Media release

2 December 2016 PA-CN/16/24

‘Wordburger’ in Chennai!

In keeping with Australia’s continuous engagement in literature, each year the Australian High Commission aims to tour Australian children’s authors to India. Interactions at literature festivals, schools and bookstores not only provide authors with a unique and exciting Indian experience, they also enrich local audiences with a new culture, ideas and reading material.

This year, the Australian Consulate-General in Chennai supported the India tour of acclaimed Australian children’s author David Astle, Australia’s word-wizard, and author of Wordburger - A Verbal Feast for Kids. David is a lifelong crossword-maker and self-proclaimed “word nerd” and has authored six books on word puzzles and riddles for kids and adults alike.

While in Chennai (1-2 December), David conducted interactive workshops at various schools across the city. The workshops covered interesting concepts like how young adults can discover the secrets inside words using rhymes, riddles and puzzles. Consul General for South India, Mr Sean Kelly, said the visit “was a great opportunity to showcase one of Australia’s literary successes as well as a touch of Aussie humour”.

Prior to visiting Chennai, David participated in the Bookaroo children’s literature festival in Delhi. He will also take part in the Kahaani Festival in Jaipur on 5-6 December. His program will also incorporate a number of school outreach programs in Delhi, Chandigarh and Chennai.

For more information about David Astle please visit his website http://davidastle.com/.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information/clarification at the contact details given below.