Travel-Inspired Adventure Series for Curious Kids
Maya's Worldly Wonders® is a children's travel-adventure multimedia IP franchise, following Maya, a bold British-Indian girl who explores the world one destination at a time. Created for children aged 5 to 11, the world of Maya spans illustrated chapter books, gifts and merchandise, and an animated series in development.
Every adventure is inspired by real expeditions taken by author and founder Sharika Chauhan across more than 45 countries, so each story is rooted in real places, real cultures and real discoveries. So far, Maya has explored Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan and Brazil, with more destinations on the way.
Our Mission
We believe every child deserves to see the world as a place full of wonder and possibility, and to see themselves reflected in the adventures they read. Maya shows girls, and every young reader, that they can be brave, curious and kind wherever they go.
Each story celebrates different cultures and weaves in themes of environmental awareness and animal conservation, helping children grow into thoughtful global citizens who care for people, wildlife and the planet.
We are also proud to be featured across multiple BBC radio stations and networks along with being shortlisted finalist for the 2026 UK Start Up Awards!
Unleashing the Curious Explorer Within
The Books
Our beautifully illustrated chapter books are written for curious readers aged 5 to 11. In each story, Maya discovers new cultures, makes friends across the globe and takes on daring challenges, helping young readers build confidence, empathy and a love of exploring the world beyond their doorstep. Five titles are available now in paperback, hardcover and ebook, with more adventures on the way.
Gifts and Merchandise
Bring Maya home with our soft Maya plush doll, illustrated bookmarks, adventure backpacks, drawstring bags, water bottles and explorer tees, perfect for birthdays, holidays and young adventurers in the making. Book and merchandise gift boxes are coming soon.
Maya on Screen
Maya's adventures are being developed into an animated series. While we work on the first episodes, watch Maya's official theme jingle and animated shorts.
Selling in Bookstores & Online!
Watch The Official Maya Animation Jingle
Maya Plush Dolls & Bookmarks are now available to buy! Gift boxes coming soon!
About the Author
Sharika Chauhan is a London-based children's author, adventurer and founder of Maya's Worldly Wonders®, a children's travel-adventure multimedia IP franchise following Maya, a bold British-Indian girl exploring the world.
Growing up in Greater London with British-Indian heritage, Sharika was always fascinated by faraway places. That curiosity took her to more than 45 countries, many of them solo, from trekking over Thorong La Pass in the Himalayas to exploring the jungles of Borneo.
The idea for Maya came from two moments. While volunteering with a UK reading charity, Sharika helped a young girl who was struggling to read and saw how the right story could spark a child's confidence. Later, on a solo trip through Borneo, she realised her own adventures could become those stories. Every book in the series is drawn from her real travels, with themes of cultural discovery, environmental awareness and animal conservation woven throughout.
Before becoming an author, Sharika spent 17 years in financial services, including senior and Chief Operating Officer roles, and co-founded a disruptive fintech startup.
Since launching the series, she has published five books, been featured on multiple BBC radio stations, been shortlisted for the 2026 UK Start Up Awards, and reached over 2000 primary school children with interactive reading assemblies and workshops.
Sharika believes stories can open up the world for children, and that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the adventures they read.
AUTHOR FEATURES:
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From Finance to Children's Books
How can travel give us the opportunity for personal growth?
The importance of inclusive storytelling
Upcoming Events
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Are you searching for an engaging and inspiring speaker for your next Corporate, School, or Library event?
Sharika Chauhan, author of Maya’s Worldly Wonders®, delivers interactive reading assemblies and workshops for schools and libraries as well as impactful corporate talks that spark curiosity, encourage bold moves, and redefine success