The Curious Case of the Talking Animals is a whimsical tale that follows the adventures of a young girl named Mia

by Rajat Gupta

"The Curious Case of the Talking Animals" is a whimsical tale that follows the adventures of a young girl named Mia. One day, Mia discovers a mysterious book in her grandmother's attic that contains an ancient spell. Intrigued by its potential, Mia unwittingly casts the spell, granting her the ability to understand and communicate with animals. As Mia explores her newfound ability, she embarks on a thrilling journey through the enchanted forest , meeting a colorful cast of talking animals along the way. Together, they unravel a series of puzzling mysteries that have befallen the animal kingdom. From a missing squirrel's acorn stash to a disappearing pond in the frog's habitat, each problem presents a unique challenge for Mia and her newfound friends. As they work together to solve each case, Mia learns valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the importance of listening to others. Along the way, she develops a deep bond with the animal characters, who impart their wisdom and unique perspectives on life. "The Curious Case of the Talking Animals" is an enchanting story that sparks children's imaginations while promoting empathy and understanding towards animals. It teaches young readers the value of compassion, the power of communication, and the rewards of embracing diversity in all its forms.

32 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2023

About the author

Rajat Kumar Gupta was the leader of McKinsey & Company, Inc., from 1994 to 2003. He was also a board member of major corporations including Goldman Sachs, Procter & Gamble, and American Airlines and advisor to the United Nations, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the World Economic Forum. He served as chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation advisory board, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the International Chamber of Commerce, and was the founding chairman of the Indian School of Business, the American India Foundation, and the Public Health Foundation of India.

Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, in 1948, Gupta attended the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and traveled to the United States to attend Harvard Business School in 1971. After graduating from Harvard, he joined McKinsey, where he would spend his entire thirty-seven-year consulting career, including his nine-year term as the firm's leader.

During his final years with McKinsey and after his retirement, Gupta transitioned from business leader to business statesman, bringing his wealth of experience to bear on some of the most pressing global issues around public health and education. His philanthropic endeavors impacted the lives of millions, and the institutions he created still thrive to this day. In 2011, Gupta was charged with insider trading and found guilty. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment, which he served at FMC Devens in Massachusetts.

Since his release in January 2016, Gupta has resumed his work in health and education, and added a new focus on criminal justice and prison reform. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, Anita, and is the proud father of four daughters and grandfather to four granddaughters.