South Asian Children's Author
Shyala Smith is a London-based author of multicultural picture books for children, celebrated for stories that centre South Asian identity and community.
Her debut picture book Sai's Magic Silk follows a young boy whose imagination transforms his mother's saris into extraordinary worlds.
Her second book, The Language of Flowers — shortlisted for The Diverse Book Awards 2025 and reviewed in Kirkus Reviews — tells the tender story of Juhi, who must find the language of grief after losing someone she loves.
Shyala is available for author visits to primary schools, libraries, and literacy events across London and the UK, as well as for keynote speaking and panel appearances at literary festivals. She has spoken at SAIL Fest UK and the Galle Literary Festival. Her work explores themes of cultural identity, intergenerational relationships, language, and belonging — making her books and talks especially valuable for diverse classrooms and multicultural communities. For author visits or speaking enquiries, get in touch.
Pic: Bailey Graham