The Chennai Book Fair has transformed into a vibrant stage for India's youngest literary talents, with hundreds of books penned by children taking center stage this year. The event witnessed a remarkable surge in participation from budding authors, some as young as six years old, showcasing their creativity across genres like mystery, fantasy, and poetry.
A Dream Realized: From Mythology Fan to Published Author
One standout story is that of Skandha Shankar, who first fell in love with the legendary Chinese monkey god, Sun Wukong, when he was just 10 years old. This childhood fascination has now materialized into a published work. At the fair, Shankar was seen posing proudly with his book, 'Sun Wukong, The Emperor', which delves into the cunning adventures and mythical battles of the beloved character.
"The book chronicles the cunning nature of the monkey king and his battles with mythical beasts. I have another part ready, I hope to publish that too," shared the young author, highlighting his ongoing literary journey.
Platforms Paving the Way for Young Voices
Shankar is far from alone. A significant initiative by publishers and authors provided a dedicated platform for children to submit, edit, and finally see their stories in print. A key player in this movement is Learners' Circle, a publishing platform that actively reached out to city schools.
They conducted story-writing contests to identify and encourage emerging talent. K Deepika, Sales Head at Learners' Circle, explained the process: "Students could upload their stories via a link, after which we vetted them and provided them feedback. The best ones were brought out as books." Their stall alone featured an impressive collection of over 500 books authored by children.
Industry Backing and a Growing Trend
The support for child authors is now a mainstream trend at the fair. R S Shanmugam, president of the Book Sellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), revealed striking numbers. This year, more than 450 stalls out of 980 featured at least one book by a child author, a significant jump from around 300 stalls last year.
"Next year, we plan to increase the number further," Shanmugam stated. He emphasized that the focus extends beyond commercial sales. "The sales may not be high, but it is about promoting children's works and exposing them to the world of literature," he added, underlining the fair's role in fostering a love for reading and writing from a young age. To engage more children, live story-writing contests were also organized at the venue itself.
The Chennai Book Fair's evolving landscape clearly indicates a powerful shift. It is no longer just a marketplace for books but a nurturing ground that validates the imaginations of young minds, turning readers into creators and planting the seeds for India's future literary heritage.
