Padma Venkatraman Explores Grandparent-Grandchild Bond In New Picture Book

India-West Staff Reporter

‘Faraway Family’ by Padma Venkatraman, illustrated by Nicole Wong; Nancy Paulsen Books; ages 3-7; $18.99

Award-winning Indian American author Padma Venkatraman will make her picture-book debut with ‘Faraway Family’, scheduled for release on August 25.

Known for acclaimed novels including ‘The Bridge Home’, ‘Born Behind Bars’, and ‘Safe Harbor’, Venkatraman turns her attention to younger readers in a story about family, belonging, and building connections across generations.

The book follows a young girl visiting relatives who live far away and initially feel like strangers. When a power outage leaves her without her night-light, her grandmother invites her into a game of shadow play that gradually transforms anxiety into friendship and helps bridge the distance between them.

Illustrated by Nicole Wong, ‘Faraway Family’ explores themes familiar to many immigrant and diaspora families, where children often grow up separated from grandparents and extended relatives by geography, language, and culture. Through imaginative play, the story highlights how relationships can develop over time and through shared experiences.

Early reviews have been positive. School Library Journal, in a starred review, called the book “representation and reassurance to children with faraway families,” while Publishers Weekly described it as “a solidly comforting story that’s relatable for anyone building a new connection.”

Born in India, Venkatraman trained as an oceanographer before becoming an award-winning author. Her previous books have earned honors including the Walter Award, the Golden Kite Award, and the South Asia Book Award. She currently lives in Rhode Island.

With ‘Faraway Family’, Venkatraman offers young readers a gentle and reassuring story about overcoming unfamiliarity, strengthening family bonds, and finding connection across distances.