Welcome to Tulika's archives — to a library of our thoughts and ideas and opinions and reflections on writing for children, and their reading in general, compiled in articles or in papers presented at various forums. We would be pleased to have your responses to these, comments on our books or anything you'd like to share. Write to us at tulikabooks@vsnl.com. 

 Main characteristics, main challenges, main perspectives for the future 
While globalisation has led to an unprecedented publishing boom in the Indian market, there is a real danger of books being seen primarily as 'products'

 Questioning Cultural Stereotypes Through Children's Books
The focus on multicultural publishing has not quite translated into authentic and inclusive literature from all cultures. Who sets the parameters for multiculturalism?

 Why Bilingual Books? 
Stemming from a need to nurture the mother tongue, especially in cultures and situations where they are threatened by a language of power, bilingual publishing for children seeks to preserve the one while accepting the other.

 From Longstrump to Lambemoze: Some things that happened along the way 
Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren's classic Pippi Longstrump created a storm of controversy when first published in Sweden, but went on to become one of the most enduring and widely translated books in children's literature. The story behind its Hindi translation . . .

 Storytelling to Promote Picture books 
Exploring the connections between storytelling and visuals — and how storytelling promotes not merely picture books but in a general sense reading through picture books, so that it culminates in a love of reading books for life.

 The Devil at the Door: or the editor in other words 
'Commas and full-stops' or 'the fine space' between writer and reader? A straight-from-the-heart look at what sits behind the editorial desk — and in the drawers!.

 Children's Literature in India: Growing Pains 
Does the literary scene for children in India today swing between Harry Potter and monotonous parroting of the epics and folktales? A look at the history and growth of children's publishing in the country, and the need for some clear, critical thinking of the way ahead.

 Seminar on education and children's books in India 
Tulika recently conducted a seminar on education and children's publishing in India along with the Centre for South Asia, University of Wisconsin, USA. A quick look at ideas shared . . .

 An Overview of Indian Children's Literature in English 
Didactic literature to instil noble ideals, or an arena in which children and adults can engage in various kinds of shared and dynamic discourse? For an overview of children's literature in India, it is essential to understand and analyse this huge gap in perception . . .

 Multiculturalism and Political Correctness in Children's Books: A View from India 
With so little study of children's literature in India, we often first look to the West for models of multiculturalism  and political correctness before we realise that, no, the same systems and standards don't quite apply here . . .

 Children's Book Publishing: Sharing Ideas and Experiences 
What sort of books should be written for children? Are they reading enough? And the right books? Are the books themselves 'alright'? How much should they cost? So much has been analysed and discussed, that quite often the wood is missed for the trees . . .

 Are There Taboos in Children's Literature? 
If the question means do taboos exist in children's literature, then yes they do. If the question is should there be taboos in children's literature, then the answer is a definite no . . .

 Do Children Read Anymore? Some Do and More Will If You Care 
Good, bad, indifferent, that's a question of discernment. But when bookshops are flooded with imported and indigenous books, why are children not reading?

 Children's Books and Their Reading 
Reading is usually associated with improving vocabulary, writing skills and general knowledge. What seems to be missing is the understanding and awareness that books have a much larger and vital role to play . . .

 Symbiosis Between the Creator of Children's Books and the Reader 
We need to bridge the gap between adults responsible for selecting and providing books and children, the actual users — tackle adult attitudes to children's reading . . . 

 Quickfix Culture for Kids: Not the Best Diet  
Comments on a comic-book series on India's classical heritage that loses out on the light and shade, the multilayered philosophical connotations . . .

 Not Funny 
Do parents, teachers or librarians who buy books for children look closely enough at what often passes off as books for children? . . .

 Why Picture Books? 
The skills acquired while reading picture books contribute to the long-term growth of a reader . . . 

 In my own voice: Who Needs Words? 
Names originating in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, are increasingly being seen on covers of books published in the US and UK as well. Obviously, something is happening . . . An overview of children's literature in South Asia . . .

 Reading is Power: But what happens if you are a girl? 
What is it about reading literacy that is so empowering? Given the traditional gender bias, do girls find themselves in the books they read?