Author Profile
Veera Hiranandani
7 Books
Veera Hiranandani is a respected author of fiction for children and middle-grade readers, often exploring themes of identity, history, and family. She is best known for her Newbery Honor-winning novel The Night Diary and its companion Amil and the After, as well as the Phoebe G. Green chapter book series. Hiranandani's engaging narratives frequently draw upon her own dual-heritage background to craft resonant, culturally rich stories.
A girl listens as her parents tell the stories that made her family. On one side is a Jewish grandmother in Brooklyn who sewed shining wedding dresses. On the other is a South Asian grandmother in Pakistan who cooked bubbling dal on a coal stove. Each story adds another piece to who she is.
Sometimes she wonders if she is the only one like herself. Is she Jewish enough? South Asian enough? When she notices a butterfly, she begins to see that being different can also mean being beautifully whole.
Many Things At Once is a tender picture book about mixed heritage, family history, belonging, and the many feelings that can live inside one person. It speaks gently to children who are learning that identity does not have to fit into just one box.
6-8 Years
22 Pages
Grandpa’s favorite day is Sunday, because that is when his three grandchildren come over. Together they act out plays, catch fireflies, share Jewish holiday traditions, and fill ordinary afternoons with the kind of moments that become family memories.
His grandchildren think he is the greatest. Grandpa is not so sure. He sees himself as an ordinary man, but their love helps show how greatness can live in small, gentle things: being present, listening, laughing, and making time together.
Warm, tender, and beautifully suited for read-alouds, The Greatest is a picture book about grandparents, grandchildren, family traditions, and the way love can make someone unforgettable.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Phoebe G. Green is headed to Paris, and her mind is already full of flaky pastries, famous sights, and real French food. Traveling with her friend Camille’s family sounds like the perfect adventure, especially for a kid who loves discovering new things to eat.
But Paris does not feel quite the way Phoebe expected. Camille seems more at home, the foods are not always easy to try, and even a magical city can feel uncomfortable when your best friend likes things you are not sure you like.
This funny, food-filled chapter book follows Phoebe as she learns that being adventurous does not mean pretending to enjoy everything. With friendship, family travel, and plenty of Paris flavor, it is a warm choice for readers who enjoy lively school-age stories with a curious, lovable main character.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
130 Pages
Olivia and Ian are playing at the park when they see a mother duck with her ducklings. The little ducks get separated, and Olivia is ready to help. After all, Olivia knows how to take charge when someone needs her.
Soon the ducklings are back with their mother, but the adventure is not quite over. The ducks follow Olivia home, which seems perfectly reasonable to Olivia. Of course they like her. She helped them.
With simple text, playful Olivia humor, and rebus-style picture clues, Olivia and Her Ducklings is a friendly early reader for children who enjoy animal stories, familiar characters, and lighthearted adventures.
6-8 Years
24 Pages
Phoebe loves discovering new foods, so she cannot understand why her best friend Sage wants the same lunch every single day. Turkey sandwich. Cheese stick. Popcorn. Again and again and again.
To Phoebe, the answer is obvious: start a cooking club with Camille and prove to Sage that trying new things can be fun. But friendship is not as simple as a recipe. The more Phoebe pushes, the more she has to wonder whether helping a friend means changing him or listening to him.
Cooking Club Chaos! is a playful early chapter book filled with school humor, food adventures, and a relatable friendship problem. Young readers who like confident narrators, funny misunderstandings, and illustrated chapter books will find plenty to enjoy in Phoebe’s kitchen experiments.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
130 Pages
Phoebe G. Green has a fish named Betty 2, a best friend named Sage, and a very strong opinion about almost everything. Then Camille, a new girl from France, opens her lunchbox in the cafeteria, and Phoebe’s whole world suddenly smells more interesting.
Goat cheese, butter lettuce, cilantro: Phoebe is fascinated by Camille’s food and even more fascinated by the idea of getting invited to her house for dinner. But while Phoebe is busy chasing a delicious new friendship, Sage starts to feel left behind.
This funny early chapter book is perfect for readers who enjoy school stories with lively characters, friendship problems, and just enough food curiosity to make lunchtime feel like an adventure.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
130 Pages
Phoebe’s class field trip sounds almost perfect: chickens, goats, apple picking, and a farm-fresh lunch. Phoebe is ready to learn where food comes from, especially if it involves tasting something good.
But farm animals do not always follow a plan. When Phoebe and Sage try to help some goats by opening their gate, the peaceful trip quickly turns loud, messy, and a lot more exciting than anyone expected. Now Phoebe has to figure out what to do when a small choice becomes a big problem.
Farm Fresh Fun is a cheerful early chapter book with school-trip energy, gentle humor, and plenty of food and farm details. It is a good pick for young readers who enjoy funny friendship stories with lively illustrations and a lesson about honesty.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
114 Pages
