Why I Created an Adventure Series Starring a South Asian Girl for Ages 5–11 – One Year On

As a South Asian woman who grew up straddling two cultures—and later travelled solo across 40+ countries—I longed for books that reflected both my curiosity and my roots. But growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked like me in the stories I devoured. And when it came to bold, adventurous Indian girls? They were practically invisible.

That’s why I created Maya’s Worldly Wonders—a multicultural travel adventure series starring a clever, fearless Indian girl exploring the globe. Think Magic Treehouse meets Carmen Sandiego—but with real-world heart, humour, and heritage.

Each book is designed for children aged 5–11 who crave adventure, love geography, and are curious about the world beyond their doorstep. And for parents and teachers? It’s a sneaky way to teach empathy, global citizenship, and resilience.

One Year Later... What a Journey It's Been!

This summer, I found myself tucked away in a sun-drenched Parisian artist’s studio—sipping café crème, scoffing croissants, and scribbling away at Maya’s next globe-trotting adventure. That story—Maya’s Sri Lankan Spice Trail of Tails—is now in the final stages of editing and illustration, and I can’t wait to share it with you soon!

In the meantime, here's a look at everything Maya and I have accomplished in just one year.

4 Books Launched. And Counting.

From the cherry blossoms of Japan to the colourful chaos of Brazil, Maya’s first four adventures are out in the world—each filled with cultural magic, clumsy mishaps, and empowering lessons for children aged 5–11.

Every destination offers something new: mystery in Malaysia, friendship in Nepal, or courage in the Amazon. It’s been incredible watching young readers around the world fall in love with Maya’s story.

Media Buzz & Press Highlights

With two PR campaigns under our belt, the series has received a wave of coverage:

🎧 Featured on podcasts across parenting, education, and culture

📻 Interviews on BBC Radio, including regional shows and School Run segments

📰 Magazine articles, including Authority Magazine, Wonderbirds, and more

⭐ Reviews and reader feedback flowing in across platforms

From Bookshops to Bedside Tables

Here’s the truth: being a self-published author is no walk in the park. I’ve had to wear every hat—author, agent, publicist, social media manager, web designer, and sometimes pack mule lugging books to events! I’ve knocked on doors, emailed bookshops one by one, pitched myself to libraries, sold books at school fairs, and hand-delivered orders to readers who discovered Maya online.

And despite the hustle, I’ve managed to get the series stocked in several independent bookstores across London, run author events in schools, libraries, and even corporate offices—and personally design my website and branding from scratch. It’s been a labour of love, caffeine, and sheer stubbornness.

From Page to Screen: Maya’s First Animations

Most recently, with the help of my wonderful illustrator, we’ve taken our first bold step into animation. We’ve begun translating Maya’s adventures into short animated episodes—a dream I’ve had from day one.

But we’re not stopping there.

The Dream: Maya’s Worldly Wonders on YouTube

The vision is big and bold: a dedicated Maya’s Worldly Wonders YouTube channel, featuring animated episodes from each country Maya travels to. Each mini-series will bring to life the colour, culture, characters, and storylines from the books—allowing children everywhere to see and hear the world through Maya’s eyes.

Think:

• A fast-paced jungle chase in Brazil

• A quiet moment of reflection in a Nepali monastery

• The bustling food markets of Malaysia in full colour and sound

These episodes won’t just entertain—they’ll educate. They’ll build curiosity about the world, normalize diversity on screen, and bring meaningful representation into children’s digital lives.

Imagine classrooms streaming an episode before reading the book. Imagine children who may never travel abroad getting a taste of life beyond their borders. That’s the dream. And we’re building it.

Why It Still Matters

Maya’s Worldly Wonders is more than a book series—it’s a mission. A celebration of diversity, curiosity, and courage. Representation matters, and every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of the story—on the page and on screen.

The series sits proudly among today’s best multicultural chapter books—blending educational adventures, diverse characters, and fast-paced storytelling designed for children aged 5–11.

Perfect for fans of Magic Treehouse, Amari and the Night Brothers, and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, this series introduces a bold, modern South Asian girl who solves mysteries, embraces culture, and empowers children to dream bigger than borders.

✔️ Diverse and inclusive characters

✔️ Fun, educational storytelling

✔️ Adventure, culture, and global travel themes

✔️ Perfect for classrooms, libraries, or bedtime

🌏 Discover the Maya’s Worldly Wonders collection https://www.mayasworldlywonders.com/category/all-products

Let your child travel the world—without leaving the couch.

#ChildrensBooks #RepresentationMatters #FemaleFounders #Storytelling #PublishingJourney