Booked for fun

as publisher Young Zubaan and literary consultancy Siyahi. Around 35 major writers, publishers, illustrators and performers have joined hands, so that the programme list is varied and quirky and kids, with their short attention spans, don’t get bored. The initial fervour has been encouraging — more than 1,200 registrations ever since word about the festival spread in schools.

“Let’s Sing Along with Anushka Ravishankar,” the first event on Day One, is already full but there are seats left for several others. Go on an adventure with Jo Williams called “Charmseekers’ Challenge” or get under the skin of birds and beasts in “Panchantantra in Wonderland.” The interestingly titled “Pchak! Pchak!” has writer Padmini Mongia reading from her new picture book about a pair of crocodiles in the backwaters of Kerala whose baby refuses to open her mouth.

Writer Subhadra Sen Gupta will teach children to make their own cartoon stories in “Comic Shomic” as well as take them on a tour of Sanskriti Museum on a time travel story. “It’s about how a bunch of children find themselves in 19th century Delhi,” says Sen Gupta.

While most events are for specific age groups, special sessions like a meeting with celebrity American graphic novelist Jeff Smith is open to all. “And there’s something for grown-ups too,” says Roy. Wendy Cooling, one of UK’s foremost educationists, will meet parents, teachers and librarians in the programme, “It’s Never Too Early To Start”.

Bookaroo will be held on November 22 and 23 at Sanskriti, Anand Gram, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road.Time: 10 am-5pm. Log on to bookaroo.in.