Vasanti Unka is an award-winning writer, designer and illustrator, her newest children's book PukaPuka is a celebration of reading and the role library's play in our communities.
Vasanti was also awarded the Arts Foundation Mallinson Rendel Laureate Award for Illustration in 2021.
She speaks to Mihi Forbes about her journey into the world of children's books, South Asian voices becoming part of New Zealand's landscape, and the importance of libraries for the young.
Author and illustrator Vasanti Unka next to one of her illustrations from 'Pukapuka'. Photo: Bateman Books
