Dear friend,

Just a few weeks ago, we received a very interesting mail that set us thinking.

I visited Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival in 2014. It was part of an educational tour from my school in Madhya Pradesh. Getting the freedom to witness the world of creative expressions in the form of books, art and visuals was indescribable. 

I felt extremely grateful that the Bookaroo is back and I am looking forward to joyful and enlightening experiences while not only communicating with visitors and experts in the literary field but also getting acquainted with the nuances of organising such festivals.

When Aatika came for her first Bookaroo, we were in the festival’s 10^th overall edition after having travelled to 3 cities. This year, when she comes on board as a volunteer, the festival will be into its 40th edition, after having travelled to 17 cities in the interim.

That mail just reinforced what we have felt all along. There are children who do not think of Bookaroo as just a forced weekend outing. There are children who seriously consider giving back to Bookaroo when they grow up. There are children who are serious about the sessions they attend and the speakers they meet. There are children who have serious fun in Bookaroo. And it works both ways – the speakers at Bookaroo too have fun. A lot of fun after all the hard work they put in.

Aatika’s was one of the many, many letters and messages that we have received from fans of Bookaroo. To this list, we can add the authors, illustrators, storytellers, volunteers, publishers, arts councils, embassies and sponsor-supporters. To top it all, our core support team has been with us for the past 12 years. One can’t ask for more.

It is heartwarming to think that Bookaroo is in safe hands as we move forward. We are looking forward to the next 40 – and more. But for now, go ahead and enjoy the magnificent spread that our speakers, all 48 of them – from India and abroad – have for you.