Recently launched indie publishing house, AdiDev Press, is set to release its first six titles this November. Their inspiring new series, Learning TO BE has several titles, in board book format, which will introduce children to values and create positive role models from South Asia.

The series, Learning TO BE, introduces children to BIG Values though the lives of prominent personalities. The first set of this series is based on Indian saints: Kindness with Mahavira, Service with Guru Nanak and Peace with Buddha. The simple text, written in verse, brings forth the central messages of the saints in a simple and relatable manner. These books help children to explore ways in which they can inculcate these values in their everyday lives. Next in the series is a set of books on women in science: Courage with Anandi Joshee (First Indian Doctor), Passion with Aditi Pant (First Indian Oceanographer), Perseverance with Janaki Amal (First Indian Botanist), and Commitment with Bibha Chowdhuri (First Indian physicist). The third set of books will introduce positive role models through sportswomen: Trust with PT Usha, Resilience with Bhakti Sharma, Adaptability with Arunima Sinha, Transformation with Chandro and Prakashi Tomar. These board books, have simple text and rich illustrations that are crafted to engage and inspire young children.  A growing series, books on performing and visual artists as well as a set on changemakers from business and political spheres, is already in the works.

Mrs. Chitwan Mittal, Founder, AdiDev Press has been connecting with other South Asian expat mothers from across the globe and discussing their experiences of living and raising children abroad over Instagram Lives. “The message has been clear in all these conversations,” says Chitwan. “Mothers want more diverse books. They want to see their children represented in the books they read. Most South Asian parents of young children express the view that while they were growing up there weren’t many books celebrating their own unique culture. They were mostly western publications with western children. We aim to fill this gap. As a mother of two young boys, I completely understand this need and am always on the lookout for books which showcase positive role models from South Asia.”

This truly inspiring series of books, does the task of showcasing diversity and allows a healthy representation of South Asian people and cultures, a much-needed addition in the children’s book publishing space.

Cultural comprehension enables children to embrace their own diversity and uniqueness, which, in turn, help them to become more compassionate and empathetic adults. They become more resilient and adaptive in workplace environments.  The lessons that these books teach, can shape a child into an accepting, thoughtful and responsible human. With these series, AdiDev Press strives to encourage all-round development for children and enable mothers to partake in that formative journey. It is a joy to see them being successful in their attempt!