Kozhikode: In order to connect with young readers at the Kerala School Kalolsavam, the Kerala State Institute of Children's Literature has developed a novel strategy. A van which turned into a mobile bookstore has been garnering the attention of students and parents who visit the youth festival venues. The primary goal of this initiative is to engage more young readers and promote the books of the Kerala State Institute of Children's Literature in all   districts. Kerala State Institute for Children's Literature (KSICL) is an Institution under the Department of Cultural Affairs of Kerala, India. It was constituted in 1981 for publishing children's literature books and magazines.

The Thiruvananthapuram-based institute takes an effort to publish works that are considered classics in India and abroad taking care to keep them as true to the originals as possible in both substance and style. This institution is the only one of its sort in the nation.

Vinod Kumar of Padmasri Books, Kanhangad, is the one who implemented the book truck idea. He enthusiastically explained the background of such a unique concept: "Since the KSICL is only present in Thiruvananthapuram, it has been tough for students from the northern region of Kerala to access their collection. We observed that it is necessary to start promoting these books across Kerala. We spoke with the director of the institute Palliyara Sreedharan Nair who is also a famous writer, and he was excited to work with us. We have added many books of other publications as well in the book truck. "

The Book truck started its journey five months before and saw a huge success at the recent Bekal beach festival, Kerala's first international beach festival which happened on December 24th of 2022 in Bekal, Kasargod. 

"There has been a fantastic response in Kozhikode. Many students are expressing interest in buying books. They become more inquisitive when they see books in a truck. Over the last two days, we have seen an incredible amount of sales ", shared Vinod Kumar. 

The book truck is currently halted at the venue of Zamorin's Higher Secondary School on Tali Road in Calicut.