Children’s literature holds a unique place in the world of storytelling—one that fosters imagination, nurtures emotions, and imparts valuable life lessons in the most enchanting ways. Author Vinita Singh Shetty has beautifully embraced this art with her latest book, Reyah and the Cosmic Wish – A Magical Journey of Hope, Love & the Power of Dreams!
In this insightful conversation, Vinita shares the inspiration behind her storytelling, the values she hopes to instill in young readers, and the creative process of bringing her characters to life. She delves into the magic of illustrations, the delicate balance between entertainment and education, and the role of books in shaping a child’s love for reading in an increasingly digital world.
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Join us as we uncover the heart and soul of her writing journey and discover how her stories continue to ignite wonder, curiosity, and kindness in children everywhere!
1. What inspired you to write for a younger audience, and how do you approach crafting a story that resonates with children?
As a journalist, I’ve always been drawn to the power of stories—the way they can bring people together and stir up emotions. But children? They are pure magic. They see the world through eyes full of wonder and trust, with hearts wide open. They don’t overthink; they just believe. Writing for kids is all about capturing that simple, beautiful view of the world. My goal is to create stories that are real, filled with warmth, and that never treat kids like little adults. Kids have an incredible intuition, and I want to tap into that by exploring themes like friendship, curiosity, and the kind of wonder that makes the world feel brand new.
2. Children’s books often carry important messages. Can you tell us about the themes or values you aimed to convey in your latest book?
My latest book is all about kindness—how even the smallest, simplest acts can make a world of difference. Kids have this amazing trust in others, and I believe that’s something truly special. They show us how open hearts can change everything. I want children to know that, even when the world feels tough, their kindness has the power to light up dark corners. That message came from my desire to preserve the purity of a child’s heart—where goodness and trust come so naturally.
3. Illustrations play a crucial role in children’s books. How did the collaboration with the illustrator enhance the storytelling, and what was the creative process like?
Oh, the illustrations! They’re the heart and soul of the story, bringing the words to life in a way I could never do alone. When I write, I envision the story, but it’s the illustrator who adds the magic—like a pinch of stardust! We worked together closely to make sure the pictures matched the emotions of the story. For example, if a character is feeling a little nervous, the illustrator uses soft, warm colors to show that feeling, so kids can feel it, too. The creative process is a fun dance—we’d bounce ideas back and forth, and I’d watch the story come to life in the most wonderful ways!
4. Connecting with young readers is essential. How do you strike a balance between entertaining and educating in your children’s books?
Children are natural learners, and they absorb so much without even realizing it! I believe that stories don’t need to choose between being fun or teaching something important—they can do both. For instance, if I want to share a lesson on empathy, I’ll show a character practicing kindness, rather than giving a “lesson” on it. I try to weave in lessons in a way that feels natural and part of the adventure. After all, the best way to teach kids is through stories that are so fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning!
5. Your characters are charming and relatable. How do you create characters that children can identify with, and do they draw from your own childhood experiences?
I think children connect with characters who feel real and true to life, even if they’re on an extraordinary adventure. I love creating characters who are brave but imperfect, and full of potential. I often draw from my own childhood—the nervous excitement of trying something new, the joy of discovering something for the first time, the frustration of feeling misunderstood. These are all emotions kids experience, and I want them to see themselves in the characters’ journeys. It’s those small, real moments that kids get—it makes them feel seen, heard, and understood.
6. In the digital age, children have various forms of entertainment. How do you see the role of children’s books in fostering a love for reading and storytelling?
In today’s world of screens and apps, it’s easy for kids to get lost in the digital noise. But books? Books are different. They invite kids into a world where their imaginations can run wild. When kids read, they build entire worlds inside their heads and get to experience the magic of a story all their own. Reading helps them explore emotions, understand others, and see the world from different perspectives. With the right story, kids won’t just put down the book—they’ll want to keep coming back to it, over and over again.
7. The language and writing style in children’s books are distinct. How do you tailor your writing to engage young readers while maintaining a level of sophistication that can grow with them?
Writing for children means keeping it simple, but also leaving room for their imaginations to grow. I don’t talk down to kids—instead, I write in a way that feels fun and inviting. I love using rhythm, repetition, and playful language to keep the story moving, while sneaking in new words and ideas that stretch their minds just enough. The beauty of writing for children is that these stories can evolve with them. As kids grow, they can come back to the story and discover new layers and deeper meanings they missed the first time.
8. Family and educators often play a role in introducing children to books. How do you envision your books being used in educational settings or as part of family reading routines?
I see my books as the perfect way to spark conversations—whether in the classroom or at home. For teachers, I hope these stories help bring lessons on empathy, kindness, and friendship to life. For families, I want my books to be the start of special moments shared together. Imagine parents and children cuddled up, reading aloud before bed, or a teacher leading a discussion in class. These shared moments of storytelling build connections that last a lifetime.
At the end of the day, children are the true heart of storytelling. Their openness, their ability to embrace the world with curiosity and wonder, is something we can all learn from. Writing for them is more than just a job—it’s an honor. And I can’t wait to share these stories with the world.
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