“During her town’s Ganesha Chaturthi festival, young Prema comes up with an innovative plan to save the river from pollution. Persevering through multiple obstacles, she convinces her friends to help her create natural clay Ganesha statues to replace the plaster ones that harm the river when they dissolve.”
Lakshmi Thamizhmani is an author and a corporate tech worker. After moving from India, Lakshmi worked as a newspaper writer but found her passion in creative writing. She loves bridging cultures and celebrating diversity.
Author’s name: Lakshmi Thamizhmani
Illustrator’s name: Debasmita Dasgupta
What is your book title? Ganesha Goes Green
Date of release: Sep 5, 2023
Preorder or Order link: https://www.barefootbooks.com/ganesha-goes-green
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Agent: Sharon Belcastro
Agency: Belcastro Agency
Hometown: Birth town is Chennai, India, but California is now home.
1. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
-Smita has incorporated local fabric motifs from South India and created absolutely stunning, authentic art!
-In the initial draft, the MC tried to solve the problem by herself. But later, based on feedback, I added a friend to team up with her. Two turned out to be better than one!
-In addition to the underlying theme of protecting our environment, there are many aspects of inclusion represented in the illustrations.
-I hope the book inspires kids to be creative, be more environmentally conscious, and never give up.
2. What are 5 helpful hints or tips you wish you would’ve known before starting on this publishing journey?
-No matter how hard I try to get it all right in the first draft, I need to revise! Again, and again, and again. 🙂
-Opinions are very, very subjective and not a reflection of your work or ability.
-While you don’t have to make every change your critique partner suggested, you do have to give it due consideration. There have been many instances when I felt that the change my CP suggested wasn’t necessary, but when I looked at it a few months later, the suggestion completely made sense.
-A revise and resubmit may mean that your story might need a significant rewrite. Embrace change.
-Build your network, little by little every day. It’s never too early to start.
3. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
-I still love watching TV shows for kids. I actually think they are quite fun.
-I started school early. I was 4.5 years old when I entered first grade.
-I love talking about gut health to anyone who will listen.
-I really don’t like most reptiles.
-I love popping soap bubbles. I give my kids tough competition!
4. Where are 5 places that everyone should visit?
-San Francisco, USA
-Mahabalipuram, India
-Hot water beach (Coromandel Cov)e, New Zealand
-Batu Caves, Malaysia
-Sydney, Australia
5. What are 5 book recommendations (any genre)?
–One Time by Sharon Creech
–A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman
–The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond
–Monsoon by Uma Krishnamurthi
–The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
