Finding Our Harmony: Writing Stories that Bring Us Together By Dr Monika Singh Gangotra
At a time where public discourse often resembles a deafening clash of competing voices, a vibrant new picture book arrives with a timely message about finding harmony amidst the noise. Harmony House by immigrant author, Monika Singh Gangotra (author of Sunflower Sisters), explores what happens when individual expression collides with community living, offering young readers a hopeful blueprint for turning discord into beautiful collaboration. Monika is passionate about promoting inclusivity through storytelling, and here talks a bit more about her inspiration behind this new book and the importance of children’s books that champion kindness and courage.
Finding Our Harmony: Writing Stories that Bring Us Together
By Dr Monika Singh Gangotra
When I began writing Harmony House, I wanted to create a story that sang with love and kindness, a story that reminded children that every voice matters and that true beauty emerges when we learn to listen to one another. The inspiration came from my own life, growing up in Australia in a South Asian family and later settling in Birmingham. I have lived and worked in many communities, some that welcomed difference joyfully and others that found it harder to do so. From those experiences grew my deep belief that stories can be bridges. They can help us cross from misunderstanding to empathy, from fear to friendship, from noise to harmony.
In Harmony House, a group of neighbours who all love music live in the same building but cannot agree on anything. Their sounds clash, their tempers rise and the safety of their home comes under threat. It is only when they pause to listen and realise that each of their voices and sounds can contribute something valuable that they create something truly beautiful together. The book is a gentle metaphor for the world we live in. We are surrounded by different rhythms, opinions and ways of life. Yet, when we choose to listen rather than compete, to cooperate rather than divide, we discover that harmony is possible.
When I share Harmony House with children, I am always touched by their insights. They often see the heart of the story straight away. One child told me, “If we all shout, nobody can hear anything.” Another said, “When we work together, we can make something really exciting.” And “Being different is what makes us fit together.”
Their clarity and kindness constantly remind me that young readers understand far more than we give them credit for. I have always believed that children’s books can hold big truths in small hands. We cannot shy away from the difficult topics that shape our world. Children notice conflict, exclusion and injustice. What they need are safe, hopeful spaces in which to talk about them. Stories allow us to explore those feelings together, gently and honestly.
There are many wonderful authors who are also writing about belonging and community. Books such as The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love all remind readers that kindness and courage can change everything. Each of these stories offers children a mirror to see themselves and a window to see others.
The world can sometimes feel like a noisy, discordant place, but children’s literature gives me hope. Every time I visit a classroom and hear children sharing their thoughts about empathy and understanding, I am reminded that the next generation already holds the notes of a kinder future. All we need to do is listen, encourage and keep writing stories that help them find their harmony.
Harmony House by Monika Singh Gangotra, illustrated by Nicci Martin, is published by Owlet Press, out now, paperback. www.owletpress.com
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Federation.
