Bookaroo 2024

Bookaroo: Two Days of Literary Magic at Delhi Public School Srinagar

Bookaroo – A two-day Children’s Literary Festival kicked off on 22 June 2024, at Delhi Public School Srinagar with great enthusiasm and excitement. This 7th edition of Bookaroo embarked with an atmosphere charged with anticipation and joy among children of various age groups. The Festival transformed Srinagar into a hub of creativity and wonder. Over the course of two days, young minds were immersed in the enchanting world of books through a series of engaging activities and sessions. The festival’s impact on children and families was profound and enduring.

A distinguished group of experts from across the country, including authors, storytellers, illustrators, and creativity specialists, engaged the young attendees with a variety of creative exercises.

The festival featured 30 speakers from 8 different cities, presenting 58 sessions that covered a wide range of activities such as storytelling, craft workshops, book readings, doodling, poetry, and music. The sessions on managing emotions, Calypsos, Earth Care, a Japanese form of storytelling Kamishibai ,where the author used paper cards and paper to bring the characters in life, creative writing, uncovering history, learning about quilts and quilting, magazine making with old newspapers, book covers and reimagining with stories and art were included in the variety of programs. The thoughtfully designed, age-appropriate content offered two days of pure joy, enjoyment and education, ensuring that attendees, many of whom came back for the second day, had an unforgettable experience.  This diverse program not only ignited imaginations but also fostered a lasting love for literature and creativity among the children.

Crafty Corner fascinated the young audience and encouraged their participation. The sessions at this venue concluded with a creative hand painting activity that the children thoroughly enjoyed, providing a fun, hands-on complement to the themes explored in the book, they were delighted to create their own book covers and monster masks and zine making under the guidance and dynamic approach of the authors.

The sessions at the Workshop began with a storytelling session on animal cruelty led by Usha Venkatraman and her illustrator Niloufer Wadia. The students were engaged and responsive throughout the performance. The session conducted by Zarin Virji, saw a packed hall with enthusiastic participation. Children wrote about what makes them unique. Adil Sheikh captivated the children with several experiments, including launching a bottle using water and pressure.

Canato Jimo’s musical performances at the Patchakatha session were truly mesmerizing. His skillful blend of melodies and rhythms captivated the audience, creating an enchanting atmosphere that left everyone spellbound. Each note seemed to resonate with the listeners, drawing them into a musical journey that was both emotional and uplifting. The combination of his talent and the evocative storytelling made for an unforgettable experience, highlighting the power of music to enhance and elevate narratives. The captivating storytelling sessions by different authors here left the audience with awe.

At Doodle Wall participants envisioned and depicted various cities, whether real or imaginary, reflecting personal or dreamlike environments.   An exploration of nature, covering flowers, animals, and environmental themes, drawing birds of diverse colors, shapes, sizes, and calls,  helped children to express themselves through art.

A standout feature of this year’s festival was the appearance of the Gruffalo, from Julia Donaldson’s famous book. The beloved character roamed the grounds of DPS, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement. Students eagerly took pictures and expressed their affection for the Gruffalo, making it a highlight of the event.

The event was a resounding success, engaging participants in a dynamic blend of learning, creativity, and cultural exploration. Through diverse workshops, captivating storytelling sessions, and interactive activities, attendees were immersed in a world of literature and art that sparked curiosity and inspired imagination. The enthusiastic response from both children and adults alike underscored the event’s impact, fostering a community spirit of joy and discovery. As participants departed with newfound knowledge and cherished memories, the event’s achievement in promoting literacy and artistic expression was abundantly clear, promising continued inspiration and growth in the years to come.

Day 01

Day 02