ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

HH Jayapataka Swami (ACBSP ISKCON Guru, GBC)  inspires and encourages my artistic attempts since childhood! As the co-minitester of the ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry, he is a visionary and a revolutionary figure in preaching through many mediums in order to reach as many souls as possible, in all age groups!

My husband has been a constant source of encouragement, support, and just the right kind of pressure when I need it, to get the job done! He is my manager, accountant, and advisor to help me navigate through the business aspect of this venture. He always knows what to say when I'm feeling doubtful.

My mother, (Leelapadma Devi Dasi) who raised us in a positive, fun way, adapting the timeless philosophy of Krishna Consciousness as appropriate to our age level. She discovered her calling as a teacher at the age of 11 when she joined Red Cross as a volunteer in 1973. Since then she worked as a teacher in some form or another, helping guide hundreds of little devotees come closer to Krishna. She is a fantastic English teacher and edit the text for this project.

Shiromani Mataji, who has been a mentor to me on a personal level since I moved across the globe, got married, and went through so many life changes, helping me adapt through it all, and get back in touch with my creative side! As a mother of two herself, she’s encouraged me so much with this project, and helped me edit the text and see this project from the perspective of a young child learning to read.

Mother Kosa Rupa (ACBSP) (Kosa Ely) has always been a second mother to me. She is an acclaimed children's book author and artist, and also the wife of my dear music teacher, Bada Hari Prabhu. She kindly helped me edit the books, and gave me invaluable advice through the whole process of navigating the business aspect of this new venture.

I'm honored to call Rukmini Candrika a dear childhood friend and fellow artist. We took our art studio classes together in college, before moving on to University of Florida, where she got her degree in Graphic Design. She is a fantastic artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, most popular for her Dear Ruksi  100 day project which focuses on mental and creative wellness while illustrating obscure emotions. She is a publishes author and facilitator for many wonderful workshops as well!