Kids Discover Talks with Author Monica Saigal

Monica Saigal has always enjoyed sharing delicious food and good stories.

She calls herself a storyteller and globe-trotter who was born in New Delhi, raised in the Middle East and now lives in Washington, D.C.

Monica is an award-winning author, accomplished literary coach and educator who inspires her readers in a variety of genres. She is the author of best-selling short story collections, heartwarming love stories, memoirs and cookbooks filled with delicious recipes. 

Her first children’s book, Papa’s Butter Chicken, was published last October and she is now on an author tour to meet readers and talk about her book and the celebration of family and food.

Papa’s Butter Chicken is the story of a young girl who spends time with her father in the family kitchen as they cook a favorite dish. Father and daughter talk as they prepare ingredients, stir the sauce and add warm spices to the food they prepare. And as the chicken bakes in the oven, they dance around the kitchen before the doorbell rings and people arrive to sit down to the meal.

Many families share their traditions and cultures through food and pass the recipes to other members of the family so the next generation will be able to continue to create family dishes.

Is there a favorite dish someone in your family makes to share at the table on Sunday? A special sweet treat baked at holiday time every year? Ask about the stories behind these recipes and learn about the people in your family who created them. 

Kids Discover had a chance to speak with author Monica Saigal about her books and recipes.

What was the inspiration for this book?
Papa’s Butter Chicken was born from my deep love of my family and my belief in the kitchen’s magical ability to bring people together. I wanted to celebrate the beautiful relationship between fathers and daughters while honoring the rich tradition of family recipes passed down through generations. For me, cooking has always been a way to connect, share stories, and express love—this book is my way of passing that joy to others.

What can kids learn from reading and cooking recipes?
Cooking teaches kids so many wonderful things! They learn about patience, creativity, and the joy of making something with their own hands. I think it is a wonderful way to help them build confidence and empower them. Plus, following a recipe is like a mini-adventure—there’s always something new to discover – my kids often improvise when they are cooking and are always creating new dishes. (Of course, some are better than others (ahem!!)) 

What is your advice to kids who think they don’t like a certain food?
I’d say, give it another try! Sometimes we think we don’t like something just because we haven’t had it prepared in a way that’s right for us. Maybe a different spice or cooking style will make it delicious for you. And if not, that’s okay too—everyone’s tastes are unique. I used to totally hate mushrooms when I was a kid. There was something about the smell. But then, as I grew up, I learned to cook them in a different way and they taste good to me. However, don’t get me started on celery. Celery and I are not friends, and never will be! 

What can kids learn about other cultures through cooking?
Cooking is like a passport to different countries. By exploring recipes from around the world, kids can learn about the traditions, history, and flavors that make each culture special. It’s such a fun way to travel without leaving the kitchen. When my boys were young, we often researched the country or the new spice we were using and shared what we had learned. I remember the kids were fascinated when they learned that the vanilla bean comes from an orchid! 

What is your favorite dish to make?
Oh, that’s a tough one! But if I had to pick, of course, it would be butter chicken, of course. It’s warm, comforting, and reminds me of family dinners full of laughter and love. There’s just something about that rich, creamy sauce that feels like a big hug on a plate. We don’t make it often but when we do, it is always so special. 

How do you decide what pictures or illustrations are used in a cookbook?
For this book, Abeeha Tariq’s illustrations are like windows into the dish—they make you hungry just by looking! For Papa’s Butter Chicken, we wanted the illustrations to be colorful and inviting, with a playful vibe that would appeal to kids. Abeeha made sure they captured the heart and soul of each recipe.

How should kids approach new ingredients in a recipe?
With curiosity and an open mind! Cooking is all about trying new things and seeing what you like. New ingredients might seem strange at first, but you never know—they could end up being your new favorite flavor. 

How did you get involved in cooking?
I grew up surrounded by the aroma of spices and the sound of sizzling pans. Cooking was always a family affair, and some of my best memories are in the kitchen with my loved ones. As I got older, it became a way for me to connect with my own children and share stories of our heritage. It’s always been about love, family, and the joy of a home-cooked meal.

Book reviews have called Papa’s Butter Chicken “A warm and inspiring story of food, family, community, and sharing.” The book also includes a recipe from Monica that you can make with someone in your kitchen and start a new tradition for food and fun!