NEW DELHI, October 3: The Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival opened in Delhi today at Sunder Nursery, Nizamuddin, bringing together writers, illustrators and storytellers from India and abroad for a weekend dedicated to children’s books, creativity and imagination.
The 18th Delhi edition runs on October 3 and 4, with dozens of interactive sessions planned for young readers, particularly children between four and 14 years of age.
Writers and Illustrators From 12 Countries
The festival brings together around 50 writers, illustrators and storytellers from 12 countries, while the official venue programme lists 56 participating speakers overall.
The international lineup gives children an opportunity to interact directly with creators working across different styles of literature and visual storytelling.
58 Sessions Planned Over Two Days
Bookaroo will host 58 sessions featuring storytelling, book readings, art and craft activities, workshops and discussions.
The programmes are designed to make reading more interactive rather than limiting the festival to conventional author talks.
Sunder Nursery Hosts Delhi Edition
The festival is being held at Sunder Nursery Heritage Park and runs from approximately 11 am to 4:30 pm on both days.
Popular Bookaroo spaces including the Kahani Tree, Doodle Wall, Arches, Pavilion and Workshop have returned for this year’s edition.
Doodle Wall Encourages Young Artists
One of the festival’s major attractions is the Doodle Wall, where children can draw alongside professional illustrators and collectively create a large artwork.
The activity encourages children to experiment freely with visual storytelling and imagination.
Illustrators Get Dedicated Platform
The Illustrators’ Quarter is also returning after receiving a strong response in the previous edition.
Illustrators can showcase their work, discuss how children’s books are created and help young visitors understand illustration as a professional creative career.
International Names Join Indian Creators
The programme includes creators from several countries alongside Indian authors and illustrators.
Participants include Swiss illustrator Carla Haslbauer, Portuguese illustrator Carolina Celas, Dutch illustrator Mark Janssen and several prominent Indian writers, editors and artists.
Festival Focuses on Reading for Pleasure
Bookaroo was created with the aim of making books and storytelling enjoyable for children outside the formal classroom environment.
Through interactive sessions with authors, illustrators and storytellers, the festival seeks to encourage curiosity, creativity and a lasting interest in reading.
Delhi Festival Continues Through Sunday
The Delhi edition will continue on October 4, with additional storytelling, illustration and creative sessions scheduled throughout the day.
Bookaroo will later travel to other Indian cities, including Bhopal, Srinagar and Vadodara, as part of its 2026 programme.
Source – The Indian Express / Sunder Nursery / Bookaroo Trust The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
