Indian editions of popular American children's magazines 'Highlights' and 'High Five' were launched here today.
US Ambassador to India Nancy J Powell, who launched 'Highlights Champs' and 'Highlights Genies', said "Highlights Magazine has been delivering fun with a purpose for three generations of American children since 1946.
"From its beginning, the magazine has celebrated children's experiences in many different cultures and religions around the world."
She said the launch of the two magazines will strengthen people-to-people contact and cultural dialogue between the two countries. "It is our people-to-people ties that are the most important bond between our two countries, and it is our children who are our shared future."
'Highlights Champs' is designed for children aged 6-12, and includes a mix of fiction, poetry, science, craft and readers' contributions. It also features popular content from the original magazine such as Hidden Pictures, the Timbertoes and Goofus and Gallant.
'Highlights Genies' targets children aged two to six and uses stories, poems and activities to engage children in early learning and help them develop a strong sense of curiosity, creativity and confidence.
"Before becoming a diplomat, I was a teacher. I know how important it is for children to develop life-long reading habits at an early age," Powell said.
Addressing the gathering, which included children from various schools of the city, Andrew Shafran, vice president, International at Highlights said, "Stories and reading are a wonderful form of communication between people and lands.
"Stories widen horizons and emphasise not only what is different and special about individual families and cultures, but also what we share in common.
