stories written for television. I’m fully involved as Executive Producer and as a writer on the show. It’s been a wonderful experience to make it come alive but also reach audiences across the UK, where more children with dual-heritages will recognise the experiences. But comedy is fun for everyone and we hope all children will love Nikhil and Jay’s adventures in growing up.”
And the fourth book in the series is out
now, Nikhil and Jay – Flying High “is the story of two brothers going through life – from kite flying to joining an eco-club, not wanting to tidy to feeling upset when their dad slips and falls, these are stories for all children growing up”.
Chitra, who now lives in England, has more than 70 books to her name, and says that she continues to be influenced by her country of birth and her Tamil roots. She says: “As I keep in touch with publishing in India, and still publish books there, when I decide to tell a story, I instinctively know whether this is for an Indian audience or for a western audience. Often stories are universal. But sometimes, there are experiences that are nuanced and specific that will appeal to Indian readers than western readers.
“But I always write in English – by practicing the craft of writing and oral storytelling in English I’m more adept writing in English. I can use words from Tamil and Hindi to highlight or add richness to my English text, but I haven’t attempted to write something fully in
34 PEN&INC.
those languages yet. But I want to – I’ve rekindled my love for Tamil poetry and have been writing in my free time.” And Chitra’s prolific output shows no sign of slowing down. As well as the recent release of Nikhil and Jay – Flying High, Chitra says there a number of other books to keep an eye out for. “My first picture book with Walker Books, a lullaby, It’s Time to Hush and say Goodnight, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, just came out. [And I have] a new series of ballet books starting with Ballet Besties – Yara’s Chance to Dance, I wrote with Yasmine Naghdi, the principal
ballerina of Royal Ballet that came out in March, and will be out every six months after. “Garland of Lights, is a Diwali picture book illustrated by Amberin Huq and will be coming out with Bloomsbury Children’s just before Diwali 2024… so all exciting stuff.” PEN&INC
Nikhil and Jay – Flying High is out now from Otter-Barry Books, with illustrations by Soofiya.
Spring-Summer 2024
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