Taking Flight

by Kashmira Sheth, Nicolo Carozzi (Illustrator)

32 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

Kashmira Sheth grew up in Bhavangar, Gujarat, for eight years, when she was three she joined Montessori school. She lived with her grandparents, because her parents lived in Mumbai three hundred miles away from Bhavangar.
At eight years Sheth, left Bhavangar, for Mumbai.
She did her studying there until she was seventeen. She left Mumbai, to go to college, in Ames Iowa to do her BS at Iowa State University. Many people ask her why she chose Iowa. "I chose Iowa State, because my uncle worked there as a professor." is the answer.
She is the author of 7 books, two of them are picture books, called "My Dadima Wears a Sari." and "Monsoon Rains"

She has three books meant for teens.
The fist one is called "Blue Jasmine"; which is about a girl named Seema who moved from India to Iowa.
The second one is called; 'Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet'; this book is about a girl who is sixteen named Jeeta, her two sisters are married
and now its her turn. Trouble is she does not want an arranged marriage.
The last one and the most currents one is called, "Keeping Corner". This one is about a girl who is thirteen, named Leela, is widowed. She was married at age nine, and was about to be sent off to live with her husband. But her husband gets bitten by a venomous snake, and dies. Leela faces hardship, anger, and frustration. She is forced to shave her head, and never ever wear jewellery or colors. This takes place in the Gandhi era.
Sheth is publishing a book called "Boys Without Names." in 2010
Kashmira Sheth is now with her two daughters; Neha and Rupa, her husband in Madison Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Ellen Cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read an Advanced Copy and WOW! This is a remarkable book. It is a quiet, deeply compassionate picture book about displacement, resilience, and the long emotional arc of finding home.

Told in the second person, the text gently addresses the reader as a child who has fled conflict or danger. By weaving together experiences from Tibet, Syria, and Ukraine, Sheth avoids a single story and instead creates a shared emotional landscape—one shaped by leaving, waiting, and beginning again. The language is spare but lyrical, trusting young readers to feel rather than be instructed.
Carozzi’s illustrations are brilliant and beautiful: restrained and luminous, carrying much of the emotional weight. Faces, gestures, and small details—shoes, dolls, hands held or released—quietly reinforce the story’s humanity.
This is a book that meets children where they are: with honesty, tenderness, and reassurance. A timely and necessary read, but also a timeless one.
I taught young immigrants for 20 years and this book really touched my heart.

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartfelt book tells the moving story of three children who must leave their home to seek refuge in a new land. Each phase of their journey, from the challenges faced in refugee camps to the daunting experience of starting at a new school, is steeped in uncertainty and. Sheth captures their emotions with deep empathy, highlighting their courage and resilience. Meanwhile, Carozzi uses soft, muted colors to reflect the tender moments of both struggle and hope. This book is especially relevant in our world today, reminding us of the importance of compassion and kindness for those facing similar struggles. It’s a compassionate read that resonates with anyone seeking to understand the power of empathy.

[Jan Schwaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is a book that grown-ups and kids will both appreciate. Its lyrical, beautiful language opens up a new world for readers, who might be unfamiliar with the struggles kids face in other countries. I loved how the book used second person to immerse the reader; kids will find themselves relating to and empathizing with the children in the book, even if they can't necessarily identify with their unique experiences. Artwork is expressive and adds even more dimension to the world of the story.

This important, timely story of refugees and immigration is perfect for right now. We all belong here.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quiet picture book follow three children leaving their countries for various reasons. The focus is not on why they left or what's going on with the world, rather we see their journey in small, similar moments and emotions showing connectiveness. The art subtly draws attention to each of the of the children as they travel to what will be their new homes. Use of color and the repetition of scarves unifies the three stories.

A book to give us a solemn glimpse into a child's difficult, unexpected journey. Healing can begin with newfound friendships.

[Sayuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kashmira Sheth has written a breathtaking book about a timely topic that is not only beautifully written and illustrated, but absolutely an important addition to every bookshelf. With exquisite illustrations depicting the shock of relocation and displacement and lyrical prose describing the pain and confusion of three young refugees, Taking Flight highlights the fear and pain of an all too common occurrence as well as the beauty and joy possible in starting over. Highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.

[Heather Kinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartfelt story, tracking the refugee and/or immigration journeys of three children, builds to an emotional ending that makes you want to help, hug, and support the recent arrivals in your community. The 2nd-person narrative works wonders to put the reader into someone else’s shoes. So many gorgeous lines in the text ring true, conveying a depth of meaning and humanity through their beauty. Any child who has ever wanted to belong should be able to read this book, feel its truth, and choose to act with kindness toward a newcomer.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely picture book that looks at the experience of being a refugee from the perspective of three children, each on a unique journey to a new home but with many experiences in common, ranging from the sadness of leaving the familiar behind to the joy of making a new friend. The lyrical text pairs with exquisite illustrations for a powerful impact. I am so happy this book is in the world and look forward to purchasing it and sharing it with children.

[Diane Mittler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations combine in this overwhelmingly beautiful and poignant picture book. Told in second person, readers are pulled into the story to share experiences with characters as they leave their home countries for new ones. The realistic example of inclusivity in the illustrations adds another powerful layer.

Favorite quote from the text?
“When you build and share,
smile and laugh, the two of you
aren’t so alone anymore.”

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheth’s sensitive, elegant prose follows the long plight of emigrating children and their families as they leave behind friends, family, and beloved homelands for safety in faraway, new homes. Through the simple graciousness of classmates, cultural differences are acknowledged, shared, respected, and blended as new friendships grow. Carozzi’s soft illustrations carry this beautiful story into readers’ hearts.

[Kerry Aradhya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful story of refugee experiences will resonate with many readers of many backgrounds. The lyrical language, second person storytelling, and gentle and inclusive illustrations will give refugee children many ways to see themselves in this book, and will help non-refugee children imagine what it might be like to leave a home country and start a new life somewhere else. A great book for encouraging and practicing empathy and understanding.

[Michael Benner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, the story follows refugee children as they leave their homes and journey to a new land where all is different and strange until, with a little effort and kindness from others, they find acceptance. Beautifully told and beautifully illustrated, this is a must read.

[Emily Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me emotional, especially at the end. The illustrations are gorgeous and dynamic, and I love how the three interconnected storylines are so seamlessly woven together. It’s an important, timely story for readers of all ages and backgrounds. And with a recommendation from Jacqueline Woodson—need I say more?

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful heartwarming book that everyone needs to read. Lyrical words touch the soul and inspire acceptance and hope. And the art is amazing. Recommended for teachers, parents, and librarians. Order it NOW.

[Sarah Warren]

A powerful way to introduce this experience to young people! The reader follows three children as they leave home. Beautifully written and illustrated. An important addition to any home or school library.

[Vicki Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book. It tells the story of children immigrating to the United States in a poetic, honest, and ultimately hopeful way. These are the books we need right now to help us have compassion and kindness toward each other. The illustrations are brilliant.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, encouraging, needed picture book. It follows three refugee families as they navigate moving to the United States. This book gently teaches compassion and provides hope. Just beautiful.

[Doreen Klein Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

TAKING FLIGHT is a beautifully written and important story that follows three different child refugees that (with their families) must leave everything behind for a new life in a new place.

[Evgenia Mantikas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Taking Flight" is a powerful story that is so important in today's world! It is a literary and visual masterpiece with moving illustrations. "Taking Flight" belongs in every library! A must read!

[Leslie Helakoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful heart-felt and timely story of hardship and love.