Anita Yasuda is a Canadian writer of South Asian descent. She has a BA(Hon.) is East Asian and South Asian Studies from the University of Toronto and an AMI Montessori certification. She spent many years as an early child educator before becoming a full-time writer. Yasuda lives in the Greater Toronto Area. Her juvenile biography Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu (Clarion / HarperCollins, 2024) was a Caldecott Honor Book. Yasuda authored dozens of non-fiction books for educational publishers Weigl and Nomad Press.
Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)
Bollywood Beat!
Illustrated by Devika Oza.
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2026.
Forthcoming June 2026.
Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)
Two sisters arrive for the Masala Magic Dance Recital. They join the other performers to get ready. “Rustle, hustle.” And watch the opening act. “Wiggle, giggle.” Then it’s older sister’s turn. “Flickity-flip. Thumka-hip.” The families in the audience join in. “Toes tap. Hands clap.” It’s a wonderful time. Until … uh-oh. Younger sister has second thoughts about performing! “Heart-stopping.” With a gift and a bit of encouragement from older sister, little sister steps on stage. “Thumka-hip. Flickity-flip.” The audience is invited to participate. “Hustle, rustle.” And soon everyone is dancing to the Bollywood beat!