I am an architect by training, a homemaker by choice, a food enthusiast and reader by hobby, and a

Children’s Author By Passion.

When I’m not reading or writing picture books, I enjoy reading adult fiction, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and experimenting with food photography. I love wearing saris, and listening, singing, and dancing to Bollywood music. I also find great joy in movie marathoning with my husband and three children.

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Dance Graduation ceremony from when I was 14 years old.

 
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Oil on Canvas from my early teenage years.

Some of the myths and fables that have traveled with us from India over the years.

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Born and raised in the historic city of Ahmedabad, India, I lived in a multigenerational household and grew up surrounded by lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. While growing up, I didn’t know someday I would become a writer, but

This is What led me to write.

When I think of stories, my first memory is of our Ba (grandma, in a dialect of India) telling me and my brother one story every night. She didn't know how to read or write, but she spoke of her experiences and beliefs, and narrated many myths, legends, fables, and folktales. Although my parents are not highly educated, they gave us access to books at a very early age and encouraged us to read. They also loved to travel and took us on new adventures every holiday season. By the end of my 20’s, I had visited America, Kenya, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

While in school, I learned to paint and draw. I also completed seven years of training in Indian Classical dance and Indian Classical music. I didn’t realize then, but many stories are told through both these art forms.

In college, I graduated with a Bachelors in Architecture. That’s where I met my husband and after getting married, we immigrated to the United States. I worked as an Urban Design Consultant for a few years before deciding to stay home for our three children.

While raising my children across two cultures, I searched for books that would help them understand their heritage. Unfortunately, there was a lack of representation in children’s literature, and so, books traveled with us from India—once every year, in large quantities, packed in suitcases along with pickles and spices. With every trip, our collection of heroes and legends, kings and demons, gods and goddesses, and myths and fables from India grew larger and larger. As I raised my children to become ravenous readers, I also told them stories that were passed on to me by grandparents and great grandparents. Surprisingly, they had stayed with me through all these years. That’s when I realized the power of storytelling. This realization, the lack of representation on the bookshelves, and my understanding of living in the East and West inspired me to write for children.

I learned a new medium to tell my stories. I joined SCBWI. I read picture books. I studied them. I participated in 12x12, PiBoIdMo (now Storystorm), Making Picture Book Magic, Children’s Book Academy, and attended several workshops and conferences. The SCBWI, Kidlit community, and my critique partners became my constant support, and they continue to help me grow as a writer. I write heartwarming picture books with a South Asian backdrop.

I’m a member of an incredible group of picture book writers and illustrators, the Picture Book Scribblers.

I’m represented by the amazing Natalie Lakosil of Irene Goodman Literary Agency.