In Asamo, is that you? authors Canato Jimo and Ogin Nayam tell the story of Yumum, a young girl looking for her companion, Asamo, in the dark. A tale that explores themes of navigating fear, it also delicately depicts a series of monsters inspired by traditional lore and myths from Northeast India. This, by way of stunning illustrations that “are not in your face”, says Canato, art director and award-winning picture book maker. “Diversity and inclusivity are something I am always mindful of in my storytelling and working with creators in the picture book space,” he says.
An illustration in Asamo, is that you?
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Even Snip (a wordless book on two mischievous siblings who cut their own hair) was distinctly set in Nagaland but this setting does not overtake the story. “As storytellers and artists it is easy to alienate our stories with esoteric cultural nuances, and I try to ensure a balance is maintained to make stories relatable, yet not devoid of the spaces they are coming from,” adds the artiste, who will be sharing similar insights on art, diversity, folklore, and food at an event organised by The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged in Chennai next weekend.
