SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: Seeker of Truth
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.srividhyavenkat.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME: SATA 381
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in India; children: yes.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Children’s author and oral storyteller.
AWARDS:South Asia Book Award Highly Commended book, 2020, for The Clever Tailor; South Asia Book Award, 2022, for Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Srividhya Venkat is a performance storyteller and writer of books for children. Born in India, she has lived in Singapore and the United States, which shaped her desire to write books that showcase both global diversity, as well as the things that bring us all together. In an interview in Cynsations, Venkat discussed the importance she places in being a creative writer. She shared: “I believe that writing has helped me discover my inner child who motivates the adult in me to write about things we love and feel strongly about. My becoming an author is the result of our mutual conversations which inspire me to take pride in my culture and to create a legacy that matters.”
In The Clever Tailor, Rupa Ram loves wearing the colorful saafa that he received for attending a wedding. After he had thoroughly worn it out, the tailor decided he could reuse the material instead of throwing it away. He crafts an odhni for his wife out of it. When it becomes even more worn out, he turns it into a kurta for his son and later a gudiya for his daughter. By the time the material is all but disintegrated, he realizes that he has a fabulous story to tell about its transformation. Despite noticing the use of some stereotypes, a Kirkus Reviews contributor commented that “Venkat’s text is rhythmic, simple, and cleverly repetitive.” The reviewer concluded that “this beautifully illustrated, rhythmic tale unfortunately reinforces stereotypes about gender, religion, and language.”
With Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps, Varun’s grandfather, Thatha, takes his sister to learn the South Asian Bharatanatyam dance style on Sundays. When Thatha invites Varun to join them, he is skeptical that he will enjoy it. Varun ends up loving learning the dance and wishes to join the group despite some reservations about being the only boy in the class. Thatha reassures him that dancing is not something only girls can do as he was once a dancer back in India. A Kirkus Reviews contributor noted that “this book’s charming protagonist and believable plot provide a wonderful opening for conversations” on how dangerous it can be to hold to such absolute gender constructs. The reviewer called it “a culturally responsive picture-book critique of gender roles.”
Girls on Wheels centers around girl skateboarders Damini, Sana, and Anila. Anila has just recovered from a broken arm and is worried about getting hurt again. After being taunted by the boys for being so timid on the skateboard, though, she shows them what she is truly capable of. A Kirkus Reviews contributor admitted that “it’s an entertaining read with a solid message brought to life by vivid artwork.” The same critic called it “an engaging portrait of resilience.”
Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor explores India’s caste system and how Kailash Satyarthi challenged it. He also lived his life by empowering the poor. He earned money from selling refreshments at soccer matches so that he could fund poor children to attend school and help bring their families out of poverty. Later in life, he sought to fight against forced labor conditions for children around the world. He was recognized for his efforts in 2014 when he shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Malala Yousafzai. A Kirkus Reviews contributor found it to be “significant reading for anyone who wonders what one person can do.” Booklist contributor Carolyn Phelan remarked that “the colorful, expressive illustrations will help children visualize his actions, his values, and his effectiveness.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, June 1, 2024, Carolyn Phelan, review of Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor, p. 70.
Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2019, review of The Clever Tailor; May 1, 2021, review of Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps; June 15, 2023, review of Girls on Wheels; December 1, 2024, review of Seeker of Truth.
School Library Journal, August 1, 2021, Mary Elam, review of Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps, p. 72.
ONLINE
Cynsations, https://cynthialeitichsmith.com/ (January 31, 2022), Suma Subramaniam, “Author & Illustrator Interview: Kavita Ramchandran & Srividhya Venkat talk on Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps;” (May 1, 2023), Suma Subramaniam, “Author Interview: Srividhya Venkat Reflects on Her Creative Life & Picture Book Writing;” (May 1, 2024), Suma Subramaniam, “Author Interview: Srividhya Venkat Discusses Writing Cultural Stories & Nonfiction.”
Lydia Lukidis, https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/ (June 12, 2024), “Author Srividhya Venkat on Telling Difficult Stories.”
Maria Marshall, https://www.mariacmarshall.com/ (July 14, 2025), author interview.
Sambasivan & Parikh website, https://www.sambasivanandparikh.com/ (July 14, 2025), author profile.
Srividhya Venkat website, https://www.srividhyavenkat.com (July 14, 2025).
12×12, https://www.12x12challenge.com/ (October 1, 2023), Srividhya Venkat, “Let Your Inner Critic Motivate You.”
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them), https://taralazar.com/ (January 26, 2025), Srividhya Venkat, “Srividhya Venkat Doesn’t Turn Her Back on Back Matter.”
About the author
A children's writer, performance storyteller, and former early childhood educator, Srividhya Venkat strongly believes in the power of books and stories.
Born and raised in India, she has lived several years in the United States and Singapore. Having experienced diverse cultures in each of these countries, she dreams of a world truly without borders, and tries to do her part by creating and sharing stories about our big, beautiful world where everyone is different, and yet the same.
Srividhya has been published in India. One of her picture books, THE CLEVER TAILOR is a 2020 South Asia Book Award (SABA) Highly Commended Book, and was also among the ‘101 Great Books for Kids (2019)’ listed by the Evanston Public Library.
With DANCING IN THATHA'S FOOTSTEPS, she makes her US debut.
A children’s author and former early childhood educator, Srividhya Venkat strongly believes in the power of books and stories.
While she likes to write stories that bring out the nuances of her upbringing in India, she is also inspired by her experiences from living in India, Singapore, and the United States. She also enjoys performing oral storytelling for children.
When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window. She currently resides in the Chicago area with her family.
Author Srividhya Venkat on Telling Difficult Stories- plus a GIVEWAY!
Posted on June 12, 2024 Updated on June 15, 2024
Hello world!!
Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. Please welcome Srividhya Venkat, here to chat about her new nonfiction picture book, SEEKER OF TRUTH: KAILASH SATYARTHI’S FIGHT TO END CHILD LABOR illustrated by Danica Da Silva Pereira and published by Little Bee Books.
BUT first- YAY! Srividhya is generously giving away a FREE copy of her book (US only) or a 30-minute AMA on Zoom! To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends June 21, 2024.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for SEEKER OF TRUTH: KAILASH SATYARTHI’S FIGHT TO END CHILD LABOR.
When I first learned about Kailash Satyarthi’s work as a child rights activist, it brought back childhood memories from India where I had seen children working in households and small shops. At that time, although I did not question what I saw, I realized how privileged I was.
As I delved deeper into my research on Kailash, it was disturbing to learn that some children were forced to work in unsafe places like quarries, mines, and factories, while others endured abuse and other forms of exploitation. But here was a man risking his own life to rescue these children. Kailash’s curiosity, courage, and compassion touched my heart. I knew his story had to be told. And when I saw that there were no picture books about him, I embarked on the journey to write the first one.
However, writing this book was not easy. This being my first nonfiction book, I tried to be as thorough as possible with my research. In the process, I learned about the heartrending stories of children working to support their families, their unsafe working conditions, the risky jobs they are forced to perform, and their other horrifying experiences. At one point, I stepped away from this project due to self-doubt about my own strength and ability to tell the story. But then I reminded myself that Kailash’s story had to be told, and his message needed to reach readers everywhere.
I knew this book had to be child-friendly and yet not hold back the harsh realities of life for enslaved children. My critique group kept pushing me to get the story right. They inspired countless rounds of revisions and edits till the manuscript was ready. My agent and, at a later stage, my editor also helped refine the text and back matter.
How did you research this topic and did you get to speak to Kailash Satyarthi?
For my research, I primarily relied on interviews, write-ups, and a documentary film on Kailash. I also read books written by Kailash. I tried to focus on key life events that needed to be reflected in the book. In addition, I studied other picture book biographies related to the theme of child labor, or social justice in general.
I have not spoken to Kailash Satyarthi, but hope to meet or speak to him some day soon.
What message would you like the book to impart to children?
I am hopeful that ‘Seeker of Truth’ will inspire readers to be curious, compassionate, and courageous, like Kailash himself. I hope that children will learn to question inequities and injustices in society, and speak up against them. Through this book, I would like readers to know that every person, young or old, has the power to make change happen.
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
I usually begin with a theme/idea, then begin writing the story as it comes to me. This is usually me telling myself the story. I try not to think about story arc, character arc, message, etc. at this stage since that takes away the natural flow of thoughts. Once I have finished the rough draft, I put it away for a few days before getting back to revising or rewriting it. When I have a satisfying draft ready, I take it to my critique group. What follows is several rounds of revisions and editing with feedback from my critique group. When I eventually have a draft I’m excited about, I send it to my agent for her comments.
My process is nearly the same for every book, except when extensive research is needed as in a nonfiction project like Seeker of Truth.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.
Here are a couple of books (from 2021 and before) that inspired me while I was working on ‘Seeker of Truth’:
‘For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story’ (by Rebecca Langston-George and Janna Bock),
‘The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy’ (by Kekla Magoon and Laura Freeman),
‘The Traveling Camera: Lewis Hine and the Fight to End Child Labor’ (by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs and Michael Garland).
Here are more titles from 2022-23:
‘Lola Out Loud: Inspired by the Childhood of Activist Dolores Huerta’ (by Jennifer Torres and Sara Palacios),
‘I’ll Go and Come Back’ (by Rajani LaRocca and Sara Palacios),
‘The Three Little Mittens’ (by Linda Bailey and Natalia Shaloshvili).
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Three things to remember:
Keep writing the stories you need to tell.
Find a writing community.
Do not compare yourself with others.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I cannot think of one favorite book. As a child growing up in India, I loved the Adventure series and Mystery series by Enid Blyton, a British author. They transported me to a different world that filled me with excitement, and paved the way to making me an avid reader.
BIO
Srividhya Venkat enjoys writing stories that reflect nuances of her love for her roots in India. Her picture book, GIRLS ON WHEELS, is on the 2024 RISE: A Feminist Book Project List, while DANCING IN THATHA’S FOOTSTEPS won the South Asia Book Award 2022, and THE CLEVER TAILOR was one of Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2019. When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window.
LINKS
Website: www.srividhyavenkat.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/srividhyavenkat/
X – https://twitter.com/VenkatSrividhya
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/srividhyavenkatauthor
Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/srividhyavenkat.bsky.social
Srividhya Venkat
Illinois, USA
Sree-vith-yah Ven-cut
she/her
Srividhya Venkat’s first story was illustrated and published by her brother when she was eight years old. Then she grew up to be just another adult. But after reading several books to her children, she became a child once more and began to weave stories again. Today she is a children’s author and oral storyteller who loves to create and share stories about our big beautiful world where everyone is different, yet same-same.
Bookography:
Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps (Picture Book, 2021; Yali Books/Sambasivan & Parikh)
Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi's Fight to End Child Labor (Picture Book, 2024; Little Bee Books)
Girls on Wheels (Picture Book, 2023; Kokila Books)
List-O-Mania (Picture Book, 2023; Tota Books)
The Tree Boy (Picture Book, 2018; Pickle Yolk Books)
The Clever Tailor (Picture Book, 2018; Karadi Tales)
It's A Laddoo Party! (Picture Book, 2018; Pratham Books)
Lunch-Friends (Picture Book, 2017; Tota Books)
The New Girl (Picture Book, 2017; Pratham Books)
Pickle Mania (Picture Book, 2016; Tota Books)
Brushing is No Fun! (Picture Book, 2016; Pratham Books)
Connect with Srividhya
If you could be a character in a children's book, who would you be?
I would love to be Jack from the Magic Treehouse series. I love traveling to new places, visiting historic sites, and learning about their local history. There could be nothing better than time travel for me!
Describe your creative space and routine.
I like to vary my creative space and so it moves with me often to the library or local cafe. All I need is a comfortable desk, instrumental music, and either a window or people doing their own thing in a relatively quiet atmosphere.
What is your favorite creative fuel?
Chai and savory treats☕️🍿
Author Interview: Srividhya Venkat Reflects on Her Creative Life & Picture Book Writing
Home » Author Interview: Srividhya Venkat Reflects on Her Creative Life & Picture Book Writing
By Suma Subramaniam
I’m thrilled to welcome Srividhya Venkat to Cynsations today!
What do you love most about the creative life/being an author? Why?
I consider my creative life to be a privilege and I’m grateful that I get to do this every day. I like that I can decide what projects to work on and do them at my own pace (with the exception of contracted projects). It’s an honor to be in a space where I create stories and shape them into something young readers would care about, and hopefully gain inspiration from.
Writing is an immensely fulfilling experience, especially when you get from where you started (a memory, idea, observation, or experience) to completion (with a sign off from your critique group/agent), and later when you hold the published book in your hands.
I also cherish the support that comes from being a part of critique groups and the writing community in general. The camaraderie is overwhelming and we are all together in this journey, cheering for one another.
Finally, I believe that writing has helped me discover my inner child who motivates the adult in me to write about things we love and feel strongly about. My becoming an author is the result of our mutual conversations which inspire me to take pride in my culture and to create a legacy that matters.
When you look back on your writing journey, what are the changes that stand out?
Eleven years ago, I began writing picture books for children in order to share stories inspired by my childhood, observations, and experiences to heed to the child inside me. They were stories related to India, my home country, and spoken from my heart.
Today, after several years of writing, taking craft classes, reading books, and learning about the craft and industry from fellow writers, I continue to write those stories. Yet what has changed is that I find myself diving deeper into what I’m writing – the themes, the characters, the story arc. In addition to heeding to my inner child, I now write about bigger issues I feel strongly about to create awareness and promote conversations, and help young readers develop perspectives on wider issues.
Another change that stands out is that I’ve diversified my writing realm and entered the non-fiction arena. My picture book biography, Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s fight to end Child Labor, illustrated by Danica Da Silva Pereira (Little Bee Books) is scheduled to be published in summer 2024.
I’m excited about my journey so far and can’t wait to see what else is yet to come.
Drawing by Srividhya’s son
What appeals to you about writing PB? What are the craft challenges of writing for this age group?
First of all, I consider it an honor to be writing picture books which may be among the first books children read or are read to. Creating them comes with a huge responsibility because these books are helping shape their perspectives of the world.
When I started writing stories for children, I chose picture books because I had no formal writing experience and writing them seemed less daunting than novels and chapter books. I also felt that having my stories accompanied with illustrations would provide a more insightful and engaging experience to readers from varied backgrounds.
That being said, as I’ve come to discover, writing picture books is a challenge in itself – minimal text that leaves room for illustrations, a hook to grasp readers’ interests, use of literary devices, fun repetitive refrains, showing instead of telling, and so on. Other challenges (not confined to picture book writing) include willingness to accept your writing imperfections, taking critiques for your work, and tweaking your story or getting rid of characters dear to your heart. Most of all, achieving all of this while conveying the heart of the story.
It’s important to remember that every picture book has a unique journey and poses a different kind of challenge. For example, while working on my picture book biography, Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s fight to end Child Labor, I had to determine which life events to focus on to effectively tell the story of Kailash Satyarthi. Similarly, while writing Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran (Yali Books, 2021), I had to carefully choose words in Tamil (a language from southern India) that would enhance the cultural experience the story offers, even if they were hard to pronounce.
Could you tell us about your latest book?
My upcoming picture book, Girls on Wheels, illustrated by Kate Wadsworth (Kokila Books) releases on August 8, 2023. Inspired by the skateboarding revolution happening in India, it is about three girls supporting one another through the ups and downs of learning to skateboard. One of the girls, Anila, is scared to skate when she returns to the skatepark after recovering from a fall. But with the help of her friends, she’s able to overcome her fears and skate again. This is a story about persistence, facing your fears, and accepting that failure is a necessary event on the path to success. Kate Wadsworth’s fabulous illustrations bring my story to life way better than I had imagined.
Through this book, I hope to inspire readers to follow their dreams, discover their potential, and learn from failure.
If you could tell your younger writer-self anything, what would it be?
Haha! I wish I could go back in time and help my younger writer-self change her future!!
Jokes apart, I would tell my younger writer-self the following:
to not compare herself with others because everyone’s journey is different.
to enjoy every moment of writing without thinking about whether or not it will get published.
to try writing multiple genres and work on improving her craft.
to occasionally take time off from writing and engage in other relaxing activities.
to cherish moments with family and friends.
Cynsational Notes
Srividhya Venkat has published several picture books, including Dancing In Thatha’s Footsteps, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran (Yali Books, 2021), which was the 2022 South Asia Book Award winner and The Clever Tailor, illustrated by Nayantara Surendranath (Karadi Tales Picture Books, 2019) which was a 2020 South Asia Book Award Highly Commended Book. Her next picture book, Girls on Wheels (Penguin Random House, August 2023), illustrated by Kate Wadsworth, is inspired by the skateboarding revolution happening in India. Having grown up in India and lived across three countries, Srividhya loves stories that are unique, yet universal. When not reading or writing, she loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes and explore the world outside her window. She now resides in the Chicago area with her family.
Suma Subramaniam’s interests in writing for children are centered around STEM/STEAM related topics as well as India and Indian heritage. When she’s not recruiting by day or writing by night, she’s volunteering for We Need Diverse Books and SCBWI or blogging about children’s books.
Her picture book, Namaste is a Greeting, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat (Candlewick, 2022) is named one of Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023. It is also a finalist for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award and has been selected as part of this year’s NYPL Storytime Collection to be read by all 88 branches of the New York Public Library System. It also made the best books of 2022 in The Guardian as well as Read Brightly. Her second book, She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used her Voice for Change, illustrated by Shreya Gupta (FSG Books, 2022), is an Honor Book in Toka Box’s top South Asian Children’s Books of 2022 list. Suma is also the contributing author of The Hero Next Door anthology from Penguin Random House which is a finalist for the 2023 Massachusetts Book Award.
Her poems have been published in Poetry Foundation’s first Young People’s Poetry Edition of Poetry Magazine. She lives in Seattle with her family and a dog who watches baking shows. Learn more at https://sumasubramaniam.com.
Author Interview: Srividhya Venkat Discusses Writing Cultural Stories & Nonfiction
Home » Author Interview: Srividhya Venkat Discusses Writing Cultural Stories & Nonfiction
Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!
By Suma Subramaniam
Today we welcome author Srividhya Venkat back to Cynsations to discuss her first picture book biography.
Tell us about your newest nonfiction picture book biography, Seeker of Truth. What inspired you to write Kailash Satyarthi’s story?
First of all, thank you for having me on Cynsations again.
Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor , illustrated by Danica da Silva Pereira (Little Bee Books, 2024), is a biographical story of Nobel Peace laureate Kailash Satyarthi, a child rights activist and social reformer from India. His journey as an activist began at the early age of five, and as he grew, so did his curiosity, empathy, and courage to speak up for the rights of the underprivileged.
Later as an adult, Kailash started a revolutionary movement called Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement), conducting ‘raid-and-rescue’ operations to save children from exploitation, setting up rehabilitation centers, and adopting innovative ways to educate and equip them to be future leaders. Not only that, he has brought the global problem of child labor to the forefront and advocated international laws against child slavery.
As someone who was born and raised in India, I have seen children working in households and selling goods in market areas. Though I never questioned what I saw, it made me conscious of my own privileged life.
When I first learned about Kailash Satyarthi a few years ago, I was amazed by his work as a child rights activist. As I dug deeper into research, it was heartrending to know that children are forced to work in unsafe places like factories, quarries, and mines.
Kailash’s story took me back to my childhood memories, making me eager to make a difference through the power of books. I wrote this book to create awareness about child labor and how one person tried to do something about it – something that helped change the lives and the future of thousands of children. It is my hope that this book will inspire readers to be curious, empathetic, and courageous like Kailash, and to raise their voices against injustices in their communities, and around the world. Every person has the power to make a difference, even in the smallest ways.
What were the challenges (literary, research, psychological, logistical) in bringing the story to life?
As my first nonfiction work, this picture book biography has by far been one of my most challenging projects.
Once I made up my mind to write this book, I delved into deeper research on Kailash Satyarthi and his incredible work, which involved comprehending the issue of child labor. I learned about the economic and social pressures that lead children to go to work for the sake of their families, their horrific experiences being far away from home, their dangerous work conditions, the harmful jobs they are forced to perform, and more.
Learning about all these facts was overwhelming to say the least. It was heartbreaking that these children were being denied their childhood. I remember discontinuing my research at a certain point and stepping away, wondering if I had the strength to go on, and asking myself if this would be an appropriate book for children even though it was about children.
The first children’s book on Kailash Satyarthi written by a seven-year-old – an inspiration in itself.
During that time away from the project, I came upon a book written in 2017 by seven-year-old Rosie Katz who had met Kailash when he visited her school. Seeing the book made with Rosie’s art and words revealed how inspired she had been by his story, and it reinforced my resolve to write Kailash’s biography. I knew that Kailash’s story had to be told, and his message needed to reach readers everywhere. Kailash had inspired a seven-year-old girl who, in turn, inspired me to crush my self-doubt!
When I began writing the book, I was aware of the need for the book to be child-friendly, while not undermining the harsh realities faced by enslaved children. In order to achieve this, my manuscript went through several edits and revisions with the help of my critique group. Less crucial, nevertheless important was determining what information needed to be in the manuscript and what could be mentioned in the back matter. I had several discussions about this with my critique group, agent, and later on with my editor, leading to multiple rounds of revisions and rewriting.
Were there any mentor texts or resources that aided you in shaping this story?
I read and studied several picture book biographies for elements such as structure, common thread, first lines, use of lyricism, and back matter. Some of these biographies were related to themes of social justice in general, while others were specifically about child labor. A few of my mentor texts were: The Traveling Camera: Lewis Hine And The Fight To End Child Labor by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs, illustrated by Michael Garland (Getty Publications, 2021), For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George, illustrated by Janna Rose Bock (Capstone, 2015), and The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy by Kekla Magoon, illustrated by Laura Freeman (Quill Tree Books, 2023 ).
You are published in different countries. Could you share the diverse perspective your experience brings to your stories?
Growing up in India, the only stories I read (apart from Indian mythology and folklore) were stories where the characters didn’t look like me, ate food I was unfamiliar with, and did things I never did. But that never bothered me as a child.
When I grew up, moved away from India, and had my own children, I realized how much I missed seeing characters like myself and my children, eating familiar foods, and doing the things we did, in children’s books. It took me a few years to discover the power I held within myself, and it was then that I began to write stories of my own.
Having lived away from India for half of my life continues to inspire longing, nostalgia, and a sense of cultural pride in me, and thereby, influences my writing. Broadly speaking, I’ve written about food, traditions, conservation, family, friendship, overcoming stereotypes, following one’s passion – all from the point of view of Indian characters. And yet, even with the diverse perspective, these are really things most readers from any part of the world can connect with. I wish the world would appreciate how similar we all are as human beings, despite our differences.
Where do you write? Do you keep a writing schedule?
I usually write at home, rotating between my desk and the dining table. Occasionally, I visit the local library or coffee shop for a change of atmosphere.
I follow a writing schedule, but keep it flexible as long as there are no urgent deadlines. I find that a relaxed mind is highly productive, so it’s essential to focus on the quality rather than quantity of writing. Lately, I’ve been giving myself weekly goals instead of daily goals, and am finding that having that extra space helps me work better.
Do you focus on one project at a time, or do you switch between stories?
It largely depends on factors like writer’s block, research work, and deadlines. While I focus on the project that needs the most attention, I do switch gears occasionally to step away from it and work on other projects. Taking a break often helps me return to the first project with a fresh mind and new ideas.
Co-winners of the Nobel Peace Prize 2014 – Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai
You have several books out now, looking back what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
When I first started writing children’s books, my goal was to create children’s stories to inspire cultural pride and awareness among children who didn’t see themselves in books they read.
Over a period of time, my goals have changed a bit. Though I continue to write culture-rich stories, I am now also driven to write stories inspired by real people and events to inform and inspire readers to be changemakers. I feel that this is helping me learn and grow as a writer, and I hope to try new subjects and other genres next. So, my biggest lesson has been to not restrict myself to writing certain kinds of books only, but to try and explore other possibilities.
Srividhya’s critique group who helped her work on ‘Seeker of Truth’
What advice do you have for beginning children’s writers?
Read as many books as you can in the genre you want to write.
Focus on your craft and enjoy the process.
Find a critique group and be open to feedback on your writing
Limit time spent on social media and don’t compare yourself with others.
Participate in craft workshops, conferences, and networking events.
What do you have coming out next?
I’m still awaiting my next picture book acceptance with my wonderful agent working hard to shop around my picture books. In the meanwhile, I am working on a couple of other projects to make them submission-ready.
Cynsational Notes
A former early childhood educator and oral storyteller, Srividhya Venkat enjoys writing stories that reflect nuances of her love for her country of origin, India. Her picture book Girls on Wheels is on the 2024 RISE: A Feminist Book Project List, while Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps won the South Asia Book Award 2022, and The Clever Tailor was named one of Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids in 2019. Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor is her first nonfiction picture book.
When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window. You can learn more about her at srividhyavenkat.com.
Suma Subramaniam is a recruiter by day and a children’s book author by night. Her picture books include Namaste is a Greeting (2022 Crystal Kite and 2023 Northern Lights Book Award Winner), She Sang for India (2023 Northern Lights Book Award Winner and 2023 NYPL Vibrant Voices Book), The Runaway Dosa, A Bindi Can Be…, My Name is Long as a River, and more. Suma is also the contributing author of The Hero Next Door (Finalist -2023 Massachusetts Book Award). Her poems have been published in Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Magazine, What is Hope?, and other anthologies for children. She lives in Seattle with her family and a dog who will do anything for Indian sweets and snacks. Learn more at https://sumasubramaniam.com
Srividhya Venkat - Featured Author
Srividhya Venkat- 12 x 12 Featured Author October 2023
View More Blogs
October 1, 2023
Featured Author
60 Comments
Let Your Inner Critic Motivate You
By Srividhya Venkat
I am honored to be the featured author at 12 x 12 this month. Given the wisdom already imparted by talented creators in this community, at first I was at a loss on what to write about. But as I reflected on my writing journey, I thought of my inner critic that often questions my abilities, actions, and words, making me experience self-doubt and imposter syndrome. It didn’t spare me when I was working on GIRLS ON WHEELS, my recently released picture book.
Inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, GIRLS ON WHEELS (illustrated by Kate Wadsworth, published by Kokila Books), is about three girls supporting one another as they practice skateboarding. The main character, Anila, returns to the skatepark after recovering from a broken arm. When she worries about falling again, her friends encourage and cheer her on.
I am NOT a skateboarder. And that was a trigger for my inner critic.
I wrote GIRLS ON WHEELS because I was truly inspired by the spirit of female skateboarders in India who are pushing boundaries and defying gender norms by taking up this daring sport. These girls are not only surpassing themselves, but also motivating other girls to skateboard by creating safe spaces where they can learn from and cheer for one another.
Atita Verghese founded Girls Skate India, an online platform, because she was the only girl at the skatepark.
I couldn’t help, but feel the desire to find out more about these fearless girls. So I spent hours researching about them to understand how skateboarding had changed their lives, before I began to draft a story.
Six-year-old Kamali Moorthy was the first girl to skateboard in her fishing village.
When I had a shareable draft ready, I took it to my critique group (many of whom are 12 x 12 members!). They gave me plenty of feedback, which included ideas to fix the storyline and make my writing more effective. So that’s what I did, until my inner critic arose. Not being a skateboarder, would I do justice to the story? Would my voice be authentic?
Skateboarding is empowering girls in India to follow their dreams.
Torn between my muddled mind and enthused heart, I delved deeper into research, this time focusing on skateboarding in general – the how-to’s for beginners, skateboarding lingo, ways to fall safely, tricks – easy ones, popular ones, risky ones! I visited the local skatepark to observe skaters, engaging all my senses as they whooshed by. I observed the support they offered one another and their informal understanding in taking turns at the skatepark. I asked skater girls about falling and getting back up to try again, the thrill of landing a new trick, and being the only girls at the skatepark. I read fiction and non-fiction children’s books on skateboarding. I even hopped on my son’s skateboard wondering if I’d be regular or goofy footed, if I ever skated!
Xtreme Skatepark, Singapore – site of my field research
Equipped with all my research, I returned to my writing with confidence and went through several rounds of revisions with my critique group. My inner critic poked me again – Being a non-skateboarder, would I be able to bring in the essential emotional connection?
The response came to me as I watched a Ted talk by Atita Verghese, founder of Girl Skate India. In her words, “Skateboarding is a lot like life… – if you fall, then you need to get back up. And you need to keep pushing.”
That was the final inspiration I needed. Even though I was not a skateboarder, I had fallen several times in my life and knew exactly how one would feel during those moments. And one such moment had happened as I’d tried to overcome my challenge with swimming. It wasn’t fun to relive that unnerving moment which led me to avoid entering a pool for a while. However, going back to those days helped me connect with Anila’s state of mind and fears in returning to the skatepark.
At last, with my inner critic quelled (well, at least for some time!), I could move on with my manuscript!
My lovely critique group in Singapore (many of whom are 12 x 12 members!) where I was based when I wrote this story.
I went through several more rounds of revisions with my critique group before sending it off to my agent, who helped me with further edits and later submitted it to the publisher.
Looking back, I find that having an inner critic is a mixed blessing. While there are times it drives me nuts, on other occasions it challenges me to do more by pushing myself to discover my true potential. It has taken me a while, but I’m slowly learning to manage my inner critic, especially when it exercises undue pressure on my mind and keeps me from being myself. On such occasions, I try to divert my mind with music, movie, cooking, even exercise! Venting to a friend or family member works wonders too.
Before I wrap up, here’s a few general reminders:
Let your inner critic motivate, not restrict you.
Write about anything you are passionate about and be prepared to do the required work.
Be kind to yourself and exercise self-care.
Share your manuscript with your critique group (and experts, if needed).
Remember that every person’s writing journey is different.
Finally, I can’t emphasize enough on being involved with a writing community. In fact, having worked on GIRLS ON WHEELS, I feel that the writing community is like a…SKATEPARK!!
What friends (or a community) can do when you’re feeling low.
Take 12×12, for instance. We come here to take up a challenge that excites us – writing 12 PB manuscripts in 12 months! And like skateboarders, we gather to learn from and cheer for one another. We share our joys, vent about our woes, seek advice, and work on improving our craft. “WHIRRR-WHOOSH-CLACK!” Thank you, 12×12, for your indispensable support!
I wish you all the very best with your writing journey!
Srividhya Venkat
A former early childhood educator, oral storyteller and 12 x 12 member since 2019, Srividhya Venkat loves stories that are unique, yet universal. While most of her picture books have been published in India, her U.S. debut was with DANCING IN THATHA’S FOOTSTEPS which won the 2022 South Asia Book Award. GIRLS ON WHEELS is her second U.S. picture book. When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window.
Srividhya is offering one lucky 12 x 12 member a 30-minute AMA (Ask Me Anything!) at our October check-in! Carve out a new draft today!
Storystorm 2025 Day 26: Srividhya Venkat Doesn’t Turn Her Back on Back Matter
January 26, 2025 in STORYSTORM 2025 | Tags: SEEKER OF TRUTH, Srividhya Venkat
by Srividhya Venkat
How many of you read every word in a picture book? I mean EVERY word.
All picture books have a story or main text. Some picture books have an additional section at the back of the book. This is the Back Matter – information that either elaborates on the subject of the book, or provides additional relevant content. This section offers a treasure trove of information, a.k.a. ideas for potential future projects.
Back matter exists in all kinds of picture books, fiction and non-fiction, though it is more prevalent in the latter. It may include one or more of the following:
Author’s Note: a note from the author(s) about their personal connection with the subject and why they wrote the book.
Illustrator’s Note: a note from the illustrator(s) about their personal connection with the subject and why they illustrated the book.
Bibliography: a list of works referenced by the author to create the book.
Timeline: a chronological arrangement of events related to the subject of the book.
Glossary: a list of unusual words with their meanings
Further Reading: a list of books, videos, or other links that allow readers to learn more about the subject or related topics.
Maps, Activities (such as word games, puzzles, recipes), and Photographs: all related to the subject of the book.
So how does all this help Storystormers?
Let me explain… When I started out on my publishing journey over ten years ago, I was unmindful of the importance of the back matter in picture books. I studied picture books, but I was focused entirely on the main text. However, by 2020, things changed. Like many of us, I tried to find positivity and solace by reading and writing. A few of my fictional stories had been published and I was beginning to explore writing non-fiction, particularly picture book biographies. After attending a couple of webinars on writing this genre, I began to study picture book biographies, particularly observing elements such as hook, voice, lyricism, and emotional thread. I also finally began studying… the back matter!
It was a good thing I did because the back matter in one of those picture books led me to the subject of my first non-fiction work!
The picture book biography, MALALA: Activist for Girls’ Education (by Raphaële Frier and Aurélia Fronty, published by Charlesbridge), has an extensive back matter – timeline, information about Pakistan (Mala’s home country), background on girls’ education in Pakistan and the world, a note on leaders who inspired Malala, relevant quotes by Malala, and plenty of photographs. But one photograph in particular caught my eye!
It was the photo of Malala standing beside a man I didn’t recognize. The description read, “The crowd cheers for Nobel Peace Prize winners Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian activist who fights against child labor, in Oslo, Norway, after the award ceremony.”
I was taken by surprise when I read the words, “…Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian activist who fights against child labor, ….” I knew Malala, but I had never heard of Kailash Satyarthi who, like me, was from India. Who was Kailash and why hadn’t I heard of him before?
My curiosity drove me to do a quick online search. It later blossomed into several months of intensive research about the incredible work of the stalwart human being named Kailash Satyarthi. I had embarked on a journey to write my first non-fiction picture book biography of the man who stood beside Malala in that photo!
Four years later in July 2024, SEEKER OF TRUTH: KAILASH SATYARTHI’S FIGHT TO END CHILD LABOR (Illustrated by Danica da Silva Pereira) was published by Little Bee Books.
This is a picture book biography about Kailash Satyarthi, a child rights activist and social reformer from India, who has rescued over 100,000 children from exploitation and empowered them to be future leaders.
He has also helped raise awareness about child labor around the world while advocating international laws against child slavery. Kailash’s extraordinary efforts were recognized in 2014 when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Malala Yousafzai.
So Storystormers, the next time you read a picture book, look at the back matter closely. Does the Author’s/Illustrator’s Note inspire any thought-provoking story ideas? Could the Further Reading or Bibliography sections lead you to interesting topics to explore? What if the accompanying photographs give you some leads into future projects (as with me!)? You never know where that nugget of an idea, which inspires your next project, resides.
Never turn your back on back matter!
I wish you the very best in your writing journey!
Srividhya Venkat is a children’s writer, mom, and former early childhood educator. She has published several picture books, including Seeker of Truth (a 2025 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award finalist), Girls on Wheels (2024 RISE: A Feminist Project Booklist), and Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps (2022 South Asia Book Award). Having grown up in India and lived across three countries, Srividhya loves stories that are unique, yet universal. You can learn more about her at SrividhyaVenkat.com and follow her on Instagram @srividhyavenkat and BlueSky @srividhyavenkat.bsky.social.
The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Srividhya Venkat and Kate Wadsworth + Review of Girls on Wheels
Srividhya Venkat - A children’s author and former early childhood educator, Srividhya Venkat strongly believes in the power of books and stories.
Author photo of Srividhya Venkat.
While she likes to write stories that bring out the nuances of her upbringing in India, she is also inspired by her experiences from living in three different countries. In addition, she enjoys performing oral storytelling for children.
When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window. She currently resides in the Chicago area with her family.
Collage of her two book covers
Srividhya is the author of several picture books, including Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran (2021) and The Clever Tailor, illustrated by Nayantara Surendranath (2019).
Kate Wadsworth - was raised on the beautiful east side of O’ahu, Hawai’i, where she currently lives as an illustrator and graphic designer.
Author photo of Kate Wadsworth.
She spent several years living on the East Coast where she received her BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond – a multicultural city that strengthened her interest in figurative art and urban sketching. Equally inspired by the natural world, she loves to experiment with bold colors, exaggerated shapes, and purposeful line work to tell stories with subtle but deliberate symbolism.
Kate has had the privilege to work with a variety of local and international clients. She has created poster artwork for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, and the Sony Open in Hawaii; editorial illustration for Hawaii Business Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times.
This is Kate’s illustration debut.
Their picture book, Girls on Wheels, releases on August 8th.
Welcome and Aloha Srividhya and Kate,
Tell us a little about yourselves. (Where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing or illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write or illustrate? )
SRIVIDHYA – I began to write for children about eleven years ago after a few life changes - becoming a parent, changing careers, and relocating overseas. The urge to write probably emerged from trying to raise children away from my home country, and also from a desire to create stories that I would have liked to read as a child.
Apart from stories inspired by my own culture which help me stay connected with my roots, I also like to write stories related to personal experiences or those that fascinate or touch my heart.
My writing currently happens in spurts through the day at my dining table which overlooks the backyard. But if I’m on a deadline, it can really happen anywhere and anytime.
KATE - I've been drawing ever since I can remember. While I usually work from my studio at home, I always have a sketchbook with me to jot down notes or sketch from life when I'm out and about. It sounds vague, but I love to illustrate people / doing things / in places, haha —more so than a static portrait of someone, or a still life of an object. I enjoy infusing my work with a little bit of narrative.
It is so wonderful to "meet" you both. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written or illustrated a manuscript?
SRIVIDHYA - I occasionally venture into bookstores or libraries, or even coffee shops with the hope that a change of ambience will help with my writing. However, that works well only if I’m not tempted to browse books or queue up for an extra snack (Haha!)!!
The most unusual place I’ve written in is on a local train! Having Google Docs to work with from a phone or tablet helps utilize those small pockets of time efficiently.
KATE - When I’m working on client work, I’m usually planted at my not-so-exciting computer desk… However, in addition to my sketchbook, I also carry around a tiny water color set. My husband and I often go camping, hiking, or to the beach, so I’ll bring along my travel art supplies and create a few little “plein air” paintings —I once did one of these from a big rock overlooking the ocean, while taking a break from cliffside rock climbing!
I think working on a train and a rock over the ocean both sound exciting! Srividhya, what was your inspiration or spark of interest for Girls on Wheels?
Cover of Girls on Wheels - three girls riding skate boards.
SRIVIDHYA – Girls on Wheels is inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India. When I first learned about it (thanks to my former agent, Clelia Gore!), I was blown away, especially to see that girls in India were pushing boundaries and engaging in this daring sport. It was fascinating that skateboarding was empowering girls not only to surpass themselves, but also to help other girls take on challenges by creating safe spaces for them.
As someone who was born and raised in India where women are largely expected to adhere to prescribed gender roles, I was in awe of these girls who were doing what they believed in. I couldn’t help, but feel the need to find out more about their stories. And that’s how this book’s journey started.
I am so glad you discovered their stories and created this story. They deserve to be celebrated and encouraged. Kate, what about the Girls on Wheels manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator?
Book Cover - green underside of a scratched skateboard covered with multiple stickers.
KATE - When I was first approached about illustrating Girls on Wheels, I was just so excited to be asked to draw more skater girls! The story immediately reminded me of my childhood (although my girlfriends and I tried our luck with BMX bikes).
It was a major bonus to learn all about the skateboard revolution happening in India as Vidhya mentioned. The cherry on top was being able to contribute to something that little girls could see themselves in and feel empowered.
I love your illustrations of these girls. Readers - if you liked these two images, wait until you see the rest of this jacket and amazing case cover! Srividhya, what was the hardest or most challenging thing for you about writing Girls on Wheels?
SRIVIDHYA - That’s a great question! The biggest challenge about writing Girls on Wheels was to write about a sport I didn’t know anything about. I am NOT a skateboarder. Once I had the initial drafts of the story sorted out, I needed to bring in elements that would make the story come alive with the movement and energy that’s so much a part of skateboarding. So, I delved deeper into my research, learning the basics of skateboarding, reading relevant books, watching how-to videos, and observing and talking to skaters at the local skatepark. Since the focus of the story is the emotional arc of the main protagonist, Anila, I tried to draw parallels with my own life experiences in an attempt to make the story and voice more authentic.
Finally, my critique group’s invaluable support throughout this manuscript’s journey also helped me shape it into Girls on Wheels as you see it.
I think you did a great job conquering this challenge! Kate, as your debut picture book, what was the hardest or most challenging thing for you about illustrating Girls on Wheels?
KATE - Oh man, illustrating a full picture book felt like a few steps shy of a full animation! The whole process was a crash course in things I either hadn’t done before, or haven’t practiced in a really long time: character design, composition, lighting, word building… I also illustrated the whole thing on my iPad which was relatively new to me.
Like Vidhya, I am not a skater, so I had to do extensive research on skateboarding, skate culture —not to mention the countless hours I spent researching anything and everything about India!
You did a wonderful job putting us in India and within the kid's skating world! How many revisions did Girls on Wheels take for the text or illustrations from the first draft to publication?
SRIVIDHYA - I usually don’t keep count of the number of revisions. But I can tell you that this project went through several edits, rewrites, and revisions. I took the very first draft of this manuscript to my critique group in January 2020. It took about six months of weekly meetings (with several breaks due to the pandemic) to make it submission ready. Then with a rewrite request from the publisher in September, it took me another six months to have a newly submittable draft ready. By August 2021, the contract had been signed. Thanks to my agent and my critique group, the editor had no major changes for the manuscript!
KATE - It’s hard to say… in general, there weren’t too many major revisions, but we worked in a few main phases (character design, book dummy/rough sketches, final sketches, color study, final art), with some minor edits in between. One thing that took a bit more time and thought was the character’s outfits. We wanted the color/styling of their clothing to gel together as a group, that also celebrated them individually with respect to their lifestyles/backgrounds. I had an awesome art director and creative team that were able to give great, and culturally appropriate, feedback.
Kate, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Girls on Wheels? If so, could you share one or more with us?
KATE - I was really excited to learn the story takes place in a small beach town, because I also live in one (however many miles away!). In my research I also found out that some of the things that are so iconic here in Hawaii are native or thrive in India! For example, myna birds and plumeria/frangipani flowers.
My sister-in-law and niece helped bring the character of Sana to life by modeling how to properly wear a hijab, and with skateboarding references photos. It’s special to have little hints of them shine through some of Sana’s expressions.
I also hid my friend’s cat on one of the pages 😊
I found the cat and the myna birds! What's something you want your readers to know about Girls on Wheels?
SRIVIDHYA - I’d like readers to know that many of us are a bit like the girls in Girls On Wheels – passionate about something, yet fearful of failure. This book is a reminder to keep doing (or trying to do) what you love, even if you don’t get it right. It’s important NOT to be bogged down by failure and self-doubt because they can pull us back from what we are capable of achieving.
Last but not the least, if you see others in your situation, join hands and support one another and you will emerge stronger as you head down your path with unwavering passion.
KATE - I think Vidhya said it better than I ever could!
If you’re falling or feel like you’re failing, remember those are growing pains, you’re also learning and growing! It can be frustrating at times, but it takes time to learn something new. Be kind to yourself and others through the process - encouragement and compassion can be contagious!
You both said it beautifully! Srividhya, when you first saw Kate’s illustrations in Girls on Wheels, did anything surprise, amaze, or delight you? Which is your favorite spread?
SRIVIDHYA – The first artwork I received from the publisher were Kate’s character sketches. It was an indescribable feeling to ‘meet’ the three girls whom I had nurtured and known only in my imagination!
Internal spread - left side a girl tiptoes out of her house, right side she rides her board through town toward a glowing sunrise.
Text © Srividhya Venkat, 2023. Image © Kate Wadsworth, 2023.
A few weeks later, I was delighted to see Kate’s illustrations as well. I cannot pick one favorite spread. I love how Kate has brought to life a fictional seaside town in India with much authenticity. Her color palette, composition style, and portrayal of motion and energy are amazing. She has also inserted several easter eggs to enhance the story being conveyed by the text.
Photo of Kate and Srividhya looking a final art work.
Kate and Srividhya – so much fun to go over the proofs together!
Thanks for the great picture of the two of you! You both look so happy. Kate, is there a spread that you were especially excited about or proud of? Which is your favorite spread?
Title page for Girls on Wheels - legs of a girl riding a skateboard with a tiger-striped underside.
Text © Srividhya Venkat, 2023. Image © Kate Wadsworth, 2023.
KATE - I’m not sure if I have a favorite, but I love the simplicity of the title page. It's a close up of Damini’s feet planted on her skateboard charging forward. You can see the tiger stripes on the underside of her skate deck and the dust getting kicked up behind her.
I loved pushing the forced perspective (and no pressure to illustrate her face!). I think it's a dynamic and exciting visual that entices the reader to turn the page and continue reading.
Can you think of something you wish you’d known before you started the publication journey with Girls on Wheels?
SRIVIDHYA – I wish I had known about the skateboarding revolution in India earlier (than four years ago) because I could have visited some of the places and skateparks, and perhaps even met a few of the amazing skater girls before the pandemic struck. But because my work on this project began at the end of 2019, most of my research had to be done online. On the bright side, I was still fortunate to be able to visit a local skatepark (in Singapore where I was based at that time) to do some ‘field work’ - observing the action at the skatepark and talking to skateboarders - which helped me improve my manuscript and make the storytelling more effective.
KATE - I think I would’ve saved myself a lot of time and effort had I known I was going to end up illustrating the whole book digitally. I had originally set my heart on illustrating each page traditionally, with paint and colored pencil. I very quickly realized how long that was going to take, and how inefficient it would be for any revisions. Now I have a ton of illustration board I need to put to good use!
Hindsight is often 20/20, but you did a fantastic job Srividhya. And Kate, I have no doubt you'll find a use for the illustration boards! Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
SRIVIDHYA - My next project is Seeker Of Truth – Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight To End Child Labor, a picture book biography that releases in 2024. It is the story of Kailash Satyarthi, a child rights activist from India who has been working to end child exploitation for over 40 years. The book is being illustrated by Danica Da Silva Pereira and published by Little Bee Books.
KATE - I’m currently wrapping up a couple of mural and logo projects, but I think a recent mural I painted is pretty on brand:
Back in May, I participated in Hawaii Walls, an annual mural festival that happens here in Hawaii (and worldwide!). I painted an interactive mural of a skater girl riding through a curly cue coconut tree. The wall is pretty low and wide, and meets the front stairs/ramp to the entrance of a gym. If someone stands behind it just right, they look like they are the skateboarder!
Collage of photos of Kate's mural of skateboarders,in Hawaii.
You can see more photos of the mural here.
Your mural is awesome. But I adore those models of yours! We'll have to keep our eyes open for projects from both of you. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
Hawai't Volcanoes National Park - volcano errupting. @NPS
SRIVIDHYA – I really enjoyed my recent visit to the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island where the Kilauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes are located. It was an exceptional experience to hike on the Kilauea Iki trail which goes through a lush rainforest and down to a solidified lava lake formed from a volcanic eruption in 1959. Standing atop the crater floor of the once active volcano, I felt the goosebumps pondering about the prodigious powers of nature.
KATE - Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is definitely a good one!
Havasu Falls by © The Canyon.com
A few years ago, my husband and I went on a cross country road trip from the east coast to the west coast, and tried to see as many national parks as we could. A few hours away from the Grand Canyon, we did a 10 mile backpacking trip into Havasu Canyon to Supai Village, inside the Havasupai Indian Reservation. We hiked to Havasu Falls which is a true oasis in the middle of the scorching hot rocky landscape. We only spent one night and woke up early to hike back out the very next day, but it's probably the most amazing trip we’ve ever been on!
Thank you Srividhya & Kate for sharing with us a bit about yourselves and your new picture book.
To find out more about Srividhya Venkat, or to contact her:
Website: https://www.srividhyavenkat.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VenkatSrividhya
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/srividhyavenkatauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srividhyavenkat/
To find out more about Kate Wadsworth, or to contact her:
Website: https://www.katewadsworth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wadsworthink/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wadsworthink/
Review of Girls On Wheels
While this empowering story was written as an ode to the skateboarding women and girls in India blasting through gender stereotypes, it is also a wonderful story about facing fears and doubts, friendship and compassion, and the determination and persistence needed to achieve any goal.
Cover image three girls riding skateboards.
Girls on Wheels
Author: Srividhya Venkat
Illustrator: Kate Wadsworth
Publisher: Kokila Books/Penguin Books (2023)
Ages: 4-8
Fiction
Themes:
Determination, confidence, persistence, defiance, skateboarding, compassion, friendship, and bravery.
Synopsis:
Inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, Girls on Wheels follows three friends who support one another through the ups and downs of learning to skateboard.
Anila is on her way to her favorite place: the skate park. She longs to glide on her board and feel the thrill of catching air. But when she arrives, the ramp looks like a concrete sea monster! Fear creeps in, making her once-broken arm ache. But Sana’s smile and Damini’s laugh wrap Anila in courage. Her friends remind her that in skateboarding, sometimes you fall—but sometimes you fly!
Srividhya Venkat’s lyrical text and Kate Wadsworth’s vibrant illustrations capture the energy and movement that make this picture book soar.
Opening Lines:
Damini sneaks out early
after her chores, careful
not to wake anyone
She jumps over bumps
and potholes,
whizzes down the street.
Some people gasp. Others glare.
Damini rides on.
What I LOVED about this book:
This opening is so intriguing. Combined with the stunning details in the soft, digital illustrations of the snoring ox and the early morning details of the city waking up, it transports the reader to this 'make-believe' seaside town in India and draws you immediately into the story along with the daring, adventurous Damini as she "whizzes down the street."
Internal spread - left side a girl tiptoes out of her house, right side she rides her board through town toward a glowing sunrise.
Text © Srividhya Venkat, 2023. Image © Kate Wadsworth, 2023.
As a story about three friends who love to skateboard, I love the way Srividhya and Kate use the next two spreads to not only introduce us to the main characters, but give us a sense of their individual personalities.
On the second spread we see a bazaar on the outskirts of town and meet Sana, who interrupts her excited "glide against the wind" to compassionately share her food.
Internal spread - left side girl feeding dogs, right side riding skateboard past a bizaar to the park.
Text © Srividhya Venkat, 2023. Image © Kate Wadsworth, 2023.
Last, we're introduced to Anilla, from the unique point of view of a rear-view mirror, as she is driven to the skate park after healing from a broken arm. Though longing to "feel the trill of catching air," she's worried and nervous." The bird (phoenix ?) seen on the bottom of her skate board is an important hint about Anilla, as are the tiger stipes (hinted at in the first image and very visible on the title page) on the bottom of Damini's board. I love how each of the girls are all heading toward the glorious, glowing sunrise of an exciting new day.
Internal spread - right side girl in backseet of car, as seen in rear-view mirror. Right side car passing a sunrise refelcted on the ocean.
Text © Srividhya Venkat, 2023. Image © Kate Wadsworth, 2023.
There are so many lovely details to linger over within the illustrations, such as the sunrise's reflection of the pavement, stream, and ocean, the details in the coffee/tea shop and the bazaar shop, and the gorgeous vegetation. The clothing style and colors, as well as their skateboard designs beautifully highlight the personalities of the girls.
When they all arrive at the park, Anilla's worries ease a little with the enthusiastic, joyous reunion with Damini and Sana at the "No Rules Park!" I appreciate that Srividhya and Kate don't shy away from showing that mastery of skateboarding (or any craft or sport) requires lots of practice - "They fall. They fail. CLUNK! But they're back on their boards." I adore the subtle use of graffiti in the skate park to specifically reflect Anilla's moods. Such as when she remains on the sidelines, worried about falling and breaking something again, faintly painted on the walls below her are "WHAT iF?" and "NO FEAR."
Sana and Damini remind Anilla how to fall, roll, or jump off her board. Then rising to the taunts of some boys, Damini drops off the wall to a wonderful onomatopoeia of "WHIRRR-WHOOSH-CLACK!" and Sana succeeds on her second try. When Anilla's nervous timidity results in a "THUNK!," her friend's unwavering challenge to the boys' taunts, compassion, and encouragement (plus a sweet treat) convince Anilla to try again.
Determination ultimately pays off, but as with the mastery of any skill, falls and failures remain inevitable. But that doesn't diminish the fun. This is a succinctly worded, powerful story about the friendship of three daring, caring, and brave girls with the enthusiasm, grit, and persistence to absorb the falls and plunks in their pursuit of the trill, freedom, and rush of flying along on a skateboard. The author's note offers a little information on women and girls who are exploding into the sport of skateboarding throughout India.
Venkat, Srividhya THE CLEVER TAILOR Karadi Tales (Children's Fiction) $13.95 9, 3 ISBN: 978-81-9338-890-7
A tailor fulfills his dream of stitching something for his family in this Indian import that adapts a familiar Yiddish tale.
When poor but talented tailor Rupa Ram goes to a wedding, he is given the gift of a saafa, a colorful headpiece made of fine cloth. Rupa Ram wears the saafa until it wears out--but instead of throwing it away, he salvages what is left to make an odhni (scarf) for his wife. When she wears it out, he uses scraps to make a kurta (shirt) for his son, and, with his son's scraps, a gudiya (doll) for his daughter. At last the tailor is left with the most precious thing of all: a kahaani, or story, which will never wear out. Surendranath's vibrant illustrations burst with life and color, and such details as the school where Rupa Ram's wife teaches add welcome dimension to the story's characters. Venkat's text is rhythmic, simple, and cleverly repetitive, but ultimately, the stereotypes it reinforces detract from its charm. Leaving the daughter with only scraps is a cycle that reflects deeply entrenched gender hierarchies. Additionally, the glossary in this U.S. edition erases India's diversity by referring to a saafa as a "garment worn by Indian men at weddings," implying that all Indian weddings are Hindu and that all cultures in India practice this regional tradition. The tale's source is given only as "a European folktale."
This beautifully illustrated, rhythmic tale unfortunately reinforces stereotypes about gender, religion, and language. (Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2019 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Venkat, Srividhya: THE CLEVER TAILOR." Kirkus Reviews, 1 July 2019. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A591279099/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=cc42af2f. Accessed 8 June 2025.
Venkat, Srividhya DANCING IN THATHA'S FOOTSTEPS Yali Books (Children's None) $19.99 6, 30 ISBN: 978-1-949528-90-9
On Sundays, Varun’s grandfather takes Varun’s sister, Varsha, to dance lessons where she learns bharatanatyam, a South Asian dance style estimated to be 2,000 years old.
When Thatha invites Varun to come and watch the lesson, he doesn’t think that he’ll be interested. To Varun’s surprise, though, he finds the rhythm impossible to resist. Before long, he leaps to his feet and joins in with the other dancers. Dancing makes Varun feel wonderful—that is, until his sister tells him he has to stop because dancing is not for boys. Although Thatha objects, revealing that he used to be an accomplished dancer in India, Varun still feels uncomfortable. After all, if he did join his sister’s dance class, he would be the only boy. With a little help from Thatha, Varun musters up the courage to follow his dreams—and to prove that gender stereotypes are no match for the power of performance. This book’s charming protagonist and believable plot provide a wonderful opening for conversations about the dangers of strict gender constructs. The vibrant paintings take readers to a diverse U.S. city, cleverly incorporating details such as a Pride flag and a Black Lives Matter sign that establish a clear political tone. In this context, the author’s note disappoints, focusing on discrimination male dancers face instead of challenging the kind of toxic masculinity Varun overcomes in the story.
A culturally responsive picture-book critique of gender roles. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Venkat, Srividhya: DANCING IN THATHA'S FOOTSTEPS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2021. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A659925071/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=2c1bc9c0. Accessed 8 June 2025.
Venkat, Srividhya GIRLS ON WHEELS Kokila (Children's None) $18.99 8, 8 ISBN: 9780593529287
A group of skateboarding girls in India help their friend overcome uncertainty.
At the crack of dawn, Damini leaves her modest home on her skateboard after doing her chores. On her own board, Sana winds through the bazaar. Anila climbs into the back of a car. All three meet at the skate park, where Anila wonders if she's brave enough to skate after finally recovering from a broken arm. But when the boys at the skate park taunt her, Anila, with the support of her friends, finds the strength to show them that she is more than capable and to prove to the boys--and herself--that she is stronger than her fear. This book tells a compelling story about the power of friendship and the importance of courage in the face of adversity while highlighting a trio of girls who are very different but are united by their love of skateboarding. Damini appears to live in poverty, Sana is a Muslim hijabi, and Anila comes from a family wealthy enough to drop her at the skate park in a car. Anila's journey is both inspiring and relatable. At times, the prose can feel clunky, but overall, it's an entertaining read with a solid message brought to life by vivid artwork. In an author's note, Venkat states that she was inspired to write this tale because of the increasing popularity of skateboarding among Indian girls. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An engaging portrait of resilience. (facts about skateboarding) (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Venkat, Srividhya: GIRLS ON WHEELS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 June 2023. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A752722763/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=3c5fb22d. Accessed 8 June 2025.
Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi's Fight to End Child Labor. By Srividhya Venkat. Illus. by Danica da Silva Pereira. July 2024. 40p. little bee, $18.99 (9781499815696). Gr. 1-4. 331.31.
Growing up in India, Kailash Satyarthi felt powerless to change the caste system, which limited the "untouchables" to certain occupations and often forced their children to work in factories. But he was inspired by the story of a forest fire: while large animals fled, a little hummingbird brought water to put out the blaze, "little by little, drop by drop." Determined to do what he could, 10-yearold Satyarthi started a soccer team and sold refreshments, raising money to send poor children to school. In his teens, he collected and lent used textbooks to impoverished students. And as an adult, he has led a global movement to free children from forced labor. The book's back matter includes information about that movement and details his Nobel Peace Prize honor in 2014. In this moving picture-book biography, Venkat tells the inspiring story of Satyarthi's determined work for change, which began with compassionate actions and led to worldwide awareness. The colorful, expressive illustrations will help children visualize his actions, his values, and his effectiveness.--Carolyn Phelan
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Phelan, Carolyn. "Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi's Fight to End Child Labor." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 19-20, 1 June 2024, pp. 70+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A804018312/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c61038ed. Accessed 8 June 2025.
Venkat, Srividhya SEEKER OF TRUTH Little Bee Books (Children's None) $18.99 7, 23 ISBN: 9781499815696
A glowing tribute to the Indian social activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
"He wanted to change the world. But he was just one person." Beginning with the inspirational tale of a hummingbird who carried water in its beak to fight a huge fire--"Little by little. Drop by drop"--Venkat retraces Kailash Satyarthi's lifelong campaigns to end child labor and to promote children's right to an education, from efforts at age 10 to help those who could not afford school books to later, large-scale initiatives, including the Global March Against Child Labor in 1998 and the Global Campaign for Education the following year. In her invitingly informal illustrations, da Silva Pereira depicts Satyarthi's progress from individual action--publicly defying caste mores by eating food prepared by Dalits ("untouchables") beneath a statue of Mahatma Gandhi--to rescuing enslaved children from factories and setting up temporary shelters. Finally, raising an arm on which the words "Freedom is non negotiable" are written, he ultimately leads large, racially diverse crowds of supporters. Between a photo and a painted version of him standing on the Nobel stage in 2014 next to co-winner Malala Yousafzai, the author closes with an eloquent quote that lays out his "vision of a world where every child has the right to their childhood."
Significant reading for anyone who wonders what one person can do. (afterword, bibliography, further reading)(Picture-book biography. 7-9)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Venkat, Srividhya: SEEKER OF TRUTH." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Dec. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A817945946/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=537820ad. Accessed 8 June 2025.