Sunita Lad Bhamray
1. Tell us about your work and your passion for storytelling. What led you to write for children and young adults?
My journey into storytelling is deeply rooted in my background as an early childhood educator. Working with young children, I saw firsthand the impact that stories had on their imagination, language development, and emotional growth. However, I also noticed a significant gap-while there was an abundance of children's books by Western authors, there were far fewer books by Indian authors that reflected our diverse cultures, values, and traditions.
This realization inspired me to write for children and young adults. A well-told story has the power to spark curiosity, transporting young minds to new worlds, and instil a lifelong love for reading. While lessons and values naturally emerge through storytelling, I wanted to create narratives that were primarily engaging, entertaining, and full of wonder. Through my books, I hope to provide children with stories that not only resonate with them but also encourage them to think, dream, and imagine freely.
2. What is your latest book, Kalee and the Mysterious Twins, all about, and how has it been received?
Kalee and the Mysterious Twins: Keepers of the Big Secret is a story that blends adventure with an urgent real-world theme-environmental conservation. The book follows Kalee, a young and determined protagonist, and her two mysterious companions on a thrilling journey to protect the planet. Through this gripping narrative, young readers not only experience an exciting adventure but also develop an understanding of teamwork, responsibility, and ecological awareness.
I feel incredibly grateful for the warm response the book has received. It's heartening to know that young readers, parents, and educators have connected with Kalee's journey and the book's underlying message. The first edition selling out was a wonderful surprise, and the demand for a reprint has been truly encouraging. More than anything, I'm deeply touched by the enthusiasm of children who have shared how much they enjoyed the story. Schools have also shown great support by inviting me for reading sessions, where I've had the joy of engaging with young minds and hearing their thoughts. Knowing that the book has sparked conversations about environmental awareness and encouraged children to pick up a book in a digital-driven world is more rewarding than I could have ever hoped for.
3. In the digital era, how important is it to get children to build a love for reading?
With digital distractions becoming more prevalent, the importance of nurturing a love for reading has never been greater. Studies show that fewer children engage with books today, favouring fast-paced digital content instead. While technology has its benefits, the decline in deep reading affects critical thinking, imagination, and patience.
Fiction, in particular, plays a crucial role in a child's development. It enhances creativity, sharpens problem-solving skills, and fosters emotional intelligence. When children immerse themselves in a book, they develop the ability to focus for extended periods-something that screen-based content rarely encourages. More importantly, reading allows children to explore diverse perspectives, building empathy and social awareness.
It is imperative that we, as educators, parents, and authors, create an environment where books become an essential part of childhood again. Whether through bedtime stories, book clubs, or engaging literary events, we must actively promote the joy of reading.
4. How can children and educators benefit from incorporating literary events, book reading workshops, and book clubs into the school curriculum?
Literary events and book reading workshops are powerful tools that go beyond simply encouraging reading-they help students develop confidence, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for literature. When children participate in storytelling sessions, group discussions, and interactive workshops, they learn to express themselves, analyze themes, and engage with books on a more meaningful level.
For educators, integrating book clubs into the curriculum can be transformative. Rather than viewing reading as just an academic requirement, students begin to see it as an enjoyable and rewarding activity. Schools that have implemented year-long reading programs have noticed an improvement in vocabulary, comprehension, and even emotional resilience among students.
Additionally, these initiatives align well with national literacy campaigns, such as India's Read India movement, which promotes lifelong reading habits. I strongly believe that making books an interactive and social experience can help rekindle a genuine love for literature among children.
5. Tell us about your upcoming projects and how you aim to continue working with children.
I am thrilled to be working on the sequel to Kalee and the Mysterious Twins, where the story continues with new challenges, deeper adventures, and an even stronger message about environmental responsibility. Given the love and enthusiasm young readers have shown for Kalee's journey, I am eager to bring them the next chapter of her story.
Beyond books, I have also written plays and films for around a decade and have been expanding my storytelling capacities. My upcoming play, Elder Forest Accord, set against a Scandinavian backdrop, is scheduled to be performed in Singapore in mid-August. This production brings an environmental theme to life on stage, further reinforcing my commitment to engaging audiences-both young and old-through meaningful storytelling.
In addition, I am working on a movie script that explores the onset of depression in teenagers. Mental health is a crucial subject, and through this project, I aim to create an authentic, heartfelt narrative that not only raises awareness but also fosters understanding and support for young people facing such challenges.
Through books, plays, and films, my mission remains the same-to use storytelling as a powerful medium to inspire, educate, and create a lasting impact on young minds. Whether through literature, stage performances, or cinematic storytelling, I hope to continue fostering a love for narratives that provoke thought and spark change.
To know more about Sunita Lad Bhamray, visit her website.
