This Trash is prized

TARA PUBLISHING'S "Trash: On Ragpicker Children and Recycling" has won a place in the prestigious White Ravens 2001 selection of the International Youth Library, Germany. Written by Gita Wolf and Anushka Ravishankar, with illustrations by Orijit Sen, the book has been described "as a true gem in the Indian publishing landscape".

Selected from thousands of entries from all over the world, "Trash" was among the top 25 books which won the rare special mention for outstanding literary and graphic qualities.

In addition, it has also got the "star symbol" for contributing towards understanding between cultures. Each year, a jury of specialists select the best children's books from all over the world and these books (250 from 46 countries) are exhibited at the Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Italy.

"Trash" tells the story of Velu and Jaya, two children who work as ragpickers. When Velu runs away from his village and comes to Chennai in search of work, he gets close to street smart Jaya, who helps him find his feet as a ragpicker.

The book follows their life on the streets. Blending fact and fiction, "Trash" also addresses complex issues relating to child rights, environment and lifestyle.

The book has been published in Dutch and is used extensively in schools in Holland, where it enjoys a prime position in their "Reading Pyramid" of recommended reading.

It has also been made into a documentary film by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An Italian version of "Trash" was also published early this year.

This is the second White Raven in succession for Tara Publishing, whose book "Anything But a Grabooberry" by Anushka Ravishankar and Rathna Ramanathan won a special mention for the year 2000.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Mouth-watering menu
Next     : Madras miscellany