Chitra Soundar author page

Chitra Soundar biography

Chitra Soundar is an Indian-born British author and storyteller, celebrated for her extensive contributions to children’s literature. Raised in Chennai, India, she was immersed in the rich traditions of Indian myths, epics, and folklore from an early age. This cultural heritage continues to influence her storytelling, which often features Indian settings and characters.

After spending time in Singapore, Soundar relocated to the United Kingdom in 2006. Since then, she has authored over 60 books for children, encompassing picture books, early readers, poetry, and junior fiction. Her works have been published across the UK, US, India, and other countries, and have been translated into multiple languages, including French, German, Thai, and Japanese.

Among her notable publications are the “Farmer Falgu” series, “Pattan’s Pumpkin,” and the “Sona Sharma” series. Her books “You’re Safe With Me” and “You’re Snug With Me,” illustrated by Poonam Mistry, were both shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. In 2018, her book “A Jar of Pickles and a Pinch of Justice” received the Eugenie Summerfield Children’s Book Prize.

Beyond writing, Soundar is actively involved in storytelling and education. She regularly visits schools, libraries, and literary festivals to conduct storytelling sessions and creative writing workshops. She has also delivered seminars and CPD courses for teachers on creative writing and storytelling.

In addition to her literary work, Soundar has contributed to children’s media. She has written for television, including the CBeebies show “Nikhil and Jay,” where she served as an executive producer and writer. She is also the co-founder of SAIL Fest, the UK’s first South Asian Literature Festival, and Colourful Connections, a collective for people of colour in UK children’s media.

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Books by Chitra Soundar

You’re Safe With Me
You’re Snug with Me
Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship: Stories from India
Pattan’s Pumpkin: A Traditional Flood Story from Southern India
Shubh Diwali!
Farmer Falgu Goes on a Trip
You’re Strong with Me
Farmer Falgu Goes to the Market
Farmer Falgu Goes Kite Flying
Farmer Falgu Goes to the Kumbh Mela
Dollop Of Ghee And A Pot Of Wisdom
A Jar of Pickles and a Pinch of Justice
Gateway To Indian Culture
Balu’s Basket/Baluvin Koodai
Where Is Gola’s Home?
Spider, May/June 2016 (Spider v23n05)
As I Watch
The Extraordinary Life of Mahatma Gandhi
Clever Camel
riddles for smart kids
Top Friendship Tips
Jom Bijak Belajar
Falgu le fermier part en voyage
Varsha’s Varanasi
Falgu le fermier va au marché
Ladybird Tales of Crowns and Thrones: With an Introduction From Gemma Whelan

Book lists featuring Chitra Soundar