Tamil Nadu to Launch Bilingual Toddler Books in Tamil

TNTESC acquires rights to 100+ kids' books, launching toddler titles in Tamil and English, with global publishing deals and cultural adaptations.

on Apr 08, 2025

Tamil Nadu to Launch Bilingual Toddler Books in Tamil

The Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation (TNTESC) has acquired translation rights of more than 100 children's books. Officials say that the government is entering the space of toddler books in Tamil for the first time.

"We shall publish sound books, case books, board books, pop-up books, flip books and poster books both in English and Tamil. The deal was inked at the just-concluded Bologna Children's Book Fair. We intended to publish qualitative content and through this project the children will learn both the languages at a tender age," explained T Sankara Saravanan, Joint Director (Translation), TNTESC.

The TNTESC has come up with an arrangement with Sweet Cherry, London, for more than 2,000 copies of new toddler books. "The joint publishing activity will take 18-24 months based on international publishing agreements," the official said. Likewise, the department is also in negotiation to get Singapore's Sherlock Sam series to Tamil Nadu.

Noticing that there are few regional language books for youths, he explained, "Mystery stories and detective books are popular and liked by most kids. The series in Singaporean would be rewritten to fit into the Tamil culture so that local children can connect and enjoy.

The officials also held meetings with more than 35 countries' publishers and exchanged book rights such as those from Serbia, Jamaica, Romania and Sri Lanka. Moreover, they have also signed to introduce child friendly books on paleontology, cooking, theatre, botany among others.

A deal was also made with the organisers of the fair where Tamil Nadu will be given a complimentary stall annually in Bologna in return for a stall to the Bologna fair at the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF).