Session on reviewing a book and designing a cover

On the sidelines of Delhi Book Fair, National Centre for Children’s Literature, a wing of National Book Trust, India organised a workshop on book review ‘Let’s Review a Book’ and an interactive session-cum workshop with an illustrator for school children at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The programme was divided into two sessions. The first session on book review was conducted by Prof. Nandini Sahu, associate professor of English, IGNOU and creative writer and the second session on illustration was conducted by Subir Roy, renowned illustrator and art director at Children’s Book Trust.

While giving details on how to write a book review, Prof. Sahu said that “The role of reviewer is very important as the reviewer tells the reader what the book is all about.” She added that “since the reviewer has the freedom to write about the book, his/her mind should be open and should not have negative approach towards the writer, especially towards the new writer.” She also informed that the reviewer also has freedom to give opinion on the conclusion of the book and if does not like the end of the book, he/she may suggest own end.

In the second session, Subir Roy, well-known illustrator gave an insight into designing a cover of the book. He said that in our country there is no dearth of good artists. He informed children about the young Indian artists who have won several awards at international level. He shared his experience as an illustrator and gave tips to children to draw good illustrations.

The children showed keen interest in both the sessions and interacted with the speakers. They asked several questions related to reviewing a book and designing the cover. More than 150 children from various schools of Delhi and NCR participated in this programme.

The best twenty students in the workshop were given away awards and certificates. Manas Ranjan Mahapatra, editor, NBT India coordinated this programme very enthusiastically.