Publication Design : Writing + Illustration + Editorial Design
The Girl who went to the Stars and other Extraordinary Lives
by Naomi Kundu and Ishita Jain
Published by Penguin Random House India, 'The Girl who went to the Stars and Other Extraordinary Lives' is a collection of incredible real-life stories that teach passion and courage.
Shaping the future to be equanimous starts with the young — curious, expressive and devoid of inherent gender bias. Aimed at ages 8 - 14, this book is an opportunity to use female narratives to encourage bravery and perseverance; in a world that is working to break-free from the same, skewed storyline.
The 50 Indian women featured in this book cover a wide range of professionals from different parts of the country, with varying backgrounds. The real challenge lay in consolidating a definitive list—one that was inclusive yet diverse enough to balance out the famous with the lesser known. Our definition of ‘impact’ was regularly challenged; was it accolades and achievements or an intriguing life story worth sharing?
Consequently, what we have here is no conclusive anthology but a subjective set of stories, written to capture the essence of a life-time and illustrated in as many styles as there are personalities! As writers and illustrators, this book was a true education in story-telling through both word and image. These women took us on an incredible journey, and we can only hope that you get to enjoy the pleasure of their company as much as we did.
Children’s Book
I had the opportunity to speak to junior and middle schoolers across Bangalore about the extraordinary women in the book and the importance of doing what you love.
The workshop consisted of creating one’s own spread of the book; writing about and drawing someone they admire. It was truly heartening when some of them chose themselves!
Interactive session with Freedom International Junior School
Workshop with the Junior School at Ryan International.
