Where Do Stories Live?

Where Do Stories Live? is a picture book that story follows two sisters, Avni and Isha, on a journey where they are seeking all the places that stories live – a search prompted by a gift from their Masi (auntie in Gujarati). It’s a celebration of how stories connect us to our communities, the natural world, family, cultures, and each other. And it’s an invitation to honor stories with our attention and to actively seek the stories that live within us and beyond us.

Written and Illustrated by Meenal Patel | Published by Kokila / Penguin Randomhouse
Painted with acrylic gouache, colored pencil, crayon, and ink on paper
Editor: Zareen Jaffery
Art Director: Jasmin Rubero

Available for purchase in my online shop or request at your local bookstore and library! 

Praise for Where Do Stories Live?

★ “A warm, beautifully illustrated picture book that guides young readers to discover that stories are everywhere: around us, within us, and woven through our cultures and families.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Sure to spur wonder and contemplation—and to inspire young writers.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This gentle picture book is perfect for a lapsit. A wonderful addition to collections looking to highlight not just the stories in books, but those that are all around us.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Readers will be left reflecting on the ways stories shape our lives. A fitting contemporary to Jacqueline Woodson and Davina Bell.” —Booklist

“The book achieves one of the highest purposes of children’s literature: making the specific—Minnesotan coneflowers or a Gujarati wedding photo—feel universal, and the small—a spring wildflower or a mama’s hug—feel big.” —Minnesota Monthly