Photographer: Alison Sheehy
Jyoti Rajan Gopal is an award-winning picture book author, mom and forever kindergarten teacher. Her books have received starred reviews in Publisher’s Weekly, School and Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and Book Page. She is the recipient of the 2024 Stonewall Honor Award and a finalist for the 2023 Neev Literature Award.
Jyoti tells stories of identity, community and belonging, themes that speak to her heart, that reflect her multiple identities, that she wishes her daughters had growing up, that she wishes her students had now.
Growing up, she lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India and China. She now lives in New York with her husband, in a quirky old Victorian, where they raised their two daughters.
When not writing or teaching, she loves to read - a lot! - work in her garden, dance and explore the many New York State Park trails.
Ten fun facts about Jyoti:
1. She appeared in an ad for Super Mi (a ramen brand in Indonesia) when she was in elementary school.
2. She knows way too much about worms - like really, way too much. Hey, they're fabulous decomposers...
3. She can speak several languages - some really well, some meh.
4. Her favorite dessert is tiramisu - but also laddoos are super yum.
5. She once went swimming with whale sharks - it was very cool!
6. She loves to snorkel but you won't catch her trying to scuba dive, nope, no thank you.
7. She wants to learn how to drive a scooter - and yes, one day, she will.
8. She has to travel a lot by planes but she hates flying - ugh.
9. Kayaking is super fun. Cruise ships, pass.
10. She loves meeting readers and getting fan mail - so reach out to her and say hello!
You can find her on Twitter, Instagram , Facebook and Linked In. Or connect with her through the Contact page of this site. She is represented by Wendi Gu of HG Literary.
Jyoti tells stories of identity, community and belonging, themes that speak to her heart, that reflect her multiple identities, that she wishes her daughters had growing up, that she wishes her students had now.
Growing up, she lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India and China. She now lives in New York with her husband, in a quirky old Victorian, where they raised their two daughters.
When not writing or teaching, she loves to read - a lot! - work in her garden, dance and explore the many New York State Park trails.
Ten fun facts about Jyoti:
1. She appeared in an ad for Super Mi (a ramen brand in Indonesia) when she was in elementary school.
2. She knows way too much about worms - like really, way too much. Hey, they're fabulous decomposers...
3. She can speak several languages - some really well, some meh.
4. Her favorite dessert is tiramisu - but also laddoos are super yum.
5. She once went swimming with whale sharks - it was very cool!
6. She loves to snorkel but you won't catch her trying to scuba dive, nope, no thank you.
7. She wants to learn how to drive a scooter - and yes, one day, she will.
8. She has to travel a lot by planes but she hates flying - ugh.
9. Kayaking is super fun. Cruise ships, pass.
10. She loves meeting readers and getting fan mail - so reach out to her and say hello!
You can find her on Twitter, Instagram , Facebook and Linked In. Or connect with her through the Contact page of this site. She is represented by Wendi Gu of HG Literary.