From Page to Trail

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What just happened?

So… my monster book got five stars.

Yes. Actual five. From Readers’ Favorite, no less—which is kind of a big deal platform where you can submit for review, but you still hold your breath hoping they’ll actually like it.

The line that hit me?

“A delightful picture book full of adventure, mystery, and humor… Kids are going to love this book.”
 

I had to read it twice. Maybe three times. Because here’s the truth—I wasn’t sure how this story would land. I mean, it's a book about a nervous kid who thinks there's a monster on the trail. There are sibling shenanigans. There’s a dad in an apron. There's a mom who is a superstar.

I wrote it because I wanted kids—especially kids with big imaginations, big fears, or big feelings—to see themselves out on the trail. To know that being scared is okay. And that sometimes, the monster is just… a shadow with good PR.

So yes, the 5-star seal is shiny. Yes, I’ve added it to my website. No, I haven’t made stickers of it (yet). But the real win?

Someone got it.

The reviewer saw the sibling rivalry and the quiet courage. The kid who didn’t want to hike but did anyway. The weird little story that found its way from my brain to a bookshelf.

Other early readers said things like:

“I love that your story shows an Indian family hiking. That representation matters.”

“The sensory-infused sibling banter on the trail? Nailed it.”

“I read it. My kid asked me to read it again. Then again.”
 

And look, I know not every review is going to be this kind. But right now? I'm just… grateful.

If you’ve read A Monster on My Trail, thank you. 

If you’ve shared it with a kid, a classroom, or even just a curious cousin—double thanks.

This book was built on hikes and a suspicious amount of trail mix. I’m glad it’s finding its way.

🧡

Silpa

Curious about the monster?
You can find A Monster on My Trail at Amazon or at silpakona.com

You’d think writing was this peaceful, poetic thing where I sit under a tree with a leather journal and a faraway look in my eyes. 

But let’s be honest. 

My writing life is more like: slightly frazzled, fueled by masala chai, and full of ill-timed interruptions from my own very little monsters with crises that cannot wait to be resolved (kids...what can i say?) 

Still—there is a method to the madness. 

Here’s what’s actually in my writing bag:

I never seem to have just one. 

Gel pens, ballpoints, clicky pens, those fancy felt-tip ones that bleed if you blink wrong—I carry them all. Don’t even ask if I have a favorite. I have phases.

It’s not pretty. It’s barely holding together. 

But this journal has saved so many half-formed thoughts, weird story sparks, and things my kids said that were way too good not to steal. 

Sometimes I flip through and wonder, “Did I write this at 2AM or was I possessed?”

(Also there’s an entire page titled “Alternate names for Spiky-G,” so yeah… it’s that kind of journal.)

Look. If there’s no chai on my table or somewhere close...then something is very wrong. 

Writing + chai = magic. 

It’s the masala, the warmth, the ritual. 

It resets my brain like nothing else.

Yes, I carry snacks. 

No, I’m not ashamed. 

There’s always something stashed—spicy chips, a granola bar I forgot was in there, sometimes even chocolate if I’m lucky. 

But these aren't for me - they are to keep my little gremlins engaged when they butt into my writing zone.

Writing is emotional (to both me and my kids) and snacks help.

I’ve got a playlist for every mood: rain sounds, snowstorm ambience (don’t judge), even “epic adventure music” when I need to feel like saving the world through dialogue. 

These help me block out the chaos and drop into the world of the story.

This one's on my phone, but it counts. 

It's filled with early sketches, kind words from readers and friends, and random moments I don’t want to forget. 

On the hard days, I scroll through it to remind myself: This is real. I’m doing this.

I almost always have a folded-up doodle or printout of a character—usually Veer or Sia or even Kevin the Intern.

 It’s my little way of keeping them with me. 

Like they’re reminding me, “Uh, excuse us… can you finish our story already?”

Seriously—tell me. Tag me on IG @silpakona with your must-haves. 

Let’s swap creative survival kits. 

You never know what tool might change your writing day.

And if nothing else—make sure you’ve got something to keep you hydrated.

And snacks.

On mother's day weekend, I had the joy of doing something that felt both deeply personal and professionally aligned: I took a group of moms on a guided hike inspired by my debut picture book, 

A Monster on My Trail.

At first glance, a group hike might sound like a simple community event. But for me, it was way more than that. It was about bridging the two worlds that I care deeply about: Nature and Storytelling!

As a children's book author and an advocate for screen-free, curiosity driven childhoods, I created 

A Monster on My Trail to gently nudge kids (and yes grownups!) to see the outdoors not as something 'intimidating' or 'not relatable' or 'scary' - but as a amazing place full of possibility.

We live in a world where hustle is celebrated over pausing, and screens are a go-to for disconnecting from the bustle of life. I want to challenge this status quo and bring in nature as a co-parent in our relationship with our children. 

Nature challenges us, calms us and surprises us in ways that even the best story cannot. I wanted to offer moms a reminder: that reconnecting (yes, we were all a part of it before, but just lost our way) with nature doesn't have to be complicated or insta-perfect and is definitely not reserved for the 'outdoorsy types.' Sometimes, it starts with showing up, lacing up your shoes and saying yes to the trail.

As we walked, conversations naturally turned to what we all want for ourselves: resilience, confidence and ultimately an outlet to feel free. One mom said, "I didn't grow up hiking (like your truly!) and I am still nervous around bugs. But I don't want my kids to inherit that fear." That hit home. These moments are exactly why I write - because fear of the unknown can often be softened by playful storytelling and small shared adventures. 

We also talked about representation. As a South Asian mom and author, I know firsthand how rarely families like ours are centered in nature-themed picture books. That gap in publishing is real. So when moms saw themselves in A Monster on My Trail, it sparked a bigger discussion about the kinds of stories we need more of -and how our everyday experiences can shape the next generation of books.

I went in thinking I was offering a resource- something 'for the moms.' But what I came away with was something more reciprocal. These women reminded me that storytelling doesn't end at the last page. It ripples outward, into conversations, hikes, snack breaks, and muddy shoes.

I plan to host more of these hikes. Not just as a book tie-in, but as a space where community, creativity, and nature can meet- where moms can gather without judgement and kids can discover that monsters aren't scary when you're walking with friends. 

If you'd like to join a future hike, or if you're a teacher or librarian curious about using A Monster on My Trail in your classroom or community program, I'd love to hear from you. 

Let's keep bringing stories- and each other- into the wild.

See you on the trail!