Akhila Saroha: I would like to begin by congratulating you on the publication of “In Search Of a New Home in Space.” How has the response to the book been so far?

 Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: It is wonderful. Lots of good reviews. Happy to get such a response for my debut book.

 Akhila Saroha:  The concept of “In Search Of a New Home in Space” is quite interesting and unique. How did the idea strike you?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: The idea was born in a spur of a moment, while narrating a bedtime story to my son

Akhila Saroha: How did you understand that sharing knowledge about solar system would be welcomed by young readers? Were there any events behind “In Search Of a New Home in Space” creation?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: Space is always a fantasy….not only for children, but also for adults. It was important for me to not only present to the children a fun-filled story, but also help them learn something useful through this narrative.

Akhila Saroha: What are your views about the present day writing? Do you think enough is being written as per the needs of young children?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: Definitely. If not all, many books do satisfy the needs of young children. Also, the digital media providing a very early exposure to the children on various aspects makes the task even more difficult for the authors writing children literature.

Akhila Saroha: Are there any authors that you enjoy reading or any books which are your favorites?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: Definitely….Eric Carly’s “A very Hungry Caterpillar”, Helen Stephen’s “How to Hide a Lion” are some of the many children’s storybooks that are my favorites

Akhila Saroha: Do you think “In Search Of a New Home in Space” can be restricted to any particular age group? Or can it be read by a few different age groups too?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: “In Search Of a New Home in Space” suits the interest of children between 3 yrs. to 9 yrs. While the young ones can be introduced to the concept of space and planets through this narrative, the older ones would love reading the book themselves.

Akhila Saroha: Your writing has given a powerful introduction to your potential as a writer. Can the readers expect more from you in the future? Please share about your future projects.

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: I am happy that I was able to have a good review for my debut children’s book. I would definitely want to publish more children’s book, mostly under the category of fiction, as it would give me immense satisfaction. Currently, I am still at an initial stage of my future project which would be based on the theme of “forest and its importance”.

Akhila Saroha: What is the story behind the title of your work, “In Search Of a New Home in Space”?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: This title was particularly chosen, as it very well suits the narrative. Also, the story at the end concludes with a beautiful thought that “Home is where the Family is”

Akhila Saroha: How easy or difficult was it for you to decide on the content that was suitable to be shared among children?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: It was pretty easy as I am closely associated with children and also, we as parents specifically choose story books that are apt in terms of content and illustration according to the interest of our child. This exercise might have helped.

Akhila Saroha: What kind of subject content, according to you, can keep children most engaged with reading?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: The list is never-ending….but whatever the content, children literature should always be filled with lots of fun.

Akhila Saroha: If you were to describe your book in a few words without giving any spoilers, what would those words be?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: I would introduce them to the book saying that “It is a book of fantasy in space with a friendly alien taking you on a fun-filled journey”

Akhila Saroha: Do you think the children’s literature written earlier is of less use owing to the technological boom and era of gadgets?

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: Whatever the technology boom, print media always has a position that is superior to digital text when it comes to experience of reading and enjoying story books.  The same holds true for children’s story books as well in my opinion.  

Akhila Saroha: Thank you very much for sparing your time. I look forward to reading more books from you in the future. All the best.

Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa: Thank you very much. Happy to be a part of it.

Author:Dr. Smitha Chandrashekarappa
Title: In search of a new home in space
Interviewed By: Akhila Saroha
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Buy Book:Order on amazon