Monica Sood

Author. Publisher. Literary Festival Curator
Mindfulness Practitioner

Hi, I am Monica!

I am a writer, learner and dreamer who believes in the transformative power of storytelling. As the co-founder of Author In Me (AIM) and the AIM Literary Festival, I create platforms that empower diverse voices, nurture young writers, and inspire change. My work spans writing, publishing, and creative writing mentorship, all driven by the belief that stories shape minds and spark change.

With a background in science and a passion for neuroscience, I love to explore how narratives impact our mental well-being, creativity, and personal growth. Through my books, workshops, and publishing initiatives, I strive to make storytelling more inclusive, empowering, and transformative. Because when we change the stories we tell, we change the inner world and the world around us. My mission is simple: to use storytelling as a catalyst for growth, connection, and meaningful change.

Coming Soon...

The Gift That Gives Back is a heartwarming picture book set in the Himalayan town of Manali, India, where eight-year-old Isha eagerly awaits her birthday. But when heavy rainfalls, floods, and fallen trees threaten her community, a wise conversation with her grandmother helps her realise the powerful role trees play in protecting both people and the planet.

Determined to make a difference, Isha decides on a unique “gift” that will help her community and the planet.

Perfect for ages 4–8, this beautifully illustrated and culturally rich story weaves together themes of kindness, responsibility and environmental care. It introduces children to the importance of trees and inspires them to take small, meaningful steps to protect their world.

Ideal for schools, libraries, and families, The Gift That Gives Back encourages important conversations about nature, climate change, and how even the smallest hands can help nurture a brighter future. More than just a story, it can be used as a valuable resource to teach children about sustainability, climate change, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

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Inspiration Behind the Book

Imagine a world where every child grows up with a deep love for nature and a sense of responsibility to protect it. That vision is what inspired me to write The Gift That Gives Back.

The idea for this story came from a deeply personal experience. In 2023, during my annual visit to India, I saw the terrifying reality of climate change unfold before my eyes. Massive floods swept through northern India, destroying homes, roads, and livelihoods, including in my hometown of Kullu. For the first time, I couldn’t reach my family. I remember sitting there, gripped with fear, wondering if I will witness my worst nightmare.

Since then, the floods have become more frequent every year, leaving communities devastated again and again. Each time, I feel that same fear and helplessness rise within me. It made me realise how children, too, can carry these fears, how living in fear of natural disasters can weigh heavily on their hearts and limit their ability to feel safe, dream, and thrive.

IThis situation inspired me to write this story that not only help children face their fears but also show them that hope and action are possible. While we can’t turn back time, we can make choices today that protect the future.

Trees are nature’s greatest gifts.. Through this story, my hope is to inspire children and families to understand the incredible role trees play, and to see that planting and protecting them is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to give back to our planet.