We caught up with Beverly Jatwani on her latest release - Flying High
April 23rd, 2026Tell us about yourself – where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mumbai, India, as the youngest in a large, close-knit family with lots of siblings. It was a simple childhood rich in culture, connection and love filled with happy moments, strong values, and a deep sense of belonging. Growing up in that environment shaped my outlook on life, grounding me in empathy, gratitude and the importance of family and human connection, all of which naturally flow into my work today.
Describe your writing style in one sentence
My writing is rooted in core values...authentic, heartfelt and guided by love, with a quiet intention to inspire and uplift.
Tell us about your book
Flying High is a children’s story very close to my heart, inspired by the quiet resilience of children growing up in underserved communities, particularly in the slums across the world. Through our work with our wonderful charity partner, Harmony House India, I have witnessed their joy, their hope, and their extraordinary ability to rise, even in the face of daily challenges.
This story is a reflection of that resilience, the courage to keep going, to find light in the simplest of moments, and to hold on to dreams, no matter the circumstances. The kite weaves through the story as a symbol of hope, freedom, and possibility, reminding us that where we begin does not determine how far we can go.
Bringing this vision to life has been even more meaningful through my collaboration with the talented illustrator Darshika. Influenced by her experience of Dharavi, Mumbai’svibrant slum community, she captured the spirit, resilience, and quiet beauty of these children with authenticity, sensitivity, and heart in every illustration.
At its core, this story is a tribute to the power within every child. And if, through these words, even one child feels seen, feels valued, or dares to believe in something more, then perhaps they won’t just dream of flying… they will.
Who has influenced you the most in your writing?
This story is a reflection of that resilience, the courage to keep going, to find light in the simplest of moments, and to hold on to dreams, no matter the circumstances. The kite weaves through the story as a symbol of hope, freedom, and possibility, reminding us that where we begin does not determine how far we can go.
Bringing this vision to life has been even more meaningful through my collaboration with the talented illustrator Darshika. Influenced by her experience of Dharavi, Mumbai’svibrant slum community, she captured the spirit, resilience, and quiet beauty of these children with authenticity, sensitivity, and heart in every illustration.
At its core, this story is a tribute to the power within every child. And if, through these words, even one child feels seen, feels valued, or dares to believe in something more, then perhaps they won’t just dream of flying… they will.
Who has influenced you the most in your writing?
I wouldn’t say there is one particular person who has influenced my writing. Instead, it comes from a deeply personal place, shaped by real experiences, the children I work with, and the emotions and stories that unfold in everyday life. I believe writing from the heart creates something more authentic, something that children can truly connect with.
If you could take one book away with you to a desert island, which would it be?
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak, it’s a book that always brings me back to love, reflection, and deeper meaning. It reminds me to trust the journey, to let go, and to live with an open heart, no matter where I am in life.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Follow your heart and trust your voice. Write one page at a time, even on the days when it feels difficult or uncertain. It’s easy to become disillusioned, but the key is to keep going, to stay true to your intention and to believe in the story you are trying to tell. Every word you write brings you one step closer to your dream.
If you could take one book away with you to a desert island, which would it be?
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak, it’s a book that always brings me back to love, reflection, and deeper meaning. It reminds me to trust the journey, to let go, and to live with an open heart, no matter where I am in life.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Follow your heart and trust your voice. Write one page at a time, even on the days when it feels difficult or uncertain. It’s easy to become disillusioned, but the key is to keep going, to stay true to your intention and to believe in the story you are trying to tell. Every word you write brings you one step closer to your dream.
Tags: author, book, children, inspiration, publishing, self published, picture book
Comments (0)
No comments have been submitted yet.
Why not be the first to send us your thoughts
Leave A Comment
Thank you for your comments,
they will appear shortly once approved.
TOPICS
RECENT POSTSHAVE YOU SEEN...1
We caught up with Beverly Jatwani on her latest release - Flying HighApril 23rd, 20262
Sit down Q&A with Hershey Gargash, Author of Wixie the WormApril 23rd, 20263
Billy Bear's Brown Hair by Dina O.NasrSeptember 25th, 20254
The Slug Who Flew by Daniel CouzensSeptember 25th, 20255
Hannah Welch - Some Brothers and Some SistersSeptember 25th, 20251
Meet and Greet - Introducing the Kids to Your Partner for the First Time by Rachel BraceJuly 28th, 20212
Top Tips on How to Write a Junior Fiction/Middle Grade BookJuly 30th, 20213
Meet Chi Mary KaluOctober 29th, 20194
Get to Know Beverly Jatwani, Author of Pedro the Puerto Rican Parrot!May 5th, 20215
Inside the Illustration Process of Inner with Aleksandra SzmidtOctober 2nd, 2021