Sona Sharma, a Friend Indeed

Chitra Soundar grew up in Chennai, India, in a multigenerational family that was filled with small fights, big laughter, and lots of stories. The award-winning author of more than forty books for children, she loves writing picture books, fiction, nonfiction, and verse. Chitra Soundar travels the world visiting schools and appearing at festivals to bring Indian stories to children everywhere. She lives in London.

Jen Khatun's work is inspired by the natural world, the books on her shelves, and the hidden magical moments found in everyday life. She says, "Being of Bangladeshi heritage meant that Chitra's stories remind me of the close bonds, traditions, and memories of my family life. As a grown-up, I cherish every profound life-teaching my family gifted me; they have made me who I am today." Jen Khatun lives in England.