About the Author/Illustrator

Some of my Artwork

About the Author

Aruna Maharaj-Lepore was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Trinidad (and Tobago). The daughter of entrepreneurs, Aruna’s path was clear. After earning her MBA, she co-directed the business with her mother.

During her studies abroad, however, she met her future husband, moved to the U.S. and eventually began a family. Once motherhood took a hold of her, she hung up her corporate hat and stayed at home to raise their children. It turned out that motherhood would be the experience that would bring her a satisfaction she never knew existed. It was this awareness that brought out Aruna’s creative side.

She used her appetite for story-telling and writing, her love of painting, and her children’s undying belief in her, to create her first multi-award winning picture book, Peanut the Penguin. The story reflects her softer side, having, herself, grown up in a loving home. The vibrant illustrations reflect the influence of growing up on a kaleidoscopic island.

Although Aruna did not expect to one day write and illustrate a children’s book, she certainly found a passion in doing so. She already has plans for creating her next book. Stay tuned.

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