Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kemmu to co-write three children’s books

Performer couple Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu will be co-writing a children’s book series. Penguin Random House India announced the acquisition of a series of picture books from the duo. Tentatively titled Inni and Bobo, the series will consist of three picture books, which will be published under the Puffin imprint. 

The books will take readers through the adventures of a little girl, Inni, who loves all animals, but especially little puppies. One day, Inni visits an animal adoption centre and wants to take all the puppies home. But then she chances upon the scruffy-looking, floppy-eared Bobo. And her heart is set. She has found her new best friend! 

The series is about a little child finding friendship and the beauty of adopting dogs while emphasizing empathy and life lessons about opening one’s heart and home.

Khan debuted as an author in 2017 with her book The Perils of Being Moderately Famous, a memoir published as a collection of essays by Penguin. The series marks Kemmu’s debut as an author.

Talking about the inspiration behind the book, Khan and Kemmu said in a statement, “One of [their daughter] Inaaya’s favourite things to do is storytime — either she’ll bring a book to one of us and ask us to read it to her whilst she looks at the pictures, or then as she says ‘from your mouth’ where she chooses the characters and the setting and we make up the story for her. Often the story is about her and an animal because she loves animals — all animals without discrimination, but perhaps being partial to dogs because of Masti. So, we started telling her stories about a little girl called Inni and her dog. She loved the stories and then asked to see the pictures and that’s when we came up with the idea of writing a series of books about Inni — based on Inaaya — and Bobo."

Arpita Nath, associate commissioning editor, Penguin Random House India, said she was absolutely thrilled that the couple’s books have found a home at Puffin. "They have penned a truly endearing story that will touch the hearts of all — kids, their guardians and animal lovers. I hope these gorgeously illustrated picture books find a special place on every young reader’s bookshelf. And we are also so very excited to welcome Kunal to the Penguin Random House family as a new author," said Nath.

Sohini Mitra, publisher, children’s division, Penguin Random House India, said picture books are a wonderful medium to introduce young readers to the world of stories and storytelling. "Kids instantly take to strong characters and great visuals. The Adventures of Bobo and Inni promises to bring all of these together and will particularly resonate with kids who love animal stories or have pets at home. We are delighted that Soha and Kunal chose to publish their maiden children’s book series with us," Mitra said.

The first book in the series will be released in 2022.