Bloomsbury,House Edition, Harry Potter & The c of s.

Bloomsbury is excited to announce they are to publish House Editions of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to celebrate 20 years  since  the book was  first published in July 1998. Illustrated by Levi Pinfold, who created 2017’s spectacularly successful House Editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the covers will feature an interpretation of the door to the Chamber of Secrets, with beautiful iconography and features woven in to the design that are particular to that house.

There will be complementary hardback and paperback editions of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The hardbacks will be in each house colour with artwork in black and striped sprayed edges. The paperbacks will be black with artwork in the corresponding house colours. Both editions will contain additional content including an illustration of the house common room by Levi Pinfold, a house introduction and a mini-feature on house-elves.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was first published in 1998 and continued Harry Potter’s adventures at Hogwarts. It introduced some of the most-loved characters from the wizarding world, including Dobby the house- elf.

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J.K. Rowling is the author of the record-breaking, multi-award-winning Harry Potter novels. Loved by fans around the world, the series has sold more than 450 million copies, been translated into 80 languages and made into eight blockbuster films.

She has written three companion volumes in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos), and The Tales of Beedle the Bard (in aid of Lumos).

In 2012, J.K. Rowling’s digital company and digital publisher Pottermore was launched, a place where fans can enjoy the latest news from across the wizarding world, features and original writing by J.K. Rowling.

Her first novel for adult readers, The Casual Vacancy, was published in September 2012 and adapted for TV by the BBC in 2015. Her crime novels, written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, were published in 2013 (The Cuckoo’s Calling), 2014 (The Silkworm) and 2015 (Career of Evil), and have been adapted for TV as a major BBC detective drama, Strike, produced by Brontë Film and Television.  

J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard commencement speech was published in 2015 as an illustrated book, Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination, and sold in aid of Lumos and university-wide financial aid at Harvard.

In 2016, J.K. Rowling collaborated with writer Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany on the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two, which is now running at The Palace Theatre in London’s West End and opens on Broadway in early 2018. 

Also in 2016, J.K. Rowling made her screenwriting debut with the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. A prequel to the Harry Potter series, this new adventure of Magizoologist Newt Scamander marked the start of a five-film series to be written by the author. The second film in the series will be released in November 2018.

Levi Pinfold studied illustration at the University College Falmouth where he developed his distinctive stylised realism. Since graduating in 2006 he has become well known for his detailed paintings and charming storytelling style. Levi grew up on a diet of Roald Dahl and Maurice Sendak and he's influenced by a variety of artists ranging from Breugel and The Romantics to Alan Lee and Dave McKean. He was voted Best Emerging Illustrator in the Early Years Awards in 2010 and won the Booktrust Best New Illustrators Award 2011. His published picture books are The Django, Black Dog and Greenling. Black Dog won the prestigious CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2013. Born in the Forest of Dean, he has somehow found himself living in northern NSW, Australia. He loves clocks, writing stories and playing the banjo when no one else is looking.

Raymond Crossword Book Award.

In its 15th edition, the prestigious Raymond Crossword Book Award in Partnership with Wizcraft, Kotak and RCity as Associate Sponsors witnessed a spectacular literary event. The exceptional and bestselling literary works of the year 2017 were celebrated at the majestic Royal Opera House - Mumbai. 

Raymond Crossword Book Award is the only Literary Award in India for Indian Authors spread across Lifetime Achievement, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s, Translation and Popular Categories . Speaking on the occasion, Maulik Desai, Head Crossword Bookstores said, “For the last 15 years, the Raymond Crossword Book Award has discovered  new and exceptional authors and shared a wealth of literary talents to a wider audience.”

Sudha Murty, Padma Shri (2006) and prolific author in both Kannada and English, was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for her exemplary contribution to Indian writing in English.

Accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, veteran author Sudha Murthy said, “ I was surprised when I came to know that I'm getting this award. I thought this is their way of telling me to retire, " she said in jest. 

"I have been writing for 40 years now, but started writing in English only when i was 56 years old. Independent of Narayana Murthy and the company, the one thing that is my own is my writing." 

Handing over the award to Sudha Murty was world’s leading cardiac surgeon Dr. Ramakanta Panda, Mrs. S Raheja, and Dr. Amit Karkhanis.

Presiding over the function, Dr Ramakanta Panda said, " The pen holds the power of discovery and creation within itself. This evening is an ode

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to this power and Im glad to be here today."

Authors Josy Joseph, Radhakrishnan Pillai, Anita Nair,  Harshad Marathe, Ravi Subramanian, Ambi Parmeshwaran, Roopa Pai, Shobhaa De,  Bhawana Somaaya added gravitas to the evening. 

Bollywood was represented by Karan Johar and actor Pooja Chopra.

Following were the awardees in each category

WINNERS: POPULAR AWARD

Fiction: Our Impossible love by Durjoy Datta

Non-fiction: Inner Engineering- a Yogi’s guide to joy by Sadhguru.

Biography:An Unsuitable Boy by Karan Johar and Poonam Saxena

Business and management:The Target by Shantanu Guha Ray

Health and fitness: A Taste of Well-Being: Sadhguru's Insights for Your Gastronomics

Children: The Stormbringer by Archita Mishra

Actor Pooja Chopra and Maulik Desai, Head of Crossword Bookstores announced the popular award in the non-fiction category to Sadguru, for Inner Engineering- a Yogi’s guide to joy. Sadhguru, who couldn't be present, shared in a video message, " This award is for the millions of people, who are brave enough;  instead of looking up in hope, they are willing to look inwards and find their own solutions. For their courage, they need an award. This award is for those who are willing to turn inwards. Looking up has caused one kind of distress; and looking out has caused a different level of destruction. Looking inward is the only solution."

The book was also a New York Times and Washington Post bestseller, soon after the launch in September 2016.

Dr.Amit Karkhanis of Dr.Tvacha Clinic and veteran author Shobhaa De announced the best fiction award to Durjoy Dutta.

Karan Johar too was delighted to receive an award for his first book at the hands of head honcho Neel Raheja," I was initially quite sceptical, whether i want to share such a large part of my life, through this book. I call it a memoir, and not a biography. Im too young at 45 to have a biography written. The idea was not just to have a puff piece,but an honest account of my growing years and the experiences that I've had. Writing this with Poonam Saxena has been therapeutic for me, and Im grateful to her. It was a cathartic experience. It is ok to be unsuitable, and thats what the book is all about."

WINNERS: JURY

Fiction: Harilal and sons by Sujit Saraf.
Non-fiction: A feast of vultures by Josy Joseph
Children: Muezza and Baby Jaan by Anita Nair and Harshad Marathe

Translation: A preface to Man, authored by Subash Chandran and translated by Fathima. EV, Malayalam

Maulik Desai added,“Like all other aspects of our lives, the world of books is also changing. There is a community of young writers and readers today, who prefer fast reads, crime capers and thrillers; while pure literature continues to have a loyal steadfast audience. Our awardees, every year, represent a mix of both.”

Also present at the awards were prominent guests such as Shaina NC, Kinjal Shah, Rashmi Uday Singh, Anupama Chopra and Swati Popat Vats.

Commenting on the evening, Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft Entertainment International Pvt. Ltd said, “We are humbled to be a part of such a prestigious endowment that not only endeavors to bring together the entire literary community but also simultaneously provides a great platform to promote Indian authors and their books. Wizcraft’s partnership with Crossword for the grand 15th edition of Raymond Crossword Book Award this year was indeed a great association that brought forth a unique literary experience like no other.” 

Another facet to the event was an interesting panel discussion on “I want to be an Author” with budding teen authors, and publisher Anup Jerajani, moderated by renowned Ms.Anupama Chopra - National award winning film critic and editor of the digital platform Film Companion.

Source : http://www.the-network.co.in/ 

CHATUR CHANAKYA

                      & THE HIMALAYAN PROBLEM

                     By: Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai | Illustrations by: Vishnu M Nair

Summer vacations are over. As a new academic year begins at Vani Vidyalaya, Arjun’s search for a close friend and bench partner goes on, Lakshmi hopes to display her leadership skills, and all the teachers and students seem to be getting fed up of Himalaya’s bullying and hurtful pranks.

In walks Chanakya, pale and thin, a choti shooting out of his big head, and soon it is clear that Vani Vidyalaya will never be the same again.

Chanakya is witty. Chanakya is smart. He always has a trick up his sleeve.

“So how did you get the name Chanakya and the choti on your head?”

With a smile Chanakya said, “My father teaches Kautilya’s Arthashastra. And his fav philosopher is Chanakya. So he named me Chanakya after the great teacher of Chandragupta Maurya, and, since Chanakya had a choti on his head, I too have one.”

Arjun said, “So you must have learnt Arthashastra too, I guess.”

“Yes, I did. That is why I apply Aanvikshiki all the time and everywhere I go.”

“Aanvikshiki? What is that?”

Before they could stop Chanakya, he started running towards his house and shouted back at them, “I will tell you more next time ……”

CHILD SPONSORSHIP A Tool for Development

.. by Gracy Fernandes, provides an excellent and comprehensive overview of Child Sponsorship. For decades, child sponsorship programs have been operative in a number of key agencies impacting the lives of millions of children worldwide. There are intense debates within the child welfare community about the most optimal set of policies, practices and programs which benefit children, particularly within the context of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). Child Sponsorship has been one approach at the center of these debates.

In this publication, the topic of Child Sponsorship is expertly analyzed from a philosophical, historical and a human rights perspective.  One of the key features in the publication is an overview of key lessons learned based on current case studies. The insights and facts contained in this publication challenge us as child advocates to consistently viewing our work within the core principles of the CRC: non-discrimination, the best interest of the child, and the right to life, survival, education and development.

The publication by Gracy Fernandes is one critical tool, based on exemplary scholarship, which all child advocates can use while developing Child Sponsorship programs in examining their relationship to securing a stronger environment for the care and protection of children. This book highlight s the role of civil society in “giving” and in mobilization of human and material resources required for the effective fulfillment of children’s rights. It particularly draws attention to the singular service of education specially in developing nations where many children cannot afford or access education more so in the case of the girl child. The lack of education and life skills creates a situation where a child is vulnerable and at the mercy of unscrupulous elements in society which show the way to child labour and trafficking.  Further, this publication documents a similar shift in focus by many child sponsorship agencies towards community and social development that meshes very well with the new focus of development. 

The Goofies Tear Down Their House.

Publisher : Puffin Books
Target Audience : 8+ Children.

About (Author) Amishi Seth : She has been writing for children for almost a decade as an author, playwright and screenplay writer. This is her second book in this series for children.

The book is about 'Goofie' family who are always in hurry to finish things.
They seem to have forgotten an age old saying  'Haste is Waste' ..
The thing about 'waiting' is that if you don't wait, then you will have to wait longer.
So, it's important to have patience and gratitude to be successful in Life.
Also, it's important not be too greedy.

Since Goofie's don't like to wait, they try and do everything themselves & in the process mess up everything. We cannot do everything ourselves, we need help of professionals to guide us.

Interesting fictional characters like : Slow Motion, Super Ninja, Gordon Dollargun IV, Aliens and fictional places like : Planet Zuberg, makes it funny and good read for children.

While reading the book, one cannot forget the way Amishi enacted scenes from the book at Kitabkhana.

Hope you enjoy this one.

The House That Spoke.

Source : http://www.the-network.co.in/

Zuni Chopra, daughter of noted film critic Anupama Chopra and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, launched her Debut Novel 

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The House That Spoke, today. The book was released by Mrs Nita M. Ambani at Crossword, Kemps Corner.  In conversation with Zuni Chopra was the very young and talented Zaira Wasim who played the role of young Geeta Phogat in the recently released movie Dangal.

Also present was author Amish Tripathi.

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The House that Spoke, published by Penguin Random House, India,  is a kaleidoscopic tale that reimagines Kashmir with the colors of magic .

 It is an intriguing mix of the fantastic and the real set in Kashmir. Zuni has dedicated this book to Kashmir, and has done so by sharing her Kashmir adventure in the form of a fantasy novel. A fan of Lewis Caroll, Zuni is among the writers who believe in sharing their imaginative fantasy world through words of wisdom.

In her delightful introduction to the book, Zuni reiterates that her story had originally been set in London because the house that inspired the story was in London. However, she decided to give her narration more innate dimension and purpose. So, she moved the novel’s setting to Kashmir instead, a place where her father grew up and she has been visiting since childhood.

The author explained that through the novel, she wants to show the readers that Kashmir is more than just the turmoil and there is more magic to it.

Speaking on the occasion 

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Mrs Nita M.Ambani shared, " This evening fills me with nostalgia that brings the memories of Zuni 's childhood. I still remember the shy ten year old Zuni unveiling her first book - The Land of Dreams.  Zuni is  a true wordsmith who has won hearts of many people by her innate ability to express her imagination through words.

Actor  Zaira Wasim added , "Zuni you are a true inspiration and a true talent that needs complete admiration".​

Welcoming the guests to Crossword Bookstores, were CEO Kinjal Shah and his team.

​About Author

Zuni is a fifteen-year-old author and has published two books of poetry. She is the daughter of noted film critic Anupama Chopra and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She comes from a true-blue literary lineage- the acclaimed writer Vikram Chandra is her maternal uncle. Zuni delved into the world of writing at the age of 10 and has carved a niche for herself just like parents.

You are needed!

You maybe a child in this big world & think of yourself as 'too small' or 'too powerless' but you are needed!

You maybe a member of third gender & the world may get irritated by your mere presence, but you are needed! as you have been blessed by Lord Ram with power to bless others.

You maybe a struggling actor , spending hours at prithvi café waiting for your next assignment, laughing and interacting with strangers, you are needed! as in life all of us are strugglers, we struggle with different issues each day but may not handle it the way you do , you are an artist as the way you handle yourself itself is an art, that art we should learn from you.

You maybe a teacher or someone who runs an NGO, but you are needed! as you enable less fortunate human beings lead meaningful lives.

You maybe a tailor, but you are needed! As all of us are not as good as you are, with needle & thread.

You maybe a business man or a business woman, you may try & make it or end up breaking it, but you are needed! as we find courage in your endeavors.

You maybe someone, they may call you by some name, you maybe doing something in life that I do not understand, but you are needed! cos you & I are the same, we look different, dress differently, but we all experience the same things in life, sooner or later!

(Based on few books that I have read & general observations)