Nandita da Cunha’s Rosa in a Rush: A mindful, mysterious Goan adventure for young readers

Children’s author Nandita da Cunha’s latest book Rosa in a Rush, published by Duckbill, the children’s imprint of Penguin Random House India, unfolds as a charming mystery set in the quiet lanes of Goa. Written for early readers aged seven to 10, the story combines a spirited detective chase with an underlying message about slowing down and noticing the world around us.

When her pai’s (father’s) prized dahlias go missing, Rosa jumps onto her bicycle and sets off across Goa to find them. “It is a detective story and my 14th book for children. I feel mystery is the best way to engage early readers,” says Nandita. In Rosa’s brisk pursuit, she encounters a series of clues and colourful characters. The answer, however, lies much closer than she imagines. “The book has mystery but the solution is right under Rosa’s nose,” Nandita explains. “It calls for a moment of mindfulness to figure that out.”

Illustrated by Shubhangi Chetan, the book brings alive the small-town charm of Goa through vivid scenes: a baker on his morning rounds ringing his bell, sleepy lanes lined with old houses and bursts of flowers in the sun. Nandita adds, “There are many reference images of Saligao, which is close to my heart. Though I live in Mumbai, Goa is where my roots are.” The title itself carries a gentle irony. Rosa may be “in a rush,” but the story encourages young readers to pause, observe and notice the world around them.

With a background in management and music, Nandita’s writing often blends rhythm and thoughtfulness. Her earlier books such as The Miracle on Sunderbaag Street, The Dog with Two Names and Who Clicked That Pic are all set in recognisably Indian spaces, exploring themes of empathy, community and the environment. Her stories have received wide recognition, including the Neev Book Award, the FICCI Publishing Special Jury Award and featured on the Parag Honour List.

Children’s author Nandita da Cunha.
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Nandita will be in Visakhapatnam on November 8 and 9 for the Vizag Junior Lit Fest at Hawa Mahal, where she is scheduled to conduct four sessions. One of them will focus on Rosa in a Rush, while the others will feature her works such as The Miracle on Sunderbaag Street, The Miracle on Kachhua Beach and The Dog with Two Names.The Miracle on Sunderbaag Street tells the story of Zara and Miss Gappi, who lead a community effort to turn a dump yard into a green space. The book draws from the real-life Dream Grove community farm in Bandra. The Miracle on Kachhua Beach is inspired by Afroz Shah’s beach clean-up in Versova and follows young Ori as he transforms his neighbourhood’s neglected beach into a place of renewal. The Dog with Two Names, a collection of short stories for readers aged nine and above, explores diversity and belonging through gentle, engaging tales.

Nandita weaves warmth, wit and quiet reflection into her storytelling. Her ideas often emerge from the world around her – the moments she shares with her daughters, the rhythms of everyday life and the melodies she plays on her piano. A licentiate of the Trinity College of Music, London, she brings the same sense of harmony and cadence from her music into her writing for young readers.

Currently, Nandita is working on a picture book titled What’s the Point of KiKi, about a girl and her unusual pet crow. It is slated for release in December.

Nandita will be conducting four sessions at the Vizag Junior Lit Fest to be held on November 8 and 9. Registrations for sessions are open and can be done at Tanishq showroom (VIP road), Pages Book Store and Book Magic Library (Lawson’s Bay).