Worlds On A Page

Gita Wolf’s Chennai-based publishing house Tara Books’ handmade offerings are produced in collaboration with both Indian and global artisans. These thought-provoking titles, aimed at younger readers, navigate cultures, societies and geographies with sensitivity, says Lavanya Mohan

- Lavanya Mohan

YOU’RE OFTEN QUOTED SAYING THAT YOU’RE TRYING TO REVIVE THE PHYSICAL FORM OF THE BOOK WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IS WRITING ITS OBITUARY. GIVEN THE NUMEROUS DISTRACTIONS THAT CHILDREN HAVE IN THE FORM OF SCREENS AND GADGETS TODAY, ISN’T IT AN UPHILL TASK?

About 10 years ago, there was this huge worry in the publishing industry when the Kindle arrived. But the physical book publishing industry is still vibrant because the book satisfies senses that the screen doesn’t. For children, it’s more difficult because the screen is addictive. Today, it’s very tough to say ‘go read’ to your child. It will require time and effort on the part of the parent and the educator to instil the habit of reading in the child — maybe by creating rituals, like reading before bed. Slowly, they’ll start asking for the book and soon enough they’ll have their favourite ones. The publisher’s job is to create good books, but it’s the parent or guardian’s job to get the child to read.

WASN’T THAT THE REASON WHY TARA BOOKS WAS BORN? YOU STARTED THE PUBLISHING HOUSE BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T FIND MANY INTERESTING BOOKS IN THE MARKET.

Yes, if you asked me who my ideal reader is, I would say myself. Twenty-two-years ago Tara Books was started to create books that we would have liked to buy or see on shelves. You essentially do something because you like it, and if it communicates to others, all the better!

YOU HAVE A STRONG ROLE IN WRITING AND SHAPING THE BOOKS THAT ARE PUBLISHED BY TARA. HOW DOES THAT WORK?