Babita Sharma, acclaimed author, journalist, and TV personality, has dedicated fifteen years to covering major global news events as a presenter for BBC News. In Spring 2019, she released a book on the history of the corner shop in Britain, published by Two Roads, following her well-received documentary "Booze, Beans & Bhajis: The Story of the Corner Shop" on BBC Four.
Her latest work, "Priya Mistry and the Paw Prints Puzzle," is a captivating mystery set in a corner shop, interwoven with her family history and extensive research on South Asians in the newsagent business. With an engaging narrative, readers will be enthralled as they follow Priya's journey, eagerly turning pages to uncover the secrets hidden within her vibrant world. The book is available from March 14 at RRP £12.99.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Babita talks about the book and inclusivity in storytelling.
Can you tell us more about your character Priya Mistry and what inspired you to create her?
Priya Mistry is a character born from my personal connection to the corner shop environment. As a proud corner shop kid, I wanted to reflect on my childhood experiences and appreciate the uniqueness of the world I grew up in. For me, the character of Priya serves as a vessel to explore the corner shop world in a relatable and exciting way for young readers. The inspiration comes from my desire to delve into the fun and adventurous aspects of creative writing for children. Having written a non-fiction book for adults, the shift towards children's literature enabled me to infuse a sense of wonder, curiosity, and excitement into the narrative.
Priya embodies this exploration, bringing to life the vibrant world of the corner shop through her character. By choosing Priya as the central figure, I wanted to give young readers a relatable protagonist who navigates the everyday and the extraordinary in her corner shop world. Priya's character becomes a vehicle for storytelling that combines the familiar with the imaginative, offering children an engaging and entertaining perspective on the unique experiences found within the corners of their communities.
Can you share any exciting twists or challenges Priya faces in solving this mystery?
Without revealing too much, what sets Priya apart is her ingenious approach to solving mysteries. She possesses a special mission kit equipped with intriguing items that enhance her superpower detective skills, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to her investigations. One captivating aspect of Priya's journey is her collaboration with some of her favourite customers, each possessing hidden powers. Together, they form a formidable team that embarks on spectacular adventures to aid Priya in her mission. Readers can anticipate a blend of clever problem-solving, unexpected alliances, and the thrill of uncovering hidden powers as Priya navigates the twists and turns of the mystery surrounding the enigmatic paw prints in the corner shop.
What messages or themes do you hope readers will take away from Priya Mistry's adventures?
I hope readers will draw inspiration from Priya Mistry's boundless curiosity for life. She constantly explores new and exciting ways to tackle challenges, fostering a sense of excitement and creativity among readers. I want the audience to appreciate the joy of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, mirroring Priya's fearless and inventive mindset. Overall, the messages I hope readers take away include the power of curiosity, resilience in the face of adversity, and the thrill of approaching life's challenges with a positive and inventive mindset.
How important was it for you to incorporate diversity and representation into your book, both in terms of characters and settings?
Ensuring diversity and representation in my book, particularly in the characters and settings, was a priority throughout creating the Priya series. Over several months, meticulous attention was given to crafting Priya's character, not only in terms of her appearance but also in the overall tone of the narrative. Having grown up with books that lacked characters reflecting the diversity of the world around me, it became crucial that any child picking up this book could find themselves or people they knew within its pages. Collaborating with the brilliant illustrator Ali Pye, we worked on establishing the right tone and colours for the book. The ultimate goal was to celebrate Priya's world, ensuring it radiates with a spectrum of colours that mirror the diversity and vibrancy present in our real-world communities.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring young sleuths or writers who are inspired by Priya's adventures?
My advice to aspiring young writers is simple: Write! Let your imagination run wild and put your thoughts down on paper or type them out. The most significant hurdle for aspiring or experienced writers is often overcoming the initial hesitation to start. Don't worry too much about making perfect sense initially. Writing itself unlocks creativity and allows ideas to flow more freely. Embrace the exploration process and let your thoughts take shape on the page. Remember, the more you write, the more you hone your skills and develop your unique voice. So, dive into the world of your imagination, let your creativity soar, and don't be afraid to bring your ideas to life through words. Writing is a journey; each word you put down is a step forward in expressing your unique perspective and storytelling style.
