Details
Puneet Bhandal has extensive experience of delivering workshops and talks in schools, libraries and literary festivals, including the esteemed Oxford Literary Festival. She lives in West London and is willing to travel.
Puneet can visit your school, library or literary festival with a Bollywood-themed event tailormade for your audience. Whether a small group or hundreds of people in a school hall or even virtual – anything is possible! Puneet is also willing to travel abroad and also deliver sessions online.
Here is what to expect:
★ Puneet will share fun and fascinating stories about her work as a film journalist, giving young people a glimpse of Bollywood behind the scenes!
★ An introduction to Bollywood and what makes it so unique, fabulous and loved all over the world by sharing some of her favourite song clips.
★ Listen to Puneet read an exciting excerpt from her books Starlet Rivals and Melody Queen. Learn all about the inspiration behind the stories and lovable characters.
★ Learn to craft your own exciting story with Puneet.
★ Ask Puneet all your burning questions about writing, and of course, about Bollywood!
★ Dance with Puneet, if it's an in-person event! Enjoy a Bollywood dance workshop where she can teach you the steps to a Bollywood song and then everyone (or volunteers) dance together!
TESTIMONIALS FROM WORLD BOOK DAY 2024:
Antoinette MPL Cooper: Kingsford Community School, Newham
Testimonial: Puneet was absolutely fantastic when she came to our school! The pupils had an amazing time listening to her wealth of knowledge and could not stop talking about how much fun they had afterwards. Thank you greatly for coming to our school.
Charlene Clarke: Northbury Primary School, Barking
Thank you Puneet for delivering an engaging and wonderful workshop for Northbury Primary School. We really enjoyed hearing about your life as a Bollywood journalist and your journey to becoming an author. After speaking to the children, it was clear that they enjoyed the experience, especially the Bollywood dancing. Thank you again and I hope you can visit our school again very soon.
Pooja Bhopal, Whitmore High School
It was such a pleasure having you at Whitmore High School.
Was really nice to meet you and hear your story, it had inspired us all. The students really enjoyed meeting you and loved your books. Thank you for attending and making our World Book Day such a fun filled day for our students.
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PUNEET BHANDAL'S BOOKS
Bollywood Academy series: A middle grade school series set in the glamorous world of Bollywood: Starlet Rivals and Melody Queen are the first two titles in the series.
In Starlet Rivals: 12-year-old Bela has always dreamed about becoming a famous Bollywood star, and now the opportunity might finally be within her grasp. When a reality TV show gives her the chance to dance in front of the nation, she knows that she is performing for a place at the most prestigious stage school in Mumbai. Can Bela win the Dance Starz competition to bag a place at the Bollywood Academy and move one step closer to her dreams of stardom? And will child star Monica, the most "in" girl at school, see her as a friend or a rival?
*Follows the emotional highs and lows of Bela, an 'outsider' in Bollywood who must compete with the children of movie stars to gain attention in the
industry.
* A ‘rags to riches’ tale: Bela moves from a low socio-economic household in a suburb of Mumbai to the glamorous world of Kohinoor Island, home of
famous actors and movie producers.
* Never loses sight of Bela's innate good nature and empathy, with sensitive passages on her growing anxiety as she struggles to retain her belief in
herself in the face of a fickle industry.
* Gives interesting cultural details including glimpses into real-life locations in India including the Liberty Cinema in Mumbai and the Water Palace in
Rajasthan
* An aspirational novel for 8+ readers, particularly suited to those with an interest in the arts, the stage, or fashion
* Written by a debut #ownvoices author, a new and brilliant voice in children’s fiction
In Melody Queen: Twelve-year-old Simi's life is set. First: graduate from the Bollywood Academy, school to future stars. Second: become a mega-famous actor, just like her showbiz parents. There's only one problem: Simi would rather make music than act, and music is a profession dominated by men. Can Simi navigate the gender barriers of the industry to prove she has what it takes to become Bollywood's next big music producer? A story of passion for music and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, this second book in the dazzling world of Bollywood is sure to get your toes tapping and head bopping to Simi's beat.
Visit www.puneetbhandal.com for more details
Keywords
Bollywood, Diversity, Movies, India, Rivalry, Films, Competition, Rivals, Stage, School, Culture Day, Diverse, Asian, Performing arts,
REVIEWS
"A deliciously readable addition to the stage-school story canon for song-and-dance fans of 7+."
— The Guardian, July 2022 Book of the Month
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“This is everything readers could want – dream come true film opportunities, stays in the most glamorous locations, new friendships and the tiniest hint of romance. Young readers who love Ballet Shoes or The Swish of the Curtain, or who dream of stage stardom, or those who just love stories with great characters in exciting situations, they’ll all devour this new series. Applause all round!”
— LoveReading4Kids, July 2022 Debut of the Month
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“Not only is the book bursting with glamour and excitement, it also has thoughtful messages about the perils of the limelight and the importance of doing the right thing. A delightful page-turner.”
'“Readers will enjoy this glimpse into the glamorous world of Bollywood show business. This first book in a series opens the curtain for more scene-stealing moments in the future. Fans of dance and show business will enjoy this look into Bollywood and cheer for Bela as she starts to finds her way in this new world.”
— School Library Journal
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“Boarding school, betrayal and Bollywood glamour – this book has it all. The first in Puneet Bhandal's brand new series is a riveting, rapturous read that's every bit as captivating as a show-stopping Bollywood dance. I would love to see it screened either as a movie or a Netflix series.”
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ACE TENNIS BOOKS
Ace Tennis Books are set in the rewarding and competitive world of junior tennis.
Young readers can experience the excitement of sport through these heartwarming stories featuring adorable characters. Through these picture books, we endeavour to increase take-up and interest in tennis amongst young children. For each visit, each child involved in the sessions will be given a free, signed copy of either book. No prior knowledge of tennis is assumed or needed to enjoy these books.
A True Champion is the first title in the Ace Tennis Books series. This 32-page picture book story is recommended for those between the ages of 4-8.
In A True Champion: It’s the biggest moment of Storm’s life as a junior tennis player. He has made the final and will now compete for the Rocket Trophy. But Storm feels really nervous. The spectators seem to be cheering for his opponent and he is scared of losing. Storm has to fight his emotions and play his best tennis – there can only be one winner, right?
In Sister Rivalry: Mili has always been the tennis ace in her family, even though she sometimes has difficulty focusing. But when her little sister, Tara, takes up the sport and gets more praise, Mili feels sad and demotivated. ‘Try harder, be better,’ she is told. Mili loves her sister but doesn't like being second best. How will she deal with this rollercoaster of emotions?
Both stories are perfect for parents to read with their children or for children to read independently. Full colour illustrations throughout. Includes a glossary of tennis terms.
Tennis is a sport that requires dedication, focus, fitness and mental strength. We want the sport to keep growing. We want to help it reach as many young people around the world as possible. These books will hopefully entertain, encourage a love of reading and above all, allow children into the fascinating world of tennis.
Visit www.acetennisbooks.com or find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @acetennisbooks
Click here for a PDF document containing full information on the Ace Tennis Books
Keywords
Tennis, Diversity, Sport, Competition, Physical literacy, Honesty, Sportsmanship, Exercise, Fitness
REVIEWS
RichReadAlot, book reviewer
“Bright, colourful stories that are full of positive messages about dealing with challenges through the sport of tennis, which is a great change from the usual sports!”
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Miss Suffield, book blogger and former School Librarian of the Year. Read her full review here
“A True Champion and Sister Rivalry are gorgeous books for young children focusing on diversity, fitness, sport, values, honesty and the fear of losing. Beautiful illustrations. Suitable for age 4+.”
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Instagram blogger We Review Picture Books
A True Champion is highly recommended ✅.
"A fascinating story with colorful illustrations about sportsmanship. The story captured the game in a manner that many young readers will appreciate. There is excitement and anticipation. A True Champion is an excellent story and an ideal pick for those interested in tennis."
Read the full review here
Sister Rivalry is highly recommended✅.
“Sister Rivalry is a heartwarming and encouraging story about two sisters competing in a junior tennis championship. The author did an excellent job displaying their personalities and emotions. The story is based on a relatable and real life scenario."
Read the full review here
