Illustration by Nidhi Chanani: Two animated women in colorful dresses laughing and enjoying each other's company, one holding a bag of rice and playfully tossing some at the other woman.

ARTIST,
STORYTELLER,
COACH.

NIDHI CHANANI IS AN ILLUSTRATOR, AUTHOR, AND PROUD creator of joy.

Abstract blue star-shaped and plus signs on a black background.

From daily drawings to award-winning books like Pashmina and Super Boba Café, her art blends heart, humor, and a dash of magic. Born in Calcutta, raised in southern California, and now creating in the San Francisco Bay Area, Nidhi is an active and engaged storyteller.

Woman with black hair, wearing red sunglasses and rainbow earrings, smiling and peeking from behind a large display of white, black, and light pink balloons.
Nidhi standing in front of an art display booth at a craft fair, with colorful artwork and a banner that reads 'everyday love art'.

Creative Practice

Nidhi Chanani’s creative practice centers on heartfelt storytelling through illustration, blending humor, emotion, and a touch of magic. From daily sketches to acclaimed graphic novels like Pashmina and Strong, her work is rooted in a desire to spread joy and foster connection.

Influenced by her identity, Chanani is committed to increasing representation of South Asian and LGBTQ+ communities in children's literature and visual storytelling. Through her characters and narratives, she creates inclusive, resonant stories that reflect diverse experiences while making space for underrepresented voices—with warmth, empathy, and imagination.

A purple flower silhouette
Purple cartoon flower with five petals and a circular center.
A purple flower with a dark center.

HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR

Nidhi Chanani was honored by the Obama Administration in 2012 as a Champion of Change. Her debut graphic novel Pashmina received starred reviews and multiple honors. Other graphic novels including Jukebox, Shark Princess and Super Boba Café have been recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) as great graphic novels for kids among other honors. Her picture book Strong won an ALA Stonewall Honor.

Chanani’s work has been featured on PBS, CNN, BBC, NPR, and she has worked extensively with with Disney Parks.

Interviews with Nidhi

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY 101

ROGER SUTTON

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

POPVERSE

AWARDS

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Three sparkling yellow stars on a black background.

SUPER BOBA CAFE

2025 Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Golden Kite Awards
(Illustration for Older Readers Finalist)

Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List ALA

Texas Maverick Graphic Novel

Northern California Indie Bookseller Association Long-List

Children's illustration by Nidhi Chanani: Colorful hot air balloon toy with a yellow envelope and a basket with an elephant and giraffe inside.

SHARK PRINCESS

Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List ALA

Texas Maverick Graphic Novel

Children's illustration by Nidhi Chanani: a child with brown hair flies a brown plane with a panda and giraffe sharing the pilot seat.

PASHMINA

The Amelia Bloomer Book List

Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List ALA

A Junior Library Guild Selection 2017

Amazon Top Twenty Children’s Book of the Year 2017

Amazon Best Book of the month December 2017

Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017

Texas Maverick Graphic Novel 2017

Northern California Indie Bookseller Association Long-List Title

Illustration by Nidhi Chanani of a large pumpkin with playful animals on and around it: a bear, a meerkat, two raccoons, a bird, and a smaller animal, all surrounded by fall leaves.
Collection of children's books on a shelf, including titles like 'Shark Princess,' 'Super Boba Cafe,' and 'Nidhi Channani' in various colors and sizes.

BRING INCLUSIVE, HEARTWARMING STORIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM OR HOME

Nidhi Chanani’s award-winning books and art celebrate joy, identity, and representation—perfect for sparking meaningful conversations with readers of all ages.

Whether you're an educator looking to diversify your library or an individual seeking stories that reflect the world around you, Nidhi’s work offers connection, imagination, and inspiration.