India, Oct. 11 -- Dear Reader,

It has been years since I last looked at picture books. Then two things happen.

My friend Anna starts a library for the children of migrant workers in Manali. She needs books for early readers: picture books in both Hindi and English. I promise her I'll visit my favourite picture book store, Kahani Tree in Mumbai, and buy a whole carton of books to get her library started.

The second is that I come across a social media post about 'Becoming', an exhibition of children's book illustrations. I know instantly that it will be worth visiting. It has been curated by someone I have long admired: Richa Jha, children's writer and publisher at Pickle Yolk Books.

But it's been a hectic few days. I have just returne...