My brain stopped growing once I turned 14,” Christo-pher Cheng, award-winning author of children’s books declares in good humour. On that note, kids around the globe are perhaps saying a little thank you prayer. After all, the Australian author’s reluctance to forsake that bliss called childhood has translated into a long list of popular children’s books. “As a child I loved reading and writing. It made me happy,” he says.
Today, he has to his credit more than 40 children’s books in print and digital formats, including the recently published picture book Sounds Spooky and Water, the historical fiction titled New Gold Mountain and the Melting Pot and the non-fiction titled 30 Amazing Australian Animals and Australia’s Greatest Inventions and Innovations.
His first job was at the Sydney Zoo and there he found the fodder for many of his animal stories. Later, working as teacher meant frequent interactions with students. And in the process he picked up the finer nuances of writing for children. “My latest book is on water. We all know countries like India, Australia and China suffer from water scarcity. I gave all the relevant information in the book, but to sustain the interest level it’s done in story format. Remember, there should be equal balance between the text and illustrations,” he explains.
Reading books in times of Play Station games may be a dwindling option for many, but Christopher believes it’s all about cultivating the habit. “To lure youngsters into the world of books may be a writer’s creative prerogative, but the story doesn’t end there. A model behaviour from parents should be set. They too should pick up a book on a regular basis,” he insists.
Delving further on the subject, Christopher urges, “Just pick a book. If you don’t enjoy reading it, well then drop it. But please don’t stop, simply pick another title. If not the book, read on the computer or iPad, but keep alive the art of reading. Parents and school librarians need to make sure there is a wide variety on offer. Preference is individual-centric, if your child likes one edition of the Harry Potter series, there is no hard and fast rule that he will be fascinated with the next as well.”
“Personally speaking, youngsters in my family know very well what to expect for a Christmas or birthday present from me. Some of them suggest a change, but I don’t buy the idea,” he says with an impish grin.
Being a book lover, he finds ranking literary works a tough task, but he does have a favourite. “It’s C.J. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” he says, adding, “I was eight years old when it came to me as a gift. And I love reading from the old book, although it’s in tatters and I have another copy in good shape.”
Currently the Sydney-based author is working on four titles. Talking about one of them, he shares, “My neighbour has jotted down the questions her inquisitive son of three has raised. My answer to his queries will soon come in the form of a book.”
Having travelled far and wide, Chris makes a pertinent remark about his young audience — “With my experience of travelling worldwide, I can say, kids all over the world are the same. They laugh at the same jokes and get scared at the same things. It is when they turn into adults that the differences crop up. That’s one solid reason why I refuse to grow up.”
Amitabh Bachchan poses at Ustad Ajmad Ali Khan's book launch, in Mumbai.
Abhishek Bachchan with his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the book launch, in Mumbai.The Bachchan family arrives at the the book launch of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, in Mumbai.Amitabh Bachchan attends the unveiling of the book 'My Father, Our Fraternity' by Indian classical Sarod musician, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan who has penned the story of his father, Sarod player Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan, in Mumbai.Amitabh Bachchan speaks a few words in honor of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan at the launch of his book, in Mumbai.Amitabh Bachchan greets Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on the occasion of his book launch, in Mumbai. Amitabh Bachchan poses along with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan at the unveiling of his book 'My Father, Our Fraternity', in Mumbai.Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan applaud while Amitabh Bachchan launches the book, 'My Father, Our Fraternity' by Indian classical Sarod musician, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan smiles for the camera at the book launch, in Mumbai.Singer Pankaj Udhaas along with other guests at the book launch of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, in Mumbai.Guests arrive at the launch of Ustad Ajmad Ali Khan's book, titled, ‘My Father, Our Fraternity: The Story of Hafiz Khan and My World’, in Mumbai.Guests arrive at the launch of Ustad Ajmad Ali Khan's book, titled, ‘My Father, Our Fraternity: The Story of Hafiz Khan and My World’, in Mumbai.Amitabh Bachchan with other guests, spotted at the book launch, in Mumbai.Amitabh Bachchan along with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his family at the launch of his book, "My Father, Our Fraternity", in Mumbai.The Bachchan family along with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his family during the launch of Khan's book "My Father, Our Fraternity", in Mumbai.Abhishek Bachchan and Aisharwya Rai Bachchan during the book launch of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, in Mumbai.Sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Amitabh Bachchan at the launch of Khan's book "My Father, Our Fraternity", in Mumbai.Amitabh Bachchan and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan sign the first copies of the book at its launch, in Mumbai.Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's wife speaks to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the book launch, in Mumbai.Amitabh Bachchan signs the first copy of the book at its launch, in Mumbai.Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's sons pose for the camera at the lauch of their father's book, 'My Father, Our Fraternity' , in Mumbai.Guests arrive at the launch of Ustad Ajmad Ali Khan's book, titled, ‘My Father, Our Fraternity: The Story of Hafiz Khan and My World’, in Mumbai.Ustad Amjad Ali Khan along with his friends and family at the launch of his book, 'My Father, Our Fraternity', in Mumbai.
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