Chitra Soundar

Children's author

Details

About Chitra Soundar

Chitra Soundar is an Indian-born British writer, based in London. Chitra grew up on a wholesome diet of stories from Indian myths and epics. Chitra has written over 30 books for children and many of her stories are set in India. She regularly goes into schools to tell stories and conduct workshops. She is passionate about Reading for Pleasure especially in Asian families. She is a Patron of Reading at West Earlham Junior School, Norwich. You can find out more at http://www.chitrasoundar.com/storiesfromindia/ . 

Her latest titles include You're Safe With Me, Pattan’s Pumpkin (illustrated by Frané Lessac, published by Otter-Barry Books) and A Jar of Pickles and a Pinch of Justice (illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy, published by Walker Books). Find out more at www.chitrasoundar.com and follow her on twitter at @csoundar. 

Chitra Soundar’s School Visits

Regular workshops and sessions include the following:

For Reception & Y1

Storytelling form Chitra’s books and folktales. Includes songs, interactive participation and children making up various aspects of the story.
Colouring sheets can be included as giveaways if requested.
Group size: Class-size to full year-group. 

Yrs 2- 5

• Story workshop

Chitra works with young children as young as Y1 onwards to make a story cllaboratively. Teachers can listen and perhaps even write down the story as we make them and create illustrated books after Chitra's visit.

• Idea Blaster

Idea Blaster starts with an introduction to how Chitra’s books originated in her mind. Where did she get these ideas from. Then Chitra will show how ideas can be plucked out of the world around us. The class will then create a story together by end of the session.

• Be a Designer

Ideally suited for Y4-6, Chitra will explain how her picture books are created. Then Chitra shares an unpublished story with the class and the children are encouraged to plan the book using a storyboard. 

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Chitra is available for residencies and as a Patron of Reading as well. She is currently a Patron of Reading at West Earlham Junior School at Norwich.

Please find out more at http://www.patronofreading.co.uk/patrons-available

Chitra Soundar’s CPD, Talks and Speeches

Chitra also trains trainee teachers, primary school teachers and librarians on storytelling and creative writing. 

Chitra is a frequent speaker and storyteller at literature festivals and also offers keynote speeches, lectures to writing groups and conferences on writing, diversity in children's literature and reading for pleasure.

Chitra Soundar’s Writing Commissions

Chitra will be interested in writing projects commissioned to a brief. Please get in touch with her agent Abi Sparrow (SP Agency) to discuss this.

Chitra Soundar - Other useful info

Chitra lives in London and will be willing to travel across the British Isles, Europe and anywhere abroad. She frequently does school and bookshop visits in the US. Find out more at http://www.chitrasoundar.com/international-author-visits/

 

Books

Chitra is the author of over 30 books for children published in India, Singapore, US and the UK including:

Genres

• Humour
• Biography
• Business
• Tall tale
• Poetry
• History
• Adventure
• Memoir
• Narrative
• Short story
• Science
• Stage/Screen
• Essay
• Realistic fiction
• Travel
• Mythology
• Magical realism
• Folklore
• Fiction narrative
• Fairy tale
• Fable
• Comedy
• Textbook
• Fiction
• Picture book

Organisations

• Children's Writers and Illustrators in South London
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
• Society of Authors

Book types

• Picture book

Keywords

BASKET. FRUITS BUTTERFLY DISABILITY DUAL-LANGUAGE EAGLE EGGS EMPATHY FARMER FEAR FLOOD FO GHEE HARMONY INDIA JUSTICE JUSTICE LORIS MAMA ELEPHANT NATURE PANGOLIN PICKLES. JUSTICE PUMPKIN RETELLINGS SILENCE SKYPE SKYPE SPRING STORYTELLING THUNDERSTORMS TRICKSTER WESTERN GHATS WISDOM YAK