MEET THE AUTHOR
NEHA BANSAL
Meet Neha Bansal, a passionate parent and dedicated advocate committed to making a positive impact in her community. By day, she's a techie, but by night, she transforms into an author with a mission. Hailing from Siliguri, India, Neha now calls Fremont, California home, where she resides with her husband and three-year-old.
Navigating the intricate balance of parenthood, Neha found herself on a quest to infuse her child's world with the beauty of bilingual literature. As she set about looking for books, she observed the gap in cultural diversity and representation in children’s bilingual literature, driving her to create the bridge through her debut book, "Yummy Smoothie."
ABOUT THE BOOK
YUMMY SMOOTHIE
"Yummy Smoothie" isn't just a story—it's an embodiment of Neha's commitment to diversity and representation. Through this tale, she celebrates the fluidity of parental roles, shining a spotlight on a dad taking on traditionally maternal tasks. She created wonderfully gender-neutral characters, letting young readers connect on their terms.
As a parent herself, Neha knows the power of shared moments. "Yummy Smoothie" isn't just a book. It's an interactive tool for learning and bonding between parents and children. There are closing questions at the end of the book to spark enriching conversations.
Neha doesn't stop at the book; she invites you to be part of a global community of parents united by the quest to teach Hindi to their kids. Every book has a QR code that unlocks this supportive world, a testament to Neha's dedication to fostering language, culture, and connections.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
NOOR ALSHALABI
Noor Alshalabi is a Jordan-based illustrator who started drawing ever since she learnt how to hold a pencil. After getting her BA in Visual Arts and Design, she pursued her dream of turning her imagination into reality through children’s books. You can always find her with a cup of coffee, curled up with a good book, watching movies, playing with her pet bird, spending time with a friend, or going for a hike. Nature is both her source of inspiration and relaxation.