Children’s health stories are a novelty to Sri Lankan children’s literature. It is important that children are taught good health habits through stories. This need is fulfilled by writer/journalist Champika Deepani Ranasinghe. Seenilanthey panikubi rajjuruvo, Vasanagey aluth anduma, Mahadanamuthtagey uththarey are books presented by her through Malpiyali publications at this year’s BMICH book festival.
At a time when children along with adults fall ill consuming foods which include excess oil, sugar and salt, instead of parents having to use severe advice or punishment on their children, Champika enables parents to educate children about the negative effects of some foods through interesting and pleasant storytelling provided by her three books.
The stories are illustrated by the beautiful pictures drawn by Kavindya Jayawardena, an undergraduate at the Kelaniya University. Champika Deepani is Deputy Editor at Tharuni newspaper and has received several national level health awards for her work. She has also written numerous translations, children’s stories and health books in the past.