
Krithika Mohan remembers the vibrant colours of her childhood vividly—scenes filled with Bharatanatyam costumes, the aroma of traditional South Indian dishes, and the melodic strains of Carnatic music. But these memories also exist alongside feelings of being an outsider, of concealing her cultural identity to fit in, and of yearning for representation in a world that didn’t quite see her. Now, with the release of her latest book through Little Owl Stories, Krithika is determined to rewrite that narrative for the next generation.
“Growing up as a child of Indian immigrants in South Western Sydney was a patchwork of experiences—some wonderful, others challenging,” she shares, her voice reflective but firm. “At home, my parents built a world steeped in tradition. We celebrated every festival with fervour, practised music and dance, and learned Tamil hymns. It was beautiful and grounding, but stepping outside that world often felt like entering a completely different reality.”
The contrast was stark, she explains. School, in particular, could be a minefield. “I remember the teasing—whether it was for the colour of my skin or the bindi on my forehead. As a child, you don’t have the tools to understand why people behave that way, so you internalise it. For a long time, I thought the solution was to downplay my culture, to avoid standing out.”
This struggle with identity shaped much of her early life, creating a divide between the girl who performed intricate Bharatanatyam routines at family gatherings and the one who desperately wanted to blend in at school. But in the later years of high school, something shifted.
“I think it was gradual,” Krithika says, recalling her awakening. “I started to see the richness of what my parents had given us—not just in terms of culture, but in values, resilience, and pride in who we are. By the time I reached university, I realised that embracing my identity didn’t make me less Australian. It made me more myself.”
This journey of self-acceptance not only transformed Krithika personally but also professionally. The absence of representation she experienced as a child became a catalyst for her work with Little Owl Stories. Her books, she explains, aim to give children what she didn’t have growing up: visibility and validation.
“I couldn’t point to a single moment that made me feel seen,” she reflects. “That’s the thing about representation—it’s not something you notice until you realise it’s missing. I read so many books as a child, but not one of them mirrored my experiences. The festivals that were central to our lives—Diwali, Navaratri, Pongal—were nowhere to be found in mainstream media. Even the heroes in stories never looked like me or anyone I knew.”
This lack of representation wasn’t just about books or films, Krithika adds. It was about the broader cultural landscape. “Growing up in the ’90s, there weren’t South Asian faces in media, and the few that did exist often came with stereotypes. It’s why terms like ‘ABCD’—Australian Born Confused Desi—became so common. Many of us felt caught between two worlds, unsure of how to navigate either fully.”
Her work is, in many ways, a response to that experience. “With Little Owl Stories, I wanted to create something that reflected the lives of kids like me—something that celebrated our festivals, our traditions, and our everyday lives in a way that felt authentic and joyful. I wanted children to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories, to feel proud of their heritage without needing to compromise.”
Krithika’s books are not just about filling a gap—they are about rewriting the narrative entirely. “It’s not just for South Asian kids,” she clarifies. “It’s for any child who wants to learn about the diverse world we live in. Representation is about inclusion, and that benefits everyone.”
But even as she charts this new course, Krithika remains deeply connected to her own roots. She credits her parents for giving her the tools to navigate a bicultural identity, despite the challenges it posed. “My parents never wavered in their efforts to share their heritage with us. Whether it was through teaching us the meanings behind our festivals or encouraging us to perform traditional art forms, they built a foundation that I’ll carry with me forever. I hope to do the same for my own children someday.”
Now, as her books find their way into schools, homes, and libraries, Krithika feels a sense of purpose. “It’s not just about telling stories—it’s about creating a space where children feel seen and valued. If my books can spark a conversation or make even one child feel proud of who they are, then I’ve done my job.”
Her voice softens as she reflects on the journey that brought her here. “If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, it would be this: don’t hide. The things that make you different are the things that make you special. And one day, you’ll see just how much beauty there is in being yourself.”
For now, Krithika is content watching her stories take flight. Her hope? That the next generation grows up with fewer doubts and more dreams, knowing they belong exactly as they are.
Where to Buy and Stay Connected. Discover Krithika Mohan’s personalised books at www.littleowlstories.com and follow her journey on Instagram: @littleowlstories.
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🌟 Krithika Mohan’s books celebrate South Asian heritage, empowering children with representation & pride in their identity. 🌸 How do you honour culture? 🌏 Read more! 🔗 #TheIndianSun #BooksWorthReading https://t.co/0poDwar35E
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