Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Jenn Kocsmierksy is a watercolor artist and picture book illustrator. She was adopted from Seoul, South Korea and grew up in rural New Hampshire. Now, as a mom and artist, Jenn hopes to promote relatable childhood experiences featuring diverse characters. She was the recipient of the 2018 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship for Illustration and the 2016–2017 Walter Dean Meyers Grant. She lives in New York with her two children and a ginormous goldfish named Joey. You can visit her website here.

“As in previous books in this series, Nina’s sincere and circumspect narratorial voice—and her beautifully illustrated lists and asides—renders this story a delight to read. Sheth expertly weaves in details about Nina’s Indian heritage together with her pride in being a Wisconsinite…. Plants aren’t the only things that grow in this book about perseverance, friendship, and personal growth.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[Kavita’s] cheerful and fearless approach to life provides comic relief, and Nina’s candor with herself and penchant for introspection allow readers to journey beside her as she grows emotionally.” —School Library Journal

Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Jenn Kocsmierksy is a watercolor artist and picture book illustrator. She was adopted from Seoul, South Korea and grew up in rural New Hampshire. Now, as a mom and artist, Jenn hopes to promote relatable childhood experiences featuring diverse characters. She was the recipient of the 2018 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship for Illustration and the 2016–2017 Walter Dean Meyers Grant. She lives in New York with her two children and a ginormous goldfish named Joey. You can visit her website here.

“Sheth’s use of language (poetry and repetition) is a singular delight. Equally charming are Ebbeler’s illustrations, which include lots of funny details, with exaggerated and elongated cartoon-style figures that make the most of the story’s humor. Delicious!” —Kirkus Reviews

“[A] dazzlingly illustrated new fairy tale… the images burst with engaging movement….a nice lesson on friendship and forgiveness.” —Booklist

“Lyrical… Sheth spins a yarn about greed and forgiveness in well-paced, poetic narration accompanied by Ebbeler’s expressive acrylic illustrations.” —Publishers Weekly

Children’s Gallery Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association, 2021-2022

Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Jeffrey Ebbeler, a graduate of Art Academy of Cincinnati, has been creating art for children for almost a decade. His books include Snow Day for Mouse, April Fool, Phyllis, and Jingle Bells. He lives in Ohio. You can visit his website here.

“Sheth’s clear and distinctive narratorial voice effortlessly leads readers through the intricacies of Nina’s quirky, innocent world…. The children’s Indian heritage is cleverly woven into the storyline, infusing their lives without eclipsing their American identities.” —Kirkus Reviews

“As in the previous book, Nina’s appealing first-person narrative includes lists, which she uses to organize her thoughts, and definitions of words that interest her, but it’s her lively personality and refreshing candor that will endear her to readers.” —Booklist

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2020

Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Jenn Kocsmierksy is a watercolor artist and picture book illustrator. She was adopted from Seoul, South Korea and grew up in rural New Hampshire. Now, as a mom and artist, Jenn hopes to promote relatable childhood experiences featuring diverse characters. She was the recipient of the 2018 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship for Illustration and the 2016–2017 Walter Dean Meyers Grant. She lives in New York with her two children and a ginormous goldfish named Joey. You can visit her website here.

“Sheth’s language is poetic in its simplicity, and her narratorial voice is a pleasure to read…. A sweet and entertaining series opener about family and friendship.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Attractive illustrations and the use of dialogue, lists, and definition boxes (showing terms as defined by Nina) within the narrative make this chapter book accessible to somewhat younger readers than most middle-grade fiction. Science will evidently be an ongoing theme in the new Nina Soni series, which features a flawed but refreshing and very likable protagonist as well as well-drawn home and school settings. A promising start for the series.” —Booklist

“The illustrations are realistic, detailed, and eye-catching, and the characters are easy to relate to and likable. The fonts and layout used are fairly dyslexic- and reluctant reader–friendly. The notebook-style lists and vocabulary definitions add to the book without overwhelming the action.… A simple but engaging story. A perfect fit for readers who enjoy realistic fiction about friendship and self-discovery.” —School Library Journal

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2020

Outstanding Books of the Year ―Wisconsin Library Association, 2020

Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Rhode Island IRA Chapter, RILA, REIMA, 2020-2021

Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Jenn Kocsmierksy is a watercolor artist and picture book illustrator. She was adopted from Seoul, South Korea and grew up in rural New Hampshire. Now, as a mom and artist, Jenn hopes to promote relatable childhood experiences featuring diverse characters. She was the recipient of the 2018 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship for Illustration and the 2016–2017 Walter Dean Meyers Grant. She lives in New York with her two children and a ginormous goldfish named Joey. You can visit her website here.

“In the current run of titles about older siblings feeding younger ones, this one stands out for its inventive imagery.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Ebbeler truly knocks it out of the park, gleefully building on Sheth’s prose with dynamic perspectives, a realistically detailed (and menacing) tiger, abundant visual hyperbole, and unexpected delights on nearly every page.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Action shots of the narrator defending himself against the menacing cat move the story along, while the girl’s inability to see her brother’s plight adds some comic relief. This is a good story to show how readers can get wrapped up in a book.” ―School Library Journal

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“At every turn, the boy is faced with the ferocious tiger, while his sister sees and hears nothing. The illustrations exaggerate the tiger’s size and fierceness as well as the fear on the young boy’s face, and prompt chuckles from readers. Much of the unspoken fun is in the pictures.” ―Reading Today

“The author has written a fun, adventurous tale about a young boy’s imagination and his attempt to tame a tiger. Imagination is a wonderful tool it makes reading so much more fun.” ―It’s About Time, MaMaw

“I love Tiger in My Soup for its creativity, imagination, humor, and the wonderful illustrations that bring the story to life… Since it is fun to read and a laugh to look at, reading this several times, even in one day, will not wear on the nerves too quickly. Laughs will be plenty from all involved.” ―Kid Lit Reviews

“A fantastical adventure… The brother and sister dynamics, the suspense, the action, the humor and the energetic pictures will have readers saying ‘read it again’ as soon as the cover closes. This title is on its way to my 2014 Mock Caldecott Learnist board.” ―Librarian’s Quest

“A great way to illustrate how much fun reading can be. It engages the imagination, conjures family time out of down time and creates lasting memories to share across the ages. So if you’re ready for a story with a surprising twist and illustrations that let the literary jungle pounce right off the page, this is definitely the book for you.” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

“Jaunty and devoted to reading, this book is a compelling mix of stories and action.” ―Waking Brain Cells

“The illustrations are bright and fun, the tiger leaps off the page—he’s awesome (I want one!)–and the placement of the text really helps make the story come to life. A simple story, but one I think most of us can relate to: having to wait and wait and wait and wait, and then your imagination gets the way and boy, what a ride! Tiger in my Soup would make a really fun rainy day story, while eating soup of course.” ―A Words Worth

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Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2014

Choose to Read Ohio ―State Library of Ohio and Ohioana Library Association, 2015-2016

Read On Wisconsin! (Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2014-2015

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2014

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Alabama Camellia Awards (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2014-2015

Georgia Children’s Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2014-2015

Buckeye Children’s Book Award (Grades K-2) ―State Library of Ohio, OCIRA, OCTELA, OELMA, OLC, and Kent University School of Library and Information Science, 2014

Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Oregon Reading Association, 2020-2021

Core Collections Star Title, A (Children’s Core Collection) ―EBSCO Publishing, 2013

Mockingbird Award (Nominee) ―Abilene Independent School District, 2013-2014

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Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Jeffrey Ebbeler, a graduate of Art Academy of Cincinnati, has been creating art for children for almost a decade. His books include Snow Day for Mouse, April Fool, Phyllis, and Jingle Bells. He lives in Ohio. You can visit his website here.

“Everyone will want to attend this wedding.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Another strong collaboration from the pair who created My Dadima Wears a Sari (2007) and Monsoon Afternoon (2008, both Peachtree.)” ―School Library Journal

“A lovely mirror for young readers of Indian heritage…” ―Booklist

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“The gauze profusion of silky saris, the girls-only mehndi party, bejeweled guests, and a white horse decked out in embroidery and tassels make the Western tradition of flower girl look—just perhaps―a teeny bit disappointing?” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“An engaging story draws readers right into Sona’s experience, with details about the wedding preparations and ceremony seamlessly incorporated as Sona describes being part of traditions that are new to her yet steeped in family and tradition.” ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center

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CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2016

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2016

Best Books of 2015: Best of Children’s List ―Kirkus Reviews, 2015

South Asia Book Award (Highly Commended) ―South Asia National Outreach Consortium, 2016

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Storytelling World Resource Awards (Honor, Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners) ―Storytelling World, 2016

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2016

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Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Yoshiko Jaeggi was trained in her native Japan at the Osaka Municipal Institute of Fine Art and has illustrated several children’s books. She lives in Maryland. You can visit her website here.

“A strong depiction of family, this story shows how meaningful traditional clothing can be.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The continuous, loving exchange heightens the intergenerational warmth that’s extended in Jaeggi’s delicate watercolors, particularly in scenes of Dadima and the girls unfurling luxurious lengths of cloth. Young listeners will want to follow the appended, illustrated instructions demonstrating how to wrap a sari.” ―Booklist

“Soft watercolor paintings capture the magnificent fabrics of Dadima’s saris and accentuate this loving story of a grandmother and her two granddaughters.” ―School Library Journal

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“A treasure” ―New York Amsterdam News

“The book is full of familial love as the grandmother passes on traditions and memories. It also includes a glossary to identify some Hindi words used in the text and a step-by-step guide to putting on a sari properly” ―Read Write Repeat

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Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2008

CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2008

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2008

Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2009-2010

Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Yoshiko Jaeggi was trained in her native Japan at the Osaka Municipal Institute of Fine Art and has illustrated several children’s books. She lives in Maryland. You can visit her website here.

“Children of all backgrounds will easily recognize both the boy’s delight in the dramatic rainstorm and the warm intergenerational relationship.” ―Booklist

“Soft watercolors underscore the warm relationship between generations…This beautiful and atmospheric picture book makes a great addition for all multicultural collections.” ―School Library Journal

“This is a story grandparents and grandchildren are likely to read together again and again.” ―Bloomsbury Review

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“Children everywhere will recognize the pull of the rain and mud and the desire for connection with their families.” ―Library Media Connection

“Speaks to the unique bond between generations in every culture.” ―Atlanta Parent

“Her watercolors are engaging and add to the impact of the prose… Children who haven’t encountered the monsoons will get an idea of the season’s pleasures, and those who have will revel in the memories this book conjures.” ―India Currents Magazine

“Vividly descriptive” ―New York Amsterdam News

“The author evokes [the] magical world of her childhood in India.” ―Smithsonian Magazine Online

“Its beautiful watercolor art show the affection between a boy and his grandfather and capture the flavor of life in India.” ―Virginian-Pilot

“Jaeggi’s soft, expressive watercolors are a perfect complement to Sheth’s evocative text, and offer a wealth of cultural details” ―Paper Tigers, BOOK OF THE MONTH

“A luscious journey into the life of a young boy living in modern India.” ―University of Arizona: World of Words

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Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (Honorable Mention, Picture Book) ―Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), 2009

CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2009

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2009

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Outstanding Books ―Wisconsin Library Association, 2008

Read On Wisconsin! (Preschool) ―Read On Wisconsin! April, 2010

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Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Guajarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels. Taking inspiration from her own life and experiences, much of Kashmira’s work centers on Indian culture and features Indian and Indian-American characters. You can visit  her website here.

Yoshiko Jaeggi was trained in her native Japan at the Osaka Municipal Institute of Fine Art and has illustrated several children’s books. She lives in Maryland. You can visit her website here.