Every story begins somewhere, and for author Shreya Agrawal Kanade, it began at home, with her two young daughters asking for bedtime stories. Like many parents, she wanted her children to see themselves in the tales they read. But when she searched for books that reflected their experiences as Indian-American kids growing up in a multicultural world, she found very few. That simple realisation sparked the beginning of a storytelling journey that would grow into the beloved Maya’s Adventures series, a collection of illustrated children’s books that celebrate family, curiosity, and emotional growth.
Shreya’s stories are inspired by real family moments, road trips, birthdays, learning to ride a bike, or even discovering yoga together. Each book centres around Maya, a curious and bright little girl who learns something new in every story. Through Maya’s adventures, Shreya captures the small but meaningful lessons that children experience every day.
Much of Shreya’s inspiration comes directly from her life as a mother. In Maya Goes on a Road Trip, for example, she takes a simple family journey and turns it into a story about curiosity and overcoming fear. Maya’s nervousness about sitting in her car seat facing forward mirrors the real emotions young children often feel when experiencing something new. By the end, Maya learns that the world outside her window is full of colour, songs, and wonder, a reflection of how Shreya encourages her own daughters to explore the world around them with confidence.
Similarly, Maya Rides a Bike draws on one of the biggest childhood milestones: learning to ride. It’s a moment filled with wobbly starts, encouragement, and joy, familiar to every parent. Shreya uses this everyday experience to teach perseverance and the importance of trying again after a fall.
As a storyteller, Shreya focuses on emotional intelligence, a quality she believes begins at home. In Maya’s Long-Distance Friend, Maya’s best friend moves away, leaving her feeling lonely and confused. The story captures the ache of separation in a way young readers can understand. With her mother’s support, Maya learns to stay connected through video calls, showing that love and friendship can continue across distance. It’s a modern, relatable story that mirrors how many families stay in touch today.
Her fourth book, Maya Learns Yoga, was inspired by her family’s interest in wellness and mindfulness. Shreya wanted to create a story that helps children slow down, breathe, and feel calm in a busy world. The book introduces simple yoga poses and teaches that mindfulness can be fun when practised together as a family.
Finally, in Maya Plans a Celebration, Shreya captures the joy and warmth of family traditions. Maya’s effort to plan her mother’s birthday reminds readers that celebration is about thoughtfulness, not perfection. The story beautifully ties together the themes of love, gratitude, and togetherness that run through all of Shreya’s books.
At its heart, Maya’s Adventures series is Shreya’s way of giving children stories that reflect real life, with its ups, downs, laughter, and lessons. Her writing is simple and heartfelt, showing that storytelling doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. It just needs honesty and love.
Shreya Agrawal Kanade’s journey as a storyteller and mom is a reminder that the best stories often start at home. By turning ordinary family experiences into colourful adventures, she invites every child to see their world as a place full of learning and love.
If you are looking for stories that celebrate courage, curiosity, and family, Maya’s Adventures 5-Book Collection is the perfect place to begin. Each page feels like a warm reminder that the greatest adventures often happen in the little moments we share.
Start reading today!
Here’s the link from which you can grab your copies: https://mangodoodlebooks.square.site/.
