Meet the Author
Dr. Ritu Kumar, a dedicated physician and mother of two young spirited girls, lives in beautiful British Columbia.
She discovered her love of poetry and storytelling at the age of 12, when her first work was published in a poetry anthology.
Ritu finds endless inspiration in the delightful chaos of parenting, channeling everyday adventures and misadventures into engaging, humorous and educational tales for children.
As a South Asian author, she is passionate about providing diverse and inclusive representation in children’s literature. Through her stories, Ritu hopes more children can see themselves and their everyday experiences mirrored in the characters they read about.
Ritu's books aim to spark a love for reading, impart gentle life lessons and inspire wonder and curiosity in little hearts.
FAQ
Curious about the author? Here’s a peek behind the scenes! In this fun FAQ, I answer some quirky and thoughtful questions about my life, writing, and the little things that make me…me.
Q. What were your favourite books to read as a child?
A. There are so many books I love. Every weekend, I would be at the library. When I was very young, I loved:
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Mortimer by Robert Munsch
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
As I got older, I became enthralled with the Nancy Drew books by Carolyn Keene - and I would like to think I have read most of the collection.
Q. What inspired you to start writing children’s books?
A. I have been writing poems since I was 12, and over time the content of my writing has changed as I have grown. I’ve always loved lyrical stories and once I had children of my own, I realized how much I enjoyed reading with them. I began crafting stories inspired by everyday moments with my kids. Writing children’s stories has always been a dream of mine, and with a lot of encouragement from my husband, I finally decided to share these stories with little hearts everywhere.
Q. What is your favourite snack while writing?
A. Dark chocolate, hands down! Also, a cup of chai ☕
Q. What’s your favorite part of writing a book?
A. Seeing a story come to life on the page - especially the funny or unexpected moments. It’s like building a little world and inviting readers to play in it.
Q. Would you rather live in a castle, a treehouse or a spaceship?
A. While all three sound tempting, I’d choose treehouse. I love the idea of being up high, surrounded by nature, with a secret hideaway to read and imagine.