review by Arushi Upadhyaya
Some time ago, I mentioned a book review of The Story-Catcher by 9-year-old Arushi Upadhyaya. Finally sharing the whole review here! It made me smile all over again. … [Read more...]
The Story-Catcher – A Review by a 9-year-old
I've been waiting for something momentous before writing my blog - what could be more momentous than a review of The Story-Catcher by a nine-year-old?Arushi Upadhyaya had to design a book-jacket for a school competition. The entry she submitted is with the school, but she sent me the rough plan … [Read more...]
What Went By
It's taken me a while to write about the last month. How full of emotions it has been!We performed in Kalakshetra for Pushpa Teacher and Jaya Teacher, my teacher's teachers. We peaked and fell, rising and falling with a tide of emotions. We felt we underperformed, and then we were overwhelmed by … [Read more...]
The Story-Catcher – Kindle Edition!
After three years of good old paperback sales, we now have an e-book! For all those who said you did not buy the hard copy, here's your chance! … [Read more...]
Christmas Reading
Fills my heart with joy ... … [Read more...]
The Story-Catcher in Gangtok
Ebbani from Rey Valley International School was the first to arrive. "Thirteen more children are coming," she informed me.I was anxious, anxious enough to have considered (night before last) cancelling the whole thing. I had never dealt with such young children before, and the children from Rey … [Read more...]
Day Two: Storytelling Workshop
We read aloud, acted, spoke, coloured, stamped and drew. I heard two stories about a zoo, and we read a lovely story about two rabbits and a fairy princess. What a feast of stories it was! The three-day storytelling workshop had: 1. Tikki tikki tembo 2. The Witch and her Two Daughters (adapted from … [Read more...]
Day One: Storytelling Workshop
Children aged between five and eight are such an enthusiastic and energetic bunch! I enjoyed myself thoroughly telling them three more stories, one of which was "The Little Corner Shop" from The Story-Catcher. It is so heartwarming when children fall in love with a story that is your … [Read more...]
The Macmillan Book Review Contest on Rivokids
Why are there no reviews of Indian books for the Macmillan Book Review Contest yet? This is true for all the age-groups!Do invite children in the age-group 10-15 to review The Story-Catcher; the carrot dangling at the end of the stick is a Macmillan book hamper! Last date for entries is the 30th … [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...]
Parents and Kids Choice Awards
Second runner-up for the Parents and Kids Choice Awards among Indian books for the age-group 10-15! I'm thrilled! … [Read more...]
Last Day to Vote
Somehow, seeing my book cover on Rivokids's shortlist for the Parents Kids Choice Awards makes it all the more real.Thank you, those who voted. And thank you, all those who shared the link.Those who didn't, would you do it now please? Voting closes today! … [Read more...]
Read before you vote!
If you have not yet read The Story-Catcher and that is holding you back from voting, click here to read some excerpts.Rivokids says: Votes are streaming in! Make sure you Vote. Every Vote counts.Vote now! … [Read more...]
Parents Kids Choice Awards
I'm thrilled to be shortlisted for the Parents Kids Choice Awards! Those who have already voted, thank you, and please spread the word (before the 6th of May). Those who have not, please do vote! Here is how - 1) Click on this link - http://www.rivokids.com/pkca 2) Go to I want to vote for Age … [Read more...]
Thank you!
For all those who came and watched me and listened to me at Art Hop Pune, thank you!I began with almost no one in my audience. In five minutes, there were over twenty people - a large number in such a small place. And as I was doing my last piece, the place was full. I was honoured!Of course, … [Read more...]
The Story-Catcher in the International Market
Do you live in Singapore?I just discovered that The Story-Catcher is now available for loan in 42 libraries in Singapore!The National Library Board, Singapore, has a list of libraries where it is available - here's the link! … [Read more...]
Website updated!
My website has been updated!Here's what's new -- My story Sacrifice is now on the home page as well as in 'Published Work'. It's now easy to access through my site!- For those who tried to read The Caravan of the Cultures of the World, the link to the story has been fixed.- On the 'Media' … [Read more...]
Parents and Kids Choice Awards – Last Day to Nominate
For once, I'm taking on the role of marketing my work!If you like The Story-Catcher, do nominate it for the Parents and Kids Choice Awards! Because this is one award that does not depend on sales, publicity or distribution. … [Read more...]