Bookaroo’s story of hope this year began when 46 speakers, many of them from out of town, unhesitatingly agreed to participate in this edition. The idea was simple — to try and bring some sense of normalcy in the lives of the children of Delhi. This festival was put together in 45 days, a record, with support from all publishers, sponsors and many other supporters across the board.

The festival is all set to delight children and parents alike in Delhi with some scintillating storytelling, workshops, poetry, art and craft and books at the 13th edition India’s first children’s literature festival in the capital city.

Two days of non-stop fun with books will unfold at the National Rail Museum (venue partner). The festival will showcase 50 sessions for children between 4 and 14 over the weekend on 27 and 28 November 2021.  

“We would like to thank the National Rail Museum, publishers, friends, parents, teachers, our authors, illustrators, sponsors and all those who have supported us in many, many ways. This edition has been exceptional in the way all our supporters stood by us,” said M Venkatesh, co-founder and festival director, Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival.

Highlights of Delhi 2021:

Storytelling: continuous storytelling will come alive under the Kahani tree, as performers present stories as never before!

The Wall of Healing: An ongoing activity where children can express their anguish, pain and wounds guided by artists and illustrators from the Art1st team.

Issues: Sessions on self-discovery where children are encouraged to think why they are unique and how their being is more important than the colour of their skin.

Book launches: This Bookaroo features three book launches – Happiness Train by Nandini Nayar, Coral Woman by Lubaina Bandukwala, Ammu’s Bottle Boat by (Niveditha Subramanium), Pedru and the Big Boom by Nandita da Cunha, The Tiger, the Bear and the Battle for Mahovan by Akshay Manwani.