Interview: Anitha Robinson

SARAH STEINBACHER: Your most recent picture book, MUSIC OF THE BELLS, is “a warm, culturally rich story of identity and belonging” (School Library Journal) that offers “a valuable lesson here about being able to appreciate something new without completely abandoning the old” (Bulletin). The story explores universal themes through a specific cultural lens. Why are diverse, multicultural stories so important for young children, especially now?

ANITHA ROBINSON: I love this question. When I was growing up, I was the only Indian girl in my class and I often got teased and bullied because of my skin color. I would have loved to have books with characters who looked like me doing regular kid activities, having fun, getting into trouble, figuring out problems, being heroes. Not only would these books have helped me feel less alone, I think they would have helped my peers realize that other than the color of our skin, we had so much in common.

These days, the world is becoming so divisive. Some folks seem to think others who don’t look like them are lessor and this often leads to a lack of empathy and compassion for those who look different or are from different parts of the world. I think books that showcase diverse, multicultural characters experiencing the same issues as characters in “mainstream” books shows children that regardless of how we look or what part of the world we live in, we still have a lot in common. I believe that when we see others experiencing something we can relate to, it leads to understanding and empathy.

SARAH STEINBACHER: MUSIC OF THE BELLS is “a thoughtful take on bridging cultures and expressing emotions through art” (Kirkus) that “tenderly honors dance as both a part of the unique cultural context and something that can be universally enjoyed by anyone” (Bulletin). How can dance and other arts help children explore their feelings?

ANITHA ROBINSON: Dance and arts are a great tool to express emotion and feeling, particularly when children don’t yet have the vocabulary to verbalize what they are feeling. For me, music is something that I feel inside my body. It evokes emotions that I may not know how to put into words, but the music still allows me to feel and express those feelings through dance.

SARAH STEINBACHER: MUSIC OF THE BELLS “strikes a thoughtful balance: hopeful as Neela imagines blending two worlds yet gently acknowledging the ache of displacement and the longing for what she’s left behind” (School Library Journal). Why did you showcase both Neela’s hopefulness and her sadness?

ANITHA ROBINSON: I think it’s normal to miss what you no longer have. Children often don’t have agency over what happens in their lives. They have to move when the grownups in their lives decide to move. So, I think it’s natural that Neela longs for what she had to leave behind in India when she moved. But children are also very resilient. If they are surrounded by love and security, I think they will find ways to connect and enjoy their new home. One of my favorite lines in the book is Saying “hello” to the new and “I remember you “ to the old.

I love that Neela gets to feel like she belongs in her new home without feeling like she has to forget about where she came from.

SARAH STEINBACHER: Your picture book, SARI SISTERS, is “engaging and culturally thoughtful” (School Library Journal, starred review). Kirkus said, “this sweet story bonds two sisters and shows the coming-of-age tradition of girls wearing their first sari.” Do you have a childhood memory about your first sari?

ANITHA ROBINSON: Sadly, I don’t. As I said, I was one of the only Indian girls in my class and I was teased to the point I pushed away my Indian culture and heritage in hopes that by doing so, I wouldn’t be bullied. It didn’t work. My best memory of wearing a sari is after I had my own children and we all dressed up in saris, my son, my daughter, my sister, my mom and me. I still have that photo and I love it!

SARAH STEINBACHER: Your debut picture book, A FAMILY FOR FARU, is “a gentle story that helps children understand why wildlife conservation matters and why they should care” (Kirkus). School Library Journal added, “this story can introduce a range of topics, from adoption to African animals to endangered species.” What can young children do to support endangered species and wildlife conservation?

ANITHA ROBINSON: Another great question. My hero Dr. Jane Goodall passed away on October 1, 2025 at the age of 91. I actually dedicated the month of April to chatting with folks on my Kindness Is Everything podcast to those who either knew her or loved the animals she loved. One of her favorite initiatives that she created was the Roots and Shoots program for young people. I would strongly suggest that children, their teachers, their parents check out the Roots and Shoots program to find out how they can get involved. 

I’ve also had the pleasure of chatting with many young people on my podcast who have done amazing things to help animals and the environment. From holding fundraisers to support wildlife organizations, to protesting against the killing of sharks, to donating birthday money to local rescues. There really is no limit to what children can do, especially if they have the support of a grown up.  My suggestion would be to find an injustice that bothers them. It could be octopus farming, like the young girl who swam 5 KM to raise awareness and money for an organization trying to stop an octopus farm from being built in Spain. Or it could be killing of rhinos, lions, orangutans, whales… sadly the list is endless. Children could present what is happening to these animals and why it matters. They could rally their friends and classmates to create posters to make folks aware of the issue and then have a bake sale, dance-a-thon or some other fundraiser to raise funds to donate to organizations helping these animals.  

SARAH STEINBACHER: Since 2021, you have hosted the Kindness is Everything podcast. With over 162 episodes (and counting), can you share some of your favorite episodes? What are some of the most memorable things you have learned from your guests?

ANITHA ROBINSON: This is such a tricky question. I enjoy chatting with all of my guests. But if I have to pick…

My most favorite episode is the one I did with my son, Daniel. I was so grateful that he supported my adventure into podcasting to come on and chat about all the kind and wonderful things he has done.

My second favorite episode is with Val Gruener. He saved a lion cub who was born in a terrible captive situation. He chose to raise Sirga as a wild lion. When she was a baby he slept outside with her so she wouldn’t get used to being around human dwellings. He has dedicated his life to her. He created a 2000-hectare sanctuary for Sirga in the Kalahari dessert. It is one of the greatest love stories.

I have learned two very important things from my guests. The first is that if you see an injustice then do something about it. Don’t wait for someone else, because there may never be a someone else. And once you start, you will find a community that is willing to help you. The second thing I have learned is that children who are making a difference and pursuing their passions have the support of their parents or a grownup. It is very hard for children to pursue their passions if a parent holds them back. I spoke with one young woman whose parents did not support her desire to help animals and she felt very limited as to what she could do.

SARAH STEINBACHER: Many of your podcast episodes feature children and teen animal activists. What advice do you have for young people wanting to make a difference in the world?

ANITHA ROBINSON: My advice would be the message I end each podcast with- There is no such thing as an act of kindness that is too small. For the person or animal receiving that kindness, it means everything. So, I would tell young people to just do their best to be kind. Whenever they have a choice, choose the kinder option, it really makes a difference.

SARAH STEINBACHER: As an animal lover, do you have a favorite animal?

ANITHA ROBINSON: I love all animals. I have been fortunate to share my life with cats, horses and dogs and I love them all. But my favorite are dogs. The unconditional love from a dog is like no other love. The greetings they give are so full of joy and love, even if I’m just coming down the stairs. They teach me to be a better human.

SARAH STEINBACHER: What’s the best kidlit writing advice you’ve ever heard?

ANITHA ROBINSON: The best writing advice I have ever heard is to write. Write even if it’s garbage, because you can edit garbage. You can’t edit a blank sheet of paper. I need to follow this advice much more.

Follow Anitha through her website, Instagram, and her Kindness is Everything podcast (available on Apple and Instagram).

*****Order Anitha’s recent picture book, MUSIC OF THE BELLS, available now.*****