Priti Birla Maheshwari
Priti Birla Maheshwari was born in India and raised in Montreal and Toronto, Canada. She graduated from the University of Toronto majoring in French, and then pursued her career in education. Her passion for writing began in high school, and she went on to publish her debut award-winning picture book Chaiwala! in 2021. Maheshwari lives near Toronto with her husband and has a daughter in college. Queen Bee is her first early chapter book series. Visit her at pritibirlamaheshwari.com.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I loved reading books from Sandra Boynton and Robert Munsch.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”– AA Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Eric Carle, Mem Fox, Cynthia Rylant
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I got hooked in grade 9 when I took my first creative writing course and just fell in love with the creativity and imagination. I knew at some point in my life, I would become an author of children’s books.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Just put that pen/pencil to paper! It’s an oldie but a goodie:) And join a critique group—they will be your biggest cheerleaders and give you honest opinions.
