Indian Daddy's Blog

Harshikaa Udasi is a renowned children's author and journalist with over two decades of experience in the media and literary world. She has worked with some of India’s most prestigious newspapers, including The Times of India, Business Standard, and The Hindu, where she honed her skills in storytelling and reportage. Her deep passion for writing and her ability to connect with young readers led her to the world of children's literature, where she has made a significant mark. Her debut children's book, Kitu’s Very Mad Day , was a resounding success, winning the FICCI Best Children’s Book Award (English) in 2017. The book, known for its engaging narrative and relatable themes, cemented her position as a leading voice in Indian children’s literature. In addition to her standalone works, Udasi has contributed to several anthologies, including Flipped 2, On Your Marks, Dance Nani Dance, and Caturday, showcasing her versatility in storytelling across different themes and genr...

  Paula Young Shelton is a children’s author and an early childhood educator with nearly 30 years of experience teaching young children. She is a graduate of Duke University (USA) and holds a Masters degree in education from Bank Street College. She was a niece of Martin Luther King Jr., though Shelton wasn’t even a year old when her family moved from New York to the south [of the US] in order to be on the front lines of the civil rights movement. Some of her books for children include: ·    Child of the Civil Rights Movement ·    Just Like Jesse Owens

Nabakanta Baruah (1926-2002), a prominent figure in Assamese literature, was renowned not only as a novelist but also as a poet. Widely recognized by his pen name "Ekhud Kokaideu," Baruah began his literary journey writing poetry under the pseudonym Sima Dutta. His early works, characterized by their lyrical beauty and depth, laid the foundation for a prolific career that spanned several genres and earned him numerous accolades. Born into a family with a rich literary heritage, Nabakanta Baruah had three brothers: Devakanta, Jivakanta, and Sivakanta. Each of them contributed to the cultural and intellectual landscape of Assam in their own right. Nabakanta's literary prowess was evident from a young age, and he quickly rose to prominence in the Assamese literary scene. Throughout his career, Nabakanta Baruah received numerous awards and honors, reflecting his significant contributions to Assamese literature. Among these were the Assam Prakashan Parisod Award, the Sahitya A...

  Vijayan Detha (1926-2013), affectionately known as "Biji," was an Indian literary icon. In the 20th century, Detha was widely regarded as the most significant writer of Rajasthani prose. He wrote more than 800 short stories during his lifetime, demonstrating his creative genius and dedication to preserving Rajasthan's cultural heritage. Born in Borunda, Rajasthan, Detha collected and retested folk tales from the Marwar region for decades. The stories, steeped in tradition and wisdom, captured the essence of Rajasthani culture, bringing its vibrant ethos to life for readers across India and beyond. He wrote with equal eloquence for adults and children, combining universal themes with local flavor in his tales. In recognition of his contributions to literature, Detha received the Padma Shri, the Rajasthani Ratna Award, and the Sahitya Akademi Award. Many of his stories were translated into multiple languages, earning him not only national fame but also international ...

It was a chilly evening, and I had just returned home from the office, exhausted from the day’s work. I had barely settled down to rest when my son approached me with a worried expression. He had just realized, amidst his usual routine of homework and chores, that he had a craft project due the next morning. His assignment? To make a Christmas tree using marble paper—a material I had never even heard of before. His concern was evident. With a tense voice, he explained his predicament and apologized for not remembering earlier. He even tried to use the craft materials we had at home but quickly realized they wouldn’t suffice. His frustration was palpable, and for a moment, I considered leaving him to figure it out on his own. After all, it was late, and the chances of finding an open stationery shop seemed slim. But seeing his anxious face softened my resolve. Despite my weariness and the late hour, I decided to help. I put on my shoes, grabbed my jacket, and stepped into the chilly...

  Stephanie Seales is a dynamic voice in children’s literature, known for her unwavering passion for racial justice and her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers of all ages. Born in California and raised in Panama, Seales brings a unique perspective to her work, weaving cultural diversity and inclusivity into her stories. As a children’s literature expert, Seales has immersed herself in almost every facet of the industry, including working in bookstores, libraries, and schools. This hands-on experience has deepened her understanding of the transformative power of storytelling. She wholeheartedly embraces Toni Morrison's philosophy of writing books that she wants to read—a principle evident in her compelling narratives. Seales has received widespread acclaim from leading publications such as Kirkus , Publishers Weekly , Booklist , BookPage , School Library Journal , and The Horn Book . Her works have been praised for their depth, relatability, and the important conver...