From Monika Singh Gangotra, author of 'The Sunflower Sisters' (shortlisted for the Little Rebels Award, 2022), comes a delightful new picture book about determination, self-belief, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

Ari's family bakery is renowned throughout the land for creating the finest cakes, each made with love and recipes carefully handed down through the generations. So when a royal messenger arrives with a very special request-to bake a magnificent cake for the queen's beloved peacock's birthday-Ari and his family are thrilled and honoured!

With the cake freshly baked and beautifully decorated, Ari and his grandad set off on their journey to the palace, accompanied by their faithful horse, Cinnamon. But what should be a straightforward trip turns into an adventure filled with unexpected challenges. The cake is heavier than they thought. The cart breaks down. They encounter hundreds of goats blocking the road. And everywhere they go, well-meaning townspeople stop them to share their advice and opinions about the best way to reach the palace.

With so many voices telling them what to do, Ari begins to doubt himself. Will they ever make it to the palace on time? And how can they know which path is the right one when everyone has different ideas?

Beautifully illustrated by Mirna Imamovic, 'The Royal Request' is a heartwarming celebration of family, perseverance, and learning to trust your own instincts. With themes of cultural heritage, intergenerational wisdom, and the power of staying positive even when things don't go to plan, this charming story will resonate with children and families everywhere.

Perfect for readers aged 4-7, this book also includes a special Cardamom-Spiced Mango Jam Cake recipe, so young bakers can create their own royal treats at home!

Dr Monika Singh Gangotra is an award-winning children's book author of South Asian Heritage. Her passion for writing is rooted in telling stories of her heritage but with a modern twist. Born in Edmonton, Canada, Monika won The Big Family Cooking Showdown in 2017 (BBC2 & Netflix) and has a content focus on family and South Asian culture. Born to Indian parents, she grew up in New South Wales and now lives in Birmingham with her husband and children, she is a trained psychologist, studying identity as part of her Honoursthesis, with a doctorate in stress. Monika skilfully weaves together themes of empowerment and community within her work as a children's author.

"I am so honoured to have a collection of books chosen to be published by Owlet Press. Their commitment to authentic voices, accurate representation and diversity all bundled up in beautiful books and heart-warming stories that have the power to change the world, is what I could only have dreamed would be a platform for my words. Owlet Press made this a reality."