Kindness with Mahavira

• Simple text that breaks down complex concepts for young readers
• Examples that relate to a child’s everyday life 
• Vibrant illustrations help readers relate to what they are reading

Debasmita Dasgupta is a Kirkus Best Prize nominated, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Selection, Skipping Stones Honor, and Silver Nautilus award-winning, children’s book illustrator, graphic novelist, and an art-for-change advocate. Born in Calcutta, India Debasmita now lives in the UK after receiving her First Class Distinction MA Degree in Children’s Book Illustrations & Graphic Novels in London. Debasmita’s illustrated stories have been published in the UK, USA, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Australia, and Canada. Debasmita trains emerging under=representated visual storytellers. She actively advocates for diversity and multiculturalism in children’s literature. Her third graphic novel, “ZardoZi - stitched with love” is awarded as the COMIC Graphic Novel Of The Year by FICCI Publishing Awards 2025. And her latest graphic novel “Faiza is a Fighter” is on The BEAT’s Best Kids Comics of 2025 List.

Chitwan Mittal has always been interested in how reading can shape a child both intellectually and socio-emotionally. She founded AdiDev Press in 2021, with the aim of publishing books that would engage and entertain young readers. Since then, she has worked hard to find and nurture talent in both writing and illustration, and built a list that will help not just Indian children to discover India’s history, culture and heritage, but appeal to young readers everywhere. Chitwan is an award-winning author whose works include bilingual rhyming board books, a series on Indian spiritual figures, and translations of prayers by Tulsidas to Ram and Hanuman as well as Sanskrit slokas for young readers.

Sarita Saraf is a children’s book author and an award-winning editorwith a passion for rhythm and rhyme. She also dabbles in art, mostly birds and flowers. She is very fond of reading, especially spiritual literature. Recently she was taught chess by her 7-year-old grandson and loves being beaten by him!

The Learning TO BE series features biographies about Indian pioneers and achievers whose stories continue to inspire us today. Each book in the series features an important value and can be read aloud to toddlers and preschoolers (2–4 year olds) or read independently by emerging readers (4–7 year olds). 

“A wonderfully illustrated, engaging tale that teaches youngsters about the importance of kindness for all.” ~ Kirkus Review

“The book ends by equating heroism with learning to be kind. This seems to be a really powerful message, especially for children who encounter bullying on the playground, during the lunch break, on school buses, and even in the home from parents, siblings and other elders.” ~ Chintan Girish Modi, Firstpost

“This beautiful book sums up the different ways to be kind…[and how to] inculcate kindness in children.” ~ Shraddha Garg, kidsbookcafe.com 

“A charming board book to introduce children to Mahavira and his teachings.” ~ Roopa Baliga, House Full of Books