Indian Daddy's Blog

Sir Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) stands as one of the most beloved and influential authors of modern literature. Known for his wit, imagination, and profound storytelling, Pratchett’s works have enchanted readers across the globe. Over his lifetime, he authored more than 50 bestselling books that have collectively sold over 100 million copies worldwide, securing his place as a literary icon. Pratchett’s magnum opus, the Discworld series, began with the publication of The Colour of Magic in 1983. This imaginative series—set in a fantastical flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle—explores themes of humanity, politics, and the absurdities of life with humor and philosophical depth. His ability to weave intricate worlds, populated by memorable characters, has left an indelible mark on fantasy literature. Beyond Discworld , Pratchett’s contributions to children’s literature are equally notable. Works such as The Carpet People , Dragons at Crumblin...

Sally Gardner: A Remarkable Journey of Creativity and Perseverance Sally Gardner is an inspirational figure whose life and work resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Born in London, she has become a celebrated novelist and children's book author, with over two million copies sold in the UK alone. Her stories, which have been translated into more than 22 languages, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Despite facing significant challenges due to dyslexia, she achieved academic excellence, earning the highest honors from a leading London art college. She further honed her artistic skills by securing a scholarship to a prestigious theater school. Her early career as a costume designer for notable productions showcased her creativity and artistic vision. However, it was after the birth of her children that her journey as an author truly began. Inspired by her love for storytelling and illustration, she transitioned into writing and illustrating picture books, paving the way f...

Jabari Asim is a celebrated American author, poet, and educator whose works captivate readers of all ages. Whether crafting joyful board books for toddlers or thought-provoking literature for adults, Asim’s writing combines creativity, cultural richness, and historical insight. For children, Asim’s works encourage curiosity, laughter, and a sense of wonder. His board books, such as Whose Toes Are Those? and Whose Knees Are These? , feature playful, rhythmic verses and vibrant illustrations that delight little readers while celebrating diversity and self-love. His picture books and middle-grade stories often explore African American history, making complex topics accessible and empowering for young readers. Beyond children’s literature, Asim’s talents extend to poetry, drama, and essays. His thought-provoking works appear in prestigious anthologies and periodicals, showcasing his unique perspective on social issues, politics, and culture. Asim is also a professor at Emerson College...

  Janhavi Samant is a children’s author, journalist, and content marketing professional with a deep passion for storytelling. Her love for tales began in childhood, listening to her grandma and parents share a variety of stories—funny, heroic, tragic, and even outright bizarre. These early experiences instilled in her a lifelong fascination with the power of stories to connect and entertain. As a mother, Samant has continued this storytelling tradition. She finds joy in retelling, recycling, and even creating new tales for her children at bedtime. For her, these moments are not just about entertainment; they are about building strong, enduring bonds between parents and kids. She believes stories are the simplest and most powerful way to foster imagination, empathy, and creativity. “Stories help us envision ourselves in different places and situations,” she says, “allowing us to grow our perspectives and dream bigger.” Janhavi Samant’s books resonate with humor, nostalgia, and the ...

  September evenings in Manas National Park are often shrouded in mist and drenched by monsoon rains. On one such evening, the Basbari Range and nearby villages were inundated, turning the crop fields into makeshift ponds. Villagers, undeterred by the weather, were busy fishing in the swollen streams and rivers. Amid this watery chaos, a curious report arrived.  Puran, an employee at the (then) Jungle Travel Resort in Basbari, informed our field assistant, Bipul Nath, of a stray rhino spotted near Mayaongpara Colony, about 5–6 kilometers from the park. There was no record of any rhino straying that day, but Puran’s unwavering confidence sowed a seed of urgency. After all, stray rhinos are no laughing matter, especially in areas teeming with villagers. Taking no chances, I quickly mobilized a 15-member monitoring team led by Bipul and dispatched them to the supposed rhino straying site. It was already dark by the time the team reached Mayaongpara Colony. The rain continued to p...