Holding sway with stories

CAN ANYTHING enthrall children as much as a good story? Especially if the narrators are skilled in their art? As N.S. Yamuna and T.T. Srinath of the Madras Players enthusiastically told the tales, those gathered at Goodbooks Bookstore and Resource Centre for children and young people entered an exciting realm. The story telling session was held recently by Goodbooks to celebrate the launch of the comic series "Classic Toonz". Both Classic Toonz and its forerunner "Pakka Toonz" produced by Toonz Animation, Thiruvananthapuram, are marketed exclusively by Goodbooks, Chennai. It was fun and laughter all the way as the listeners were catapulted into a world where anything seemed possible. Stories that leapt out of lazy men's stomachs to extract revenge for being confined and servants who were turned into stone despite being loyal to their masters. Rooted in our cultural milieu, the tales featured farmers, Brahmins, kings and gods. Tiru, the stuffed tiger listened too to Yamuna and he jumped and growled suitably to the delight of the children.

The interactive session that followed had the children coming forth eagerly with songs and imaginary characters of their own. Yamuna and Srinath who had told the stories so eloquently earlier showed that they have a way with the young. Coaxing them into the narration, they brought out the performing flair in the young audience.

Goodbook's "is a concept store created especially for the young". It not only sells attractive books that lure children into the reading habit but is also a resource centre for them and for adults who are involved in their activities. The store holds events that foster the creativity of the young and expand their knowledge and skills through story telling, art, creative writing or drama.

"Classic Toonz" will focus on the not-so-familiar myths and legends of India. The first in the series "The Clever Barber" is colourfully illustrated and has additional features such as jokes and puzzles. "Pakka Toonz" launched earlier is a fictional series on cricket.

One issue of Classic Toonz and one of Pakka Toonz will be published every alternate month, making up 12 issues in a year. "Toonz Animation", the country's first ink and paint studio based in Thiruvananthapuram has won international recognition for its short film "Stone Crusher" made for UNICEF.

It will make animation feature films based on Indian mythology and folklore. Films on the Taj Mahal and Tenali Rama are under way.

The story telling session at Goodbooks is followed by a week long discount for "The Clever Barber" at the store till July 29.

KAUSALYA

SANTHANAM

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