Books
Every story begins with a way of seeing. The ones here invite you to look at the world with curiosity, care, and a little wonder
Iya and the Map of Gentle Journeys
₹849.00 + shipping
Mani Mahesh Aurora
Illustrated by Maryam Ahmad
Category: Chapter Book | For ages 6–10
Publisher: Bare Bones
'This book introduces children to the values of responsible tourism through the adventures of Iya, a curious young traveller. With vibrant illustrations and simple storytelling, it makes sustainability fun and relatable for ages 6 to 8.
‘The narrative inspires children to connect with nature, respect local culture, and understand their role in protecting the planet. Mani brings to the book a rare blend of instinct, insight, and involvement that makes him a compelling storyteller. With over a decade of grassroots experience in Himalayan villages, he has helped co-create responsible tourism models that revived abandoned communities. His work at the intersection of culture, ecology, and education gives this story its unique authenticity.
‘Through Iya and the Map of Gentle Journeys, he shares those lessons with children—the future travellers and leaders of change.’
About the Author
Mani Mahesh Aurora is a life design and mental health coach, facilitator, and social entrepreneur whose work in responsible tourism and community development inspired Iya and the Map of Gentle Journeys, his debut children's book on responsible travel and mindful living. Drawing from years of working with Himalayan communities, Mani brings real-world lessons of sustainability, culture, and compassion to young readers through simple, imaginative storytelling. Full Biography.
In Conversation with Mani Mahesh Aurora on Iya and the Map of Gentle Journeys
 The launch at JW Marriott Mussoorie, set in the very mountains of Uttarakhand where the inspiration for this book first took root. |  Young readers discovering responsible travel through stories and small mountain anecdotes. |  Adults joining in too... curious, reflective, and reconnecting with the child within. |
|---|---|---|
 Orissa Launch: Walking Book Fairs 2025, India's first Travel Literature Festival |  Orissa Launch: What better place to launch a book on responsible travel than atop the verdant Udayagiri hills, surrounded by nature, curious readers, and avid travellers at a travelling literature festival. |  Our conversation flowed around travelling and living gently, and in the process, reconnecting with our gentler selves. |
 Orissa Launch |  Orissa Launch |  Orissa Launch |
 Bhubaneswar: Book signing at Walking BookFairs Store |  Bringing Himalayas to the vibrant Orissa. What better space than hotels to spark a discussion on Responsible Travel! Book signing at The Crown, Bhubaneswar |  The Crown, Bhubaneswar |
Bring Iya’s Journey to Your Classroom
If you're an educator, parent, or part of a learning or an unlearning community — school, unschool, or otherwise — I'd love to bring Iya's story to your young readers.
The book is a colourful doorway into conversations about responsible travel, sustainability, and empathy for people and nature.
If you'd like to stock it in your library, host a storytelling session, or collaborate on a learning experience around it, I'd be happy to hear from you. Reach out by clicking here to collaborate, or schedule a call below.
