Chandigarh: Renowned children’s book authors and storytellers have come together for the Paper Trails Literary Fest 2025, organised by FirstSteps School at its Sector 26 campus. The festival aims to promote reading, writing, and storytelling among young learners.
On the sidelines of the festival, several well-known children’s literature experts interacted with the media. These included prolific author Asha Nehemiah, critically acclaimed writer Meghaa Gupta, editor and writer Vidya Mani, and versatile writer and storyteller Shyam Madhavan Sarada, also known as Greystroke. Renowned storyteller Deeptha Vivekanand was also present.
They were joined by Japji Cheema, Chairperson of FirstSteps School, and Jasbir Kaur, the school’s Principal, who shared the school’s vision behind organising the literary festival.
Festival Aims to Make Reading a Shared Experience
Speaking about the initiative, Japji Cheema said the literary fest seeks to bring books, authors, and young readers together. “The festival turns reading into a shared experience. It includes storytelling sessions, book readings, illustration activities for book covers, and interactive workshops led by leading children’s authors and storytellers,” she said.
Focus on Learning Beyond Rote Memorisation
Principal Jasbir Kaur highlighted the school’s educational philosophy. “As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we focus on deep conceptual understanding and real-world application rather than rote memorisation. This literary fest helps children understand the importance of reading and writing through interactions with real-world experts,” she said.
She also announced that FirstSteps School will soon open a new IB school in Panchkula.
Authors Share Views on Children’s Literature
Asha Nehemiah, author of popular children’s books such as The Rajah’s Moustache, Granny’s Sari, Mrs Woolly’s Funny Sweaters, and Thieves and AHA! Adventures, spoke about the importance of literary festivals focused on children.
Meghaa Gupta, known for her history series on Independent India published by Penguin Random House, expressed her happiness at being part of the Paper Trails Literary Fest.
Vidya Mani, who runs a content and design studio called Melting Pot, shared insights from her interactions with children. She has edited several well-known children’s magazines, including Chatterbox, Quest, Junior Quest, Hoot, and Toot. She emphasised the role of literature in building a strong foundation for young readers.
Workshops, Storytelling Sessions, and Punjabi Day
Shyam Madhavan Sarada, also known as Greystroke, spoke about encouraging reading and writing habits among children. An illustrator, cartoonist, and publisher, his book Wailers Three, published by Pratham Books, is a CBSE-recommended reader for Kendriya Vidyalaya schools.
As part of the festival activities, Vidya Mani and Greystroke conducted a magazine illustration workshop on December 15. Deeptha Vivekanand led a storytelling session the same day. On December 16, international storyteller Kapil Pandey conducted a storytelling session. On December 17, Greystroke will conduct a storytelling workshop, and Punjabi Day will also be observed.
Asha Nehemiah and Meghaa Gupta also conducted literary sessions during the festival. Shiraz Saini, a multifaceted storyteller, participated in the event as well.
Student Participation and Book Exhibits
Throughout the month, students of FirstSteps School participated in poetry and writing activities. They also prepared a showcase to exhibit their enquiry cycle based on literature.
Additionally, a travelling children’s bookshop by Funky Rainbow displayed books, especially those written or illustrated by the authors and storytellers participating in the festival.
