Priti Birla Maheshwari was born in India and moved to Montreal and then to Toronto with her family. She graduated from the University of Toronto, majoring in French and then completed her Association Montessori International (AMI) CASA training. She then moved to the United States where she completed a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University. Priti went on to teach at Princeton Montessori and then the Red Oaks School in New Jersey.
She moved back to Canada in 2009 and taught French at St. John’s-Kilmarnock in Breslau, Ontario for 12 years. Her first book Chaiwala! was published in 2021 and won multiple awards. She is also the author of a chapter book series entitled Queen Bee. The first four books are available now and the next four books will be released in 2025. She currently teaches French at The York School in Toronto, tutors and gives virtual and in-person presentations to students at schools across Canada and the United States.
Priti is represented by Eve Adler (@publishing_eve) from Red Fox Literary (@redfoxliterary). You can see Priti’s full bio on LinkedIn.
PRITI BIRLA MAHESHWARI
Interview with Priti Birla Maheshwari, author of Chaiwala!
The 2023 TD Grade One Book Giveaway selection.
Entretien avec Priti Birla Maheshwari, auteure de Chaiwala!
Le livre à moi TD 2023 pour les élèves de première année.
Even More Chaiwala! Book Reviews:
“I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book, as well as the sensory experience that the book takes you through. The illustrations are bright and colorful, without being too much or overloading the page. The descriptions bring the smells, tastes, and sensations alive.”
— Audra
“Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari is a vibrantly bright and beautiful children's' picture book... For such a small book and simple story, it is a treat for the senses, with bright, beautiful artwork and a cozy story that revels in the many pleasures of chai: the sights, the smells, the tastes, even the sounds of preparation and the sensation of sipping warm milky chai…”
— Crystal
“This was adorable! I love the diversity and positivity that came from "Chaiwala!' The main protagonist is very cheerful and loves chai, it's just the cutest thing… "Chaiwala!" celebrates desi culture in one of the most comforting ways ever.”
— Saniya