The most exciting thing that has happened to me as a mother is the creative urge to write.
First there was the blog…
And now there are the stories.
Children’s Books have always been my absolute favourite delight. It’s one thing I never grew out of and since ‘growing up’ I’ve made them a professional pursuit.
From writing my thesis on children’s books to doing everything I can, in Gaborone, to promote reading in the community: creating a Reading Room at REWA, having a World Book Day picnic, Easter book-hunts, book clubs, teacher trainings… it’s been my mission to help our community raise readers.
I never thought I would write for children though.
And then, as a wise playwright once said, ‘a ministering angel shall my sister be’¹.
This time a year ago, a publisher approached me and asked if I had ever considered writing for children. With an embarrassed yet flattered scoff, I said, “Nope!” and left it at that. As sisters do, I shared this with mine. And my very own ministering angel (Rachna) went and told the publisher that I can, and will in fact, write a story for them to consider.
Not knowing what I would write about, where to start or anything else, six months later, I had a manuscript. Inspired by the magnificent, ivory elephant statue at the Sir Seretse Khama Airport that was established “to raise our collective consciousness about the plight confronting the African elephant”², I wanted to find a creative approach to build Aanavi’s awareness about elephant and rhino conservation.

And thus was imagined, this African adventure with delightfully charming illustrations by Sumedha Sah, Tusky’s story: An Elephant’s Tale, the first in a series of books about animal conservation for young children.
Out next month in India and published by Tota Books (buckets of thanks to Priyanka Malhotra and Puja Sood http://totabooks.in/), the blurb reads:
It’s suddenly very real and nerve-wrackingly exciting to see my name on the front cover. I only hope Aanavi has as much fun reading it as I did writing.
To end on a publicly cringe-worthy note:
I have a heart full of gratitude for my siblings, parents, Aditya and the rest of my family for believing in me and encouraging me to delve into this enchanting world.
¹William Shakespeare
²As said by the President of Botswana, Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, at the unveiling of the statue on July 16th 2015.
So incredibly proud of you! Congratulations!
Very nice. Congrats.
This is awesome Priyanka ! All the very best . Am looking forward to reading the book to samairah soon 😄
Congratulations. Worthy cause.
So proud of you. All the best.