Meet Ritu: The Author Behind The Picky Princess and the Dragon
This November, Brown Paper Fox was delighted to release The Picky Princess and the Dragon, a whimsical, laugh-out-loud picture book written by Ritu Kumar and illustrated by Kelsey Marshalsey. The story follows Princess Diya, a South Asian princess with a very particular palate, and a mischievous, sweet-toothed dragon who turns the princess's post-dessert snack into an adventure in trying new things.
To celebrate the launch, we sat down with Ritu to chat about the inspiration behind her book, her writing process, and what she hopes families will take away from this deliciously funny tale.
What inspired you to write The Picky Princess and the Dragon?
Ritu Kumar: I am inspired by my daughters and the everyday moments of parenting – from mealtimes to playful adventures – that are full of laughter, challenges, and surprises! I want to capture these small but meaningful experiences in stories that children can relate to while also weaving in humor and heart. I hope to create books where South Asian children and kids from all backgrounds can see themselves in the pages, not only in cultural stories, but in playful, everyday tales and fantastical adventures too.
The characters feel so real. How did you come up with them?
Ritu Kumar: The characters came straight from my own dinner table. The princess was inspired by my elder daughter, Diya, and the dragon by my younger daughter, Vaani. One evening, no one wanted to touch their food — until Diya bravely decided to give the cucumber another try. The moment she reached for it, Vaani leapt forward and shouted, “That cucumber is mine!” That mix of pickiness, bravery, and sibling rivalry was too good not to turn into a story. I hope parents recognize a bit of their own children in this playful tale — and perhaps even find encouragement for those tricky dinner-table moments.
Who do you imagine as the ideal reader for this book?
Ritu Kumar: My books are for children who love fun, imaginative stories, and for the parents, teachers, and caregivers who enjoy sharing those moments of wonder with them. I especially hope children of all backgrounds who may not often see themselves in everyday tales — feel a sense of recognition and belonging in my stories.
What message do you hope children and caregivers will take away?
Ritu Kumar: With The Picky Princess and the Dragon, I hope children see that trying new things can be rewarding — and that sometimes what we think we won’t like can actually surprise us. More broadly, I want readers to carry away a sense of curiosity, courage, and joy, and to know that both their everyday lives and their wildest imaginations are worth celebrating. As a physician and Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, I also hope caregivers feel reassured that picky eating at a young age is normal — and that with patience, playfulness, and encouragement, kids can learn to explore and enjoy new foods, laying the foundation for healthy nutritional eating habits.
What advice would you give to aspiring children’s authors?
Ritu Kumar: Write the stories that matter to you — the ones only you can tell. Don’t be afraid of imperfect first drafts; revision is where the magic often happens. And spend time with children — they’ll remind you how to see the world with fresh eyes and endless imagination.
About the Book
The Picky Princess and the Dragon is available through Amazon, independent bookstores, Indigo, and Brown Paper Fox's website. This story is packed with humour, vibrant illustrations, and a dash of courage, perfect for picky eaters and adventurous imaginations alike.