Monica is a children’s author, publisher and a literary festival curator. Through her work, she champions storytelling as a way to uplift, educate, and inspire. Originally from the Himalayan region, Manali, where The Gift That Gives Back is set, she witnessed the impact of deforestation and floods firsthand and realised how children can develop fears after witnessing such devastating floods and heavy rainfalls. This inspired her to write this story that help children face fears, connect with nature, and see how small actions make a big difference. With a background in science and an interest in neuroscience, her work explores how stories shape emotional well-being and creativity while simplifying complex ideas through books and educational resources. Through her writing, mentorship, and publishing initiatives, she is dedicated to nurturing diverse voices and helping the next generation to embrace storytelling not only as a source of joy, but also as a meaningful tool of expression.