Bhubaneswar, Nov. 2: Be it short stories by famous authors or biographies of eminent personalities of the state, children are spoilt for choice when it comes to Odia books.

Like every book event, the Kalinga Book Fair, which is now under way at the city's Exhibition Ground, has come up with a unique way to captivate young minds.

Odia publishers are using colourful images and illustrations in books to draw the attention of young readers.

One of the most popular titles with kids is the life of Odia writer Fakir Mohan Se Premchand and Rabindranath Tagore are being printed to suit young children. The books have been priced between Rs 10 and Rs 50 and are kept short to suit the interest of kids. The colourful cover illustrations are also drawing children.

"When we were growing up, there were only one or two magazines for children. The concept of separate storybooks or non-academic children's books was non-existent. I'm so glad that my children can read about great people and also enjoy literature from all over the country through these books," said Birendra Parida, who was at the fair today.

Many stories, contemporary and old, have also been reprinted in abridged forms for schoolchildren.

"Children love stories. It's only the dearth of books that has doomed publishing houses. If we can get children to read stories from all over the world in Odia, we can sure create a pool of readers for future," said Nrusingha Prasad Mishra, publisher of the Cuttack Students' Store.

"We usually come to such fairs as my parents want me to collect books that will help my studies. But when I see these small books, I insist that they buy me some. They also do not mind because they are quite affordable," said Sanket Behera, a Class IX student.