Zohra A. Chunawala - November 2025 Featured Author

Zohra is a writer, marketer, and henna artist who weaves stories of culture, identity, and joy. Born in Mumbai and now based in St. Louis, she juggles content writing, family life, and a jungle of plants. Sustained by chai, laughter, and the beauty of everyday stories.

Congratulations on being selected as a PB Rising Stars mentee! How did you react when you got the news?

We were on a family holiday when the mentees were announced, and I joined the Zoom call half-hoping, half-dreading what I might hear. When my name was read, I froze. I was completely numb for a few seconds. Then it sank in: I had actually been selected! The rest of the day felt like a dream. I couldn’t help but imagine how my summer would be filled with learning, growth, and connecting with an incredible community of writers.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to writing picture books? What drew you to this genre?

When my daughter was little, library lap time became a weekly ritual. I didn’t realize it at first, but as I browsed picture books for her bedtime reading, I found myself enjoying the process even more than she did. I found myself on a quest to discover books by BIPOC authors that echoed the traditions and pride I hoped to pass on to her. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the rhythm, heart, and joy of picture books. Eventually, I noticed there were still stories missing. The ones I longed to share from my own culture and immigrant experience. That realization sparked something in me. Having once written a YA novel on Wattpad as a teenager, I felt that same creative pull resurface, this time with even more urgency. I wanted my children and other kids from the diaspora to see themselves, their families, and their traditions celebrated on the shelves. That’s what set me on my path to writing picture books.

Was this your first time applying to the PB Rising Stars program, or had you applied before? What made you decide to apply for the PB Rising Stars mentorship?

I had applied for the mentorship last year, but looking back, I realize I wasn’t quite ready yet. I truly believe that whatever happens, happens for the best, so instead of being discouraged, I kept writing, exploring different stories, and steadily growing my craft. My dream has always been to see my stories out in the world, and I knew that meant I had to invest deeply in learning the art of picture books. PB Rising Stars felt like the perfect opportunity to do just that, to refine my skills and immerse myself in the craft I love. Being selected this year feels surreal, and I feel incredibly grateful to be one of 29 mentees chosen from more than 2,000 applicants.

How do you hope this mentorship will impact your writing journey long-term?

The mentorship feels like so much more than just a mentorship. It truly feels like being part of a family of creators who cheer for one another and help each other climb the often-turbulent publishing ladder. I’ve made wonderful writer friends, and we’re constantly sharing ideas, feedback, and resources. Writing is often seen as a solitary pursuit, but this experience has shown me that it doesn’t have to be. Long-term, I hope to carry this sense of community with me, to lean on it during the hard days, and to also give back in the future by lifting up other writers the way PB Rising Stars has lifted me.

Are you actively querying agents or planning to? Has the mentorship influenced that process?

It’s definitely in the works, and now I feel like I know exactly how to go about it. Before this mentorship, I had little to no real understanding of the querying process. No matter how much I researched online, it always felt overwhelming and out of reach. But the last quarter of the program focused on the business side of publishing, and that was a game-changer. We were given tools, resources, and knowledge on how to navigate the querying trenches. Thanks to that, I not only feel ready to query with my work, but I also feel confident about building a sustainable career as an author.

Who would you say influences you and your writing?

A lot of my writing is rooted in my lived experiences, with threads of nostalgia and cultural themes woven throughout. I’m especially inspired by my Indian Muslim identity, because it’s a perspective that’s not often represented in children’s literature. India is such a culturally rich country, and many of my stories grow out of my childhood memories, family traditions, and the small but meaningful details that shaped me. At the same time, living as an immigrant in the U.S. has given me a dual lens, one that allows me to explore themes of belonging, identity, and home in ways that resonate not only with me but, I hope, with young readers everywhere.

What do you do when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m usually lost in a book, whether it’s a stack of picture books with my kids or a novel by a BIPOC author that keeps me up way past bedtime. I also love bringing art into everyday life: tending to my ever-growing indoor jungle, doodling with henna on willing hands, or finding an excuse to decorate just about anything. At home, my two kids keep me on my toes, and together we’re often cooking up a storm in the kitchen (with more mess than MasterChef!) or curled up watching Bollywood movies and singing along to all the songs.