Watford-born author Sharika Chauhan has launched her debut book series, Maya’s Worldly Adventures, inspired by her own experiences as a solo traveller.
Sharika has written a series of travel stories for readers aged eight to 12 centred around a British Indian girl’s adventures.
The books, which are set in Japan, Brazil, the Himalayas and Malaysia, are centred around main character Maya.
The stories are a blend of cultural exploration and empowering life lessons. As an Indian woman, Sharika is passionate about empowering young girls, particularly those from an Asian and Southeast Asian background.
Speaking to WATFORDnews, Sharika said: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I never thought I’d write a children’s book. It’s about helping kids to make decisions in life at home, or 100 miles from home.”
Sharika, a seasoned solo traveller with a passport full of stamps from over 40 countries by age 38, has plenty of interesting experiences to call on as inspiration for her writing.
When she arrived in Brazil with just a map and cash stuffed into her socks, Sharika knew she was in for a wild adventure. Looking back, she calls this time “the good old days”.
However, she also had some tough experiences. At the Praia da Pipa in Brazel, she was swept out to sea by strong currents, and it took her half an hour to return to shore.
In Norway, she fell off a cliff while hiking in the fjords and was miraculously saved by a small patch of grass and a dead branch.
However, nothing has stopped her enthusiasm for exploration, something she wanted to portray in her books.
To buy any of the Maya’s Worldly Adventures series, head to www.mayasworldlywonders.com
Photo credit: @sharika_chauhan on Instagram
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