Jeeva Raghunath’s storytelling journey began in the classroom, where she spent 12 years captivating toddlers before bringing her creativity to high school French lessons. A chance reunion with Radhika Menon, M.D. of Tulika Publishers, led her into children’s book marketing and the translation of Priya’s Day by Cathy Spagnoli.
Fifteen years ago, at the book’s launch, she was formally called a professional storyteller - a title that shaped her future. She pioneered the storytelling movement in Tamil Nadu, represented India at 17 international festivals, and trained over 25,000 children and adults worldwide. With 500+ performances to her name, she became a force in the storytelling world.
Beyond the stage, Jeeva has authored 8 children’s books, translated 45 into Tamil, and starred as Owl Aunty in Singapore’s award-winning Punnagai. As Creative Head of the 3D animation series Bommi and Friends, she brought stories to life in a new dimension.
Jeeva is known for capturing the magic of childhood and Tamil culture through engaging narratives. Her works include Malli, a heartwarming tale of simple joys, and Gadagada Gudugudu, which playfully introduces traditional street games. She has also created Tamil alphabet books like A Vilirunthu Akku Varai and Kasakasa Parapara.
Her contributions extend to early readers with the Thumb Thumb Series (Where is Thangi, Up Up) and the Panchatantra Series (The Talkative Tortoise). She has also co-authored Uma’s Secret with Sweden’s Marie Oskarsson, soon to be published in Swedish.
Through her vibrant storytelling, Jeeva brings culture, rhythm, and imagination to young readers worldwide.
Jeeva grew up in a world where stories weren’t just told—they were lived. The first tales she ever heard were in the warmth of her mother’s lap, wrapped in laughter. Humor, she realized, was the heart of a good story, a thread that wove itself into her own storytelling journey.
As the world shifted to digital screens, many feared that children would lose interest in traditional tales. But Jeeva knew better. No gadget, no animation, could replace the magic of a story told in person, the twinkle in the teller’s eye, the rise and fall of their voice.
Over the years, she penned nearly a dozen children’s books. Indian storytelling had long existed, but now, more publishers were bringing its richness to the forefront. Tamil, with its vast ocean of folktales, was her greatest inspiration. The stories of the land, passed down through generations, shaped her voice and vision.
Some lament the loss of oral storytelling traditions. Jeeva, however, sees a different picture. Yes, some have faded, but others are being revived with fresh energy. The landscape isn’t barren—it’s blooming.
Do stories shape minds and spark action? Perhaps. But Jeeva believes that stories, like seeds, grow differently in each listener’s heart. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink," she says with a smile. Each child, each listener, takes away something unique.
And as for her favorite Tamil story? She doesn’t pick just one. “Any story that touches my heart,” she says, “is a story worth telling.”
