The launch of four Norwegian books in Hindi was described as colourful bridge between India and Norway. “Saat Samunder Paar Se” means “From Across the Seven Seas”. The overall idea is to introduce stories and art from different corners of the world to Indian children. A & A Book Trust’s principal objective is to bring books and economically disadvantaged children together through establishing reading corners and libraries and to publish books from all over the world. Today, Norway was the literary destination.
The books launched were Chai ki Ketali (Den kinesiske tekannen) by Jan Kåre Øien, Naye Ghar Mein Gadbadi (Familien Rotle flytter) by Lene Ask, Dost ya Dushman (Uvenner) by Per Dybvig, Kaia, Bendik and Trond Brænne, and Rajkumar Bho-Bho (Prins Bisk) by Bjørn Ousland.
Author Lene Ask, was present at the launch and told the audience why she wrote her book.
- These books will make great friends with the children, said Ms. Amita Shaw, director for National Bal Bhavan – a institution which seeks to enhance the creative potential in children.
Minister Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Mr. Aslak Brun, launched the books and encouraged the children to keep reading. The translated books will be distributed to libraries and book stores.
- Exciting books
Areeba from Anglo Arabic Model School, and Jatin and Tanisha from Richmond Global School presented three of the books to 150 other children.
- The book is very exciting. The pictures and dialogue is good. It makes me want to read all of the books, said Areeba after her presentation in Hindi.
She is the editor of her schools magazine, and will now review the book there as well.
Publisher from the A & A Book Trust, Ms. Arundati Deosthale believes the stories and colourful illustrations in the Norwegian books will inspire children to read. Increased reading promotes literacy.
- I am very pleased with the launch. It is fantastic to see the children’s enthusiasm and participation, she said.