A note on the series

Children have their unique interests and passions, which we adults are often unable to comprehend, because it goes against our notion of what it is ‘useful’ for children to know and learn. But our well-meaning lack of imagination can have a restrictive effect on children’s unbounded imagination.In this series, Lavanya Karthik writes a series of brilliant short stories from the youthful lives of some outstanding women and men–in the arts and sciences–and the unlikely effects of their childhood dreams and experiences on the stellar work they were to do as adults.And in doing so, she shows that children’s passions and interests can lead to wonderful work that can change the world.The style of artwork in each book is closely linked to the subject. The Girl Who Loved to Sing is drawn in a style inspired by Bhil art, as Teejan Bai belongs to one of family of Bhil tribes. The Boy Who Played with Light is illustrated in the style of Sukumar Ray and Satyajit Ray, and throw in lots of secret references to the work of three generations of Rays, and to Satyajit Ray’s movies, which an adult can help introduce a child to. This close association of the art with the subject of these short biographies will help to bring alive the work and individual cultural setting of each of the subjects.

The books are layered in terms of levels, so that children can get more and more out of them as they read them at different ages. For a small child, there is a standalone story at its core. For a slightly older child, there is a framework which contextualizes the subject’s work, which the parent can also read and explain to a younger child. It also presents openings for discussions on careers and dreams.

A delightful introduction to the famous singer!

Short-length, simple vocabulary, illustrated story from the life of the famous singer Illustrated in the Bhil style because Teejanbelongs to a subgroup of the Bhils With a simple framework of biographical information that contextualises Teejan’swork

About the book

Before Teejan Bai became a world renowned singer, she was a little girl who had to fight for her freedom to sing. A delightfully illustrated short biography that will inspire young readers A delightful introduction to the famous film maker! Short-length, simple vocabulary, illustrated story from the life of the famous film maker Illustrated in a style used by Ray. With a simple framework of biographical information that contextualizes Ray’s work to mark Ray’s centenary year

About the book

Before Satyajit Ray became a world famous film maker, he was a little boy who saw many things in the shadows. A delightfully illustrated short biography that will inspire young readers

About the author

As a child, Lavanya Karthik spent all her time writing stories in her school notebooks and drawing the pictures to go with them She is now a slightly older child, still making up stories and drawing pictures You can find her wandering about the by lanes of Mumbai, nibbling on chocolate, chatting with street dogs and looking for her next book idea She is the author of several books, including Neel on Wheels, A Walk with Thambi and The Lion’s Feast and is the creator of the Ninja Nani series