About Mitali
Mitali Banerjee Ruths grew up in Houston, Texas. And today, she lives in Montreal, Canada with her husband, three kids, and their dog, Tux.
When Mitali was younger, she dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Mitali has NOT gone into space, but she has done a lot of other interesting jobs! She has worked as a babysitter, an ice cream seller, and even a medical doctor. Now, she's an author!
Mitali has written several popular and award-winning children's books, with more coming out soon! She's the author of Archie Celebrates Diwali and the follow-up picture book Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding.
Mitali also writes The Party Diaries, the Scholastic Branches early chapter book series, named one of the Best Books of 2023 by the New York Public Library and the Chicago Public Library. Kirkus Reviews called the first book in the series, Awesome Orange Birthday, "a layered, upbeat tale starring a determined, relatable protagonist."
She is also the author of the new Scholastic Acorn early reader series The Inside Scouts. This series introduces beginning readers to the human body through mammals with similar anatomy—and it does so in really fun ways!
From the Family Photo Albums
Hello World!
On March 24th, a baby was born in New York. She gave the world a wink. Her parents decided to call her Mitali, which means 'a good friend' in Sanskrit.
Kindergarten
Mitali loved hearing, telling, and inventing stories from an early age. Her most prized possession was a laminated public library card with her name on it.
Childhood
Every year, Mitali's family celebrated important Hindu festivals like Durga Puja to celebrate the goddess Durga, who has eight arms and rides a lion to battle demons.
Third Grade
Mitali moved to Texas after her dad got a job at NASA. Here she wears a bright pink salwar kameez in front of the Saturn V rocket used to launch the early Apollo missions.
Space Dreams
When she grows up, Mitali still wants to be an astronaut.
Fifth Grade
Mitali and her fabulous younger sister wear saris in the Bengali style, draped over the left shoulder.
"The Halloween"
Not having any costumes, Mitali dressed like an Indian bride to go trick or treating. Her sari is Gujarati style, draped over her right shoulder.
Trivia Queen
Her freshman year of college, Mitali appeared on the TV trivia gameshow Jeopardy! She met Alex Trebek, made it to the semifinals, and used the prize money to buy her first car.
Wedding
Mitali married her college sweetheart. On the day of the Indian wedding, she was brought into the ceremony on a wooden platform carried by friends who did not drop her.
Doctor Ruths
Putting her love of trivia to good use, Mitali attended Baylor College of Medicine. In 2008, she became "Mitali Banerjee Ruths, M.D."
Mom
Her three incredible kids inspire Mitali to be more brave, authentic, and kind. She relies on their gentle feedback and fierce encouragement to improve all her stories.
The Pandemic Years
Mitali's friend made a cake and Mitali had a big party over Zoom with family and friends. During the many long months of lockdown, Mitali came up with an idea to write a book series about parties...
Tux the "boodle"
Mitali knit a matching sweater for Tux, who is a wonderful, loyal, stubborn "boodle" or Old English bulldog (mom) and standard poodle (dad). He is a very good dog.
Archie Celebrates Diwali
Just as the world was starting to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitali's first picture book arrived for its first Diwali celebration in 2021, and Tux is no longer a puppy!
Awesome Orange Birthday
The pandemic is finally officially over and the first book in The Party Diaries came out in 2023! Priya, the main character, was inspired by Mitali's childhood. Growing up, Mitali wrote in a diary, wanted to start a business, and help endangered animals.
Starry Henna Night
Following the release of book 2 in The Party Diaries, Mitali went to book events in her home state of Texas. She finally got to meet the wonderful series illustrator, Aaliya Jaleel, for the first time in person! It was amazing, y'all!
Top Secret Anniversary
Trick or treat! Book 3 of The Party Diaries came out on "the Halloween"! It has manatees, pretzels, and of course, some fabulous puns! (Note: Mitali does NOT like surprise parties! She would like to know about all surprises ahead of time!)