Jamshedpur: My Family and Other Animals, one of the best-loved classics that completed 60 years in 2016, is the boyhood memoir of a British author-naturalist born in Jamshedpur.

Now, schoolchildren who haven't read Gerald Durrell's books can do so. The Gerald Durrell Initiative, a voluntary group formed by the city's environment enthusiasts, will start a session where students will read and discuss his books among themselves to imbibe a love for wildlife.

Coming Wednesday, the group will host the first session at the Durrell Corner on Loyola School campus.

A student from Kerala Public School, Kadma, will speak about The Overloaded Ark, Durrell's first book published in 1953 that recounts his trip to West Africa's Cameroon to bring back alive some fascinating animal species. Written with characteristic humour and a light touch, the book had paved the way for 36 others.

"Durrell was born in Jamshedpur (on January 7, 1925) and we want children of Jamshedpur to know the fascinating world he created so that they come closer to him and his passion for animals and nature," said Ronald D'Costa, a founding member of The Gerald Durrell Initiative.

He added that Durrell's books - the Loyola School library has all 37 - have a common link. "They invariably speak about communicating with animals," he said.

Jayanti Sheshadri, another member of The Gerald Durrell Initiative, said they wanted to ignite love for animals and nature in the most student-friendly way possible. "Through Durrell's books, we want to let adolescents experience the beautiful communication that animals have," Sheshadri said.