The German composer Beethoven wore it. Well-known author Mark Twain took one with him wherever he traveled. Even the theories of the mathematician S Ramanujan are notoriously documented there. You guessed it right – it’s the notebook! We all know how invaluable a notebook is – for writing down that important thought, for making that to-do list, for doodle, draw, stroll. It teaches us that an i-pad doesn’t need all the answers and that working with our hands is a good thing.

Recently, English naturalist Charles Darwin’s missing notebooks from the 1930s returned home to Cambridge University, 22 years after they were last seen. His paperbacks contained notes on the Galapagos Island that would inspire his theory of evolution and natural selection.

Although New Delhi hosts the India Art Fair, in Venice, Italy, has just opened the oldest art fair in the world. Here too, a notebook inspired the theme of the entire exhibition. Themed by British-Mexican surrealist novelist-painter Leonora Carrington’s 48-page book The Milk of Dreams, the exhibition brought together artists from around the world showcasing art through various mediums. Carrington’s book was inspired by her notebook in which she drew and wrote about magical characters – the one who eats the walls and his head turns into a house; a boy who befriends a crocodile; another who has wings for ears.

(Picture: Amazon.com)

The notebook therefore allows the opening of so many worlds, the existence of which we would never have imagined, where we can all be transformed and be something or someone else. Make sure you have one with you at all times, you never know what will inspire the world.

writing tower

Continuing the idea of ​​writing, the Collins-ACK Online Creative Writing Workshop for Kids (8+) begins in May. During the six-day, one-hour sessions, participants will learn the basics of writing, how to create characters, build a world around them, and find new ways to tell their stories. Organized by the publishing houses HarperCollins and Amar Chitra Katha Pvt Ltd, these workshops will help children improve their communication skills and give them the confidence to express themselves. For more details email: [email protected] or [email protected] or call +917093131854.

All work and no more play

From May 1, [email protected] is back with a host of workshops for children aged 6-16. For nearly three decades, Bombay Prithvi Theater engaged with the children through these dance, theater and storytelling sessions. Primarily conducted in English and Hindi, these two-hour sessions will be anchored by theater personalities. Look for this fun one called “Ride With Newton”, where science meets art. There are engaging art demonstrations and experiences that will help a child explore the real world in an artistic way. Don’t forget to collect your child’s membership cards, who will be able to enter the theater for free for all their plays. To register, go to: http://prithvitheatre.org

What to watch

Could there be anything more endearing than a young robin raised by a family of mice. She feels completely out of place and her only wish in life is to be a mouse. Though inspired by Christmas balls and pushing the envelope with felt animation, Robin Robin also has songs about slime, nails, and all things mouse! Streaming now on Netflix.

Books and more

In the meantime, if anyone thinks libraries are dead, let your fears calm down. Shefali Malhotra, founder of bukmuk.com, has children rereading, from toddlers to teenagers. For free registration, you can view their entire collection of over 20,000 books. Their subscription plans are Rs 899 for one month and Rs 2,499 for three months. You can get up to six books at a time anywhere in India. For more details contact: 8130286286, or visit them at: http://www.instagram.com/bukmuklibrary

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