Indian Daddy's Blog

Jabari Asim is a celebrated American author, poet, and educator whose works captivate readers of all ages. Whether crafting joyful board books for toddlers or thought-provoking literature for adults, Asim’s writing combines creativity, cultural richness, and historical insight. For children, Asim’s works encourage curiosity, laughter, and a sense of wonder. His board books, such as Whose Toes Are Those? and Whose Knees Are These? , feature playful, rhythmic verses and vibrant illustrations that delight little readers while celebrating diversity and self-love. His picture books and middle-grade stories often explore African American history, making complex topics accessible and empowering for young readers. Beyond children’s literature, Asim’s talents extend to poetry, drama, and essays. His thought-provoking works appear in prestigious anthologies and periodicals, showcasing his unique perspective on social issues, politics, and culture. Asim is also a professor at Emerson College...

Children’s literature has an important place in nurturing young minds, sparking curiosity, and building empathy. Niyatee Sharma, a celebrated children’s author with seven books to her credit, is making her mark by creating captivating tales for young readers across India. Published by renowned names such as Tulika Books, Penguin Random House, and Tota Books, Sharma’s works blend vibrant narratives with visual storytelling, a fusion that’s engaging and enjoyable for children. In this article, we explore the creative journey of Niyatee Sharma, her impact on children’s literature, and some of her most popular books that have left a lasting impression on young readers. From Interior Design to Storytelling: An Unusual Path to Children's Literature Niyatee Sharma’s journey to becoming a beloved children’s author is both unique and inspiring. A graduate from the Centre of Planning and Technology (CEPT) as an interior designer, Sharma initially pursued a career in design. Her background in...

I love to read books and my favorite book series is Percy Jackson. There are three series and they are based on Greek and Roman mythology.  I have read all three series and one extra of that topic. The names of the series are: 1. Percy Jackson 2. Heroes of Olympus and 3. Trials of Apollo. Every series has 5 books. The series is written by Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson and Jason Grace are both demigods, meaning the son of a god. Percy Jackson is the son of Posiedon. Jason Grace is the son of Jupiter/Zeus. Zeus is the king of the Olympian Gods and ruler of the sky. Posiedon is the brother of Zeus and is the ruler of the ocean. There are many funny things in this series, including a baby who, unlike others, started singing instead of crying. Then there was the god Apollo who fell from the sky and landed safely in a New York dumpster (who knows what New Yorkers put in their garbage?). Jason had a coin, which, when flipped, will turn into a sword or javelin. Percy Jackson himself can ...

  Samina Mishra is a filmmaker, children's author, and educator based in New Delhi. Her work focuses on media that focuses on children. She often explores themes of childhood, identity, and education, reflecting the diverse realities of growing up in India. Her documentary Happiness Class explores the concept of happiness through the lens of the Happiness Curriculum in Delhi government schools. Additionally, she runs The Magic Key Centre for the Arts and Childhood, a virtual resource hub for children and adults. Her books for children include: Jalmo Walks  Nida Finds a way Where Does it Hurt?

Why Are Harmful Products Like Pan Masala Advertised?  A Conversation with My Son Neel  My son and I often take short trips within or outside the city. During these drives, we frequently come across advertising hoardings for Pan Masala (tobacco) featuring famous celebrities. What's puzzling, especially for my 10-year-old son, is the statutory warning behind the hoardings that says: "Pan Masala is injurious to health." This contradiction is tough to explain, but I’ve tried answering it in a couple of ways. Here's how I explained it to him, hoping it makes sense. In India, pan masala is a product some people have used for many years. It's especially common in certain parts of the country, including Assam. Historically, some communities have chewed things like pan masala or tobacco, which is why businesses advertise them. These companies want to sell their products to people who are used to consuming them. Even though we now know that Pan Masala is harmful to he...

Vidya Mani is a multifaceted individual, making significant contributions to the world of children's literature. As an accomplished author, editor, and visionary founder, she wears many hats in the realm of storytelling for young minds. Vidya is the creative force behind Melting Pot, a content and design studio renowned for crafting engaging children's books and magazines. Her work extends beyond commercial endeavors, as she collaborates with both publishers and NGOs to produce literature that not only captivates young readers but also imparts valuable lessons. In addition to her role at Melting Pot, Vidya Mani is the co-founder and chief curator at Funky Rainbow, an independent bookshop and book consultancy based in Bengaluru. At Funky Rainbow, she leads a dedicated team committed to fostering a love for reading among children. The bookstore not only provides a diverse selection of children's literature but also offers a unique space that encourages exploration and discove...