Harshita Jerath

Harshita Jerath loves writing stories for children. Born and raised in India, she spent much of her childhood scribbling in her secret journal, watching stray cows wander, reading books under the guava tree, and munching apples while daydreaming.

Jerath's parents raised her to be a medical doctor, renowned and famous like them.  However, to their dismay, she did not have the guts to dissect frogs and mice, so she became a Healthcare Business Analyst. After years in the corporate landscape, she now pursues her long-time passion for writing.

Her book, "Cooler Than Lemonade" is an inspiring story about discovering ideas in unexpected places, never giving up, and finding the perfect recipe for success. 

One scorching summer day, Eva comes up with a great idea: a lemonade stand! But when she sees that Jake across the street has his own stand, and he's giving away free cookies, she knows she needs another idea to keep people lining up—Eureka, new flavors!  Except Jake has ideas too, bigger and better ones, and more customers. Soon Eva is out of ideas, and all she can think is she'll soon be out of business. But when she takes a moment to be creative again and makes a batch of delicious kulfi ice cream, she discovers fresh inspiration and a new way to succeed.

When Jerath is not writing, you’ll find her at her local library conducting story-time sessions and watching spectacular Arizona sunsets with her hubby and two boys. She dreams of owning a pet dog one day when her kids are ready to take on the additional responsibility.

"Cooler Than Lemonade" is available now.

Jerath will sit in conversation with Kari Lavelle, author of the "Butt or Face?" book series. The series offers kids a delightfully cheeky challenge: examine a close-up photo of an animal, and then guess whether you're looking at the top or the…um…bottom. The answer is revealed on the next page with a complete photo of the animal! Also included are factual animal details along with how these animals use camouflage or other trickery to engage with their home.

A book signing will take place in the LLX Marketplace immediately after the session.