Children have read all of your books and find them refreshingly knowledgeable. It is reassuring to see that new writers like you have begun the trend of quality writing in children's literature in India. Can you throw some light on what inspired you write for children?

Thank you. I'm inspired to write for children for many reasons. First, they are the future, and I like to think that what I write may help raise important questions in their minds; second, I love children's books and I never outgrew that love; third, because I hope that one day, when these children are adults, they will return to my books and buy them for their children, and that I will be in the hearts of their families for generations.

What do think of the reading culture in India? The reading habit is certainly low here as compared to the US. In your opinion, why is it so?

I'm not sure if people read less in India than in the US, but I do think that all over the world, people watch too much TV, too many movies and spend far too much time on pursuits such as video games.

Were there good books available here when you were growing up as a reading child?

Yes!

The first book that you read was one by Enid Blyton. Was she your favourite author?

No, she wasn't. I've never had a favorite author though I have many favorite books. Of all her books, the only ones that made it to my favorite books list were her 'Enchanted Wood series'. If I had to pick a favorite author when I was a child, I would probably have chosen A. A. Milne.

Who are the authors that you like reading now?

There are many authors I enjoy. Amit Chaterjee is one lesser known author whose work I enjoy. At the moment I'm reading Vikram Seth's 'Two Lives'. Before that I read Amitav Gosh's 'The Hungry Tide'.

Who are the contemporary children's authors that you appreciate?

I appreciate many contemporary children's authors, among them Floyd Cooper, Jerry Spinelli, and Carolyn Coman.

Tell us something about your mom and dad. Were they your friends?

My mother is by far the most wonderful woman I know. She is an excellent mother, but not my friend – which is part of what makes her such a good mother to me. I don't think parents are or should try to be friends with their children – because the parent-child relationship is special and unique.

Who nurtured your dream of becoming a scientist?

Me.

You What inspired you to study Oceanography? Is it the love for sea animals or is it the underwater adventure that attracts you to it?

Yes, the underwater and over water adventures, probably – I enjoyed diving under water and sailing across the oceans. I'm not a biologist, so I don't actually know a great deal about sea creatures.

How often do you visit India and what you mostly do when you are in India?

I visit family when I am in India , and of course, relax and enjoy good food!

Tell us some fond memories your childhood.

The memory of the discovery I made about words and reading, which I spoke of earlier, would be one of the fondest memories of childhood.

An incident from your childhood that you still remember as the happiest one?

I'm not good at picking favorites. I don't have a happiest memory. I did have many happy times with my gardener who was a very special old man, a person I loved very deeply.

How do you find time for your fabulous hobbies?

At one time I had a lot of energy and I managed to make time for many things. These days, I don't quite have the time except when we go on holiday.

Why do you write under different names for children and adults ?

I write about very serious topics for adults, and I think it's important that children don't accidentally pick up and read that work, which is inappropriate for them.

Which is a better place to live and work- India or America?

Each has its drawbacks and its strengths, and there are many wonderful things about India , a country which will always be one of my homes and which I love and to which I am very grateful for many things. However, as a writer, I think it is far better to live and work in America, because in America my writing is respected more deeply and treated with seriousness.

Any dreams or desires that you are working towards?

I'd like to be a full time writer some day, and give up my science.

What would you like to say to children and parents about the goodness of reading ?

Reading opens new worlds, and has the potential to change your life.