Maithili Joshi – illustratör

Because of dads, we giggle and smile and dress up and dream. Bad singing and dancing are always better with Dad around!Because of dads, we can be silly and fun and strong and brave, soaring past the bad guys and saving the day.And when life gets us down and times are tough, dads teach us patience, and dads help us up.Because of dads, we know we are loved. Above and beyond - the way only dads can.

An inspiring nonfiction picture book about the courage and perseverance of 1964 Sri Lankan Olympian Ranatunge Karunananda, and the ways in which we define success. Sri Lankan soldier Ranatunge Karunananda is the first runner to ever represent his country in the 10,000-meter race in the Olympic Games. Despite the lack of support and resources, Karu stands on the track in Japan, determined to represent Sri Lanka and his family well. As the race begins and the other runners lap Karu time and again, he presses on despite objections, winning not the race but the hearts of the 70,000-person crowd, and inspiring people across the world to stay steadfast in the race for their dreams.

A stunning, lyrical picture book exploration of the nuances of friendship as two best friends experience jealousy for the first time when one of them receives a beautiful gift of rainbow bangles from her mom.Selvi’s best friend in the whole world is Divya. She and Divya are alike in so many ways: they love biking to school; they love to play dress up; and they both miss their ammas, who work overseas and only come home once a year. It’s hard not having their moms home all the time, but it’s okay because they have each other. But when Divya’s amma returns home early and gifts Divya with a beautiful set of rainbow bangles, Selvi starts to feel jealous of her friend. Why is Divya’s amma home and not hers? Does Divya even need Selvi anymore now that she has her mom back? As their friendship is tested, Selvi and Divya learn the real treasure they have to cherish is each other.

Nisha's aunties and uncles love to show love. They’re always swooping her up into big, squishy hugs or squeezing her cheeks. But Nisha is used to it - they’re family! So when Nisha's Ammamma and Appappa arrive from India, everyone is surprised when Nisha is suddenly shy.Nisha loves her grandparents, and she's excited they're here. So why does giving them a hug feel so scary? And if she doesn’t embrace them, will their feelings be so hurt that they go back to India?This tender family story acts as a reminder for kids and adults that there are many different ways to show love, and that when it comes to your body - and your boundaries - you always know best.