Nandita is a celebrated Indian children's author whose vibrant storytelling and culturally rich narratives have captivated young readers and parents alike. With a portfolio of over 13 picture books and early chapter books, Rao seamlessly blends humor, warmth, and life lessons, making her a standout voice in contemporary children's literature.

​

Early Life and Inspiration​

Raised in Haryana, India, Nandita's storytelling is deeply rooted in her cultural experiences and observations of everyday life. Her tales often reflect the nuances of Indian traditions, familial bonds, and childhood curiosities, providing young readers with relatable and enriching content.

​

Literary Contributions

Nandita's diverse body of work showcases her versatility and commitment to creating engaging stories for children aged 0–7. Some of her notable titles include:

• Buffalo Baby: A wordless picture book that narrates a young girl's endearing attempts to befriend a baby buffalo, capturing the essence of rural life and childhood innocence.

• Khane Mein Kya Hai? (What's for Lunch?): A humorous tale of a pigeon tired of eating millets, exploring new foods in a quest that leads to unexpected adventures.

• Who's Got the Scarf?: A playful mystery where a farmer boy searches for his missing scarf, encountering various animals and learning about trust and honesty.

• A Tree in My Stomach: A comic-style story addressing childhood fears, where a boy believes a tree will grow in his stomach after swallowing watermelon seeds.​

​

Her stories are characterized by their engaging narratives, rhythmic language, and vibrant illustrations, often incorporating Indian cultural elements and settings.

​

Awards and Recognition

Nandita's contributions to children's literature have been acknowledged through several prestigious awards:

• Parag Honour List 2024: Her book Buffalo Baby was featured in this esteemed list, recognizing outstanding children's literature in India.

• Binod Kanoria Award for Children's Literature: Awarded for her book Buxa, this honor celebrates excellence in original Indian children's writing and illustration.

​

Engagement and Outreach

Beyond writing, Nandita actively engages with her readers, within her children's play groups and school, her society and the broader literary community. Her Instagram account, @nandita_rao_childrens_author, offers insights into her creative process, upcoming projects, and interactions with young readers.

​