Unlikely Heroes

Unlikely Heroes: In his new book, The Beck, author Anthony McGowan dives into the story of Kyle and his granddad as they fight to save the fragile ecosystem of their local stream, keeping it from being filled with concrete. What would you do in Kyle’s place? For 13-15y 45m Room 105
Transcending Time

Transcending Time – Travel back in time to 20th century India when child-widows were not uncommon. At 14, Aru finds hope in an unexpected place after her husband’s passing. Revel in this murder mystery that will leave you rooting for the protagonist in The White Lotus by Aditi Krishnakumar. For 15-18y 45m Room 110
Story Worlds

Story Worlds – The most memorable childhood stories and video games immerse readers and viewers from the very beginning with captivating storylines: be it from the moment Alice follows the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, or the inventive puzzle mechanics of the video game Portal. Find out more from Sam Leith, author of The […]
Anecdote to Memoir

Anecdote to Memoir – Vignettes of one’s days over time, complete with text and art, is what makes up Drawing Stories, a collection put together by writer and award-winning animation film-maker Suresh Eriyat. Find out more about his process of making the book, how he chose what went in, and what the final product would […]
Creating Books for Reluctant Readers

Creating Books for Reluctant Readers: Award-winning author Anthony McGowan has created 7 books with Barrington Stoke, a publishing house known for creating books for reluctant readers and children with reading difficulties. What are the key characteristics of their books which make them different from others? How does this change how authors work? How do librarians, […]
Starting Point

Starting Point – If there’s a story in you somewhere, are there ways that you could tap into them to start a writing habit? Find out from the seasoned and award-winning writer Uma Krishnaswami, faculty emerita in the MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, Vermont College of Fine Arts. For 18+y 1h […]
Book Buzz

Book Buzz – Kokila Books places a strong focus on diversity both in the books that it produces and the team that publishes the books. This also leads it to operate in ways that are unique, different from conventional publishing. Find out how from its associate publisher Joanna Cardenas. For 18+y 1h Room 105
Beyond Bedtime Stories

Beyond Bedtime Stories: Using Picture Books to Talk About Big Feelings – How do picture books support children in processing emotions, navigating change, and approaching difficult topics in an age-appropriate way? Find out more from Sanya Podar, founder, Daffodil Lane Books, in a session about the space that books may fill in a child’s life […]
Bollywood, Stories, and the Many Indias

Bollywood, Stories, and the Many Indias: What do Bollywood films, personal memories, and the way we tell stories about India have in common? Drawing on his book Thinking Aloud, award-winning and critically acclaimed author Jerry Pinto shares an incisive account about the art of film, translation, his own journey as an educator, and the power […]
Scenes, Scribbles and Story Magic

Scenes, Scribbles and Story Magic: How do unforgettable stories come to life? Award-winning author and artist Venita Coelho reveals the secrets behind her playful, immersive writing process—where each tale is broken down into vivid scenes, doodles, and handmade booklets. Discover how art, sketches, and visual storytelling can spark imagination, shape characters, and unlock new ways […]