Families throng B'lore book fair

Childrens books selling like hot cakes

Two days since its eighth edition got underway at the Palace Grounds (Vishala Vihara entrance), India's second-largest book festival offers a whole range of knowledge and learning for children.

Out of the 360 stalls, nearly 70 cater exclusively to children's educational needs including comic books for pre-school children, language tutors, and animated stories.

Besides, there are software applications designed specifically to teach you mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and English grammar from Lower Kindergarten (LKG) to Class 12 under CBSE, ICSE, and State syllabi. CDs and DVDs prepared to supplement classroom learning and help in understanding tough concepts are also available.

According to a publisher of educational materials, there is a great demand for comic books under CBSE and ICSE syllabi. "These books have been prepared as comic strips. They teach concepts in easy-to-understand modules. Many children who find it hard to comprehend concepts in the traditional text format will find it useful to grasp their studies," a publisher said.

Coinciding with Children's Day, a painting competition has been organised on Sunday. According to B S Raghuram, Programme Director, BBF, nearly 2,000 school children are expected to take part in the competition titled 'Peace Poster Contest'.

Former Cricketer Anil Kumble will give away the prizes.

Compared to 2009, BBF not only has more stalls but the titles available are also more. As many as one million books are for sale, an increase of 20 percent from last year, Raghuram added.

According to Raghuram, the festival has been able to draw in families.  "In the last two days, nearly 60 percent registration tickets were bulk-purchased. It's good to see that families, accompanied by children, who are coming here," he said.

The organisers, the Bangalore Book Sellers' and Publishers' Association and Klub Class, have targeted a business of Rs 15 crore. In 2009, they did a business of Rs 10 crores, he said. Although the change in venue has posed a few challenges to the organisers, yet the response has been good, Raghuram added.