Once Upon A Storytime

Where Ancient Wisdom
Meets Modern Childhood

"Every tradition has a story. Every ritual has a reason. Our children deserve to know both." — Shivangi Srivastava, Founder

Picture this: Your child asks why we light diyas during Diwali, why we touch elders' feet, or what makes certain trees sacred.


You want to share the beautiful wisdom behind these traditions — but how do you explain centuries of meaning in words that spark wonder instead of confusion?

This is where Once Upon a Storytime begins.

We believe children shouldn't inherit traditions through blind faith, but through understanding that ignites their hearts and minds.

Founded by Shivangi Srivastava, we're India's premier multi-platform children's storytelling company — bringing Indian stories and universal tales to life across books, podcasts, animated videos, and web stories.

Every story we tell bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary childhood. We're not just preserving Indian culture — we're making it live and breathe for a new generation.

Shivangi Srivastava, Founder of Once Upon A Storytime
3+
Years of stories

Shivangi Srivastava

Founder & Publisher

Once Upon a Storytime was born from those precious bedtime moments when "Why?" becomes the most important question in the world.

What started as bedtime stories for my own family has grown into a movement that touches families across India and beyond.

A mother and passionate cultural storyteller, Shivangi's journey began when she struggled to explain Indian traditions to her own children in ways that would resonate with their modern sensibilities.

Today, Once Upon A Storytime reaches hundreds of families across India — through illustrated books, a beloved podcast, animated YouTube stories, and a growing library of web stories.

100% Positive ratings
500+ Families reached
4 Platforms
New stories weekly
Who reads with us

Stories for Every Family

Parents in India

Seeking meaningful bedtime tales that connect children to their cultural heritage

Teachers

Looking for engaging educational storybooks that teach Indian values and traditions

Diaspora Families

Keeping children connected to Indian culture and wisdom wherever they live

Children 3–15+

Ages 3–5, 5–8, 8–12, and 15+ — stories that grow with your child at every stage

Grandparents

Wanting to share Indian wisdom and traditions with grandchildren through storytelling

Why Once Upon A Storytime

What Makes Our Stories Different

Multi-format accessibility

Stories available as books, online content, podcasts, and videos — however your child loves to learn.

Indian cultural focus

Stories celebrating Indian traditions, festivals, and moral values — explained with wonder, not dogma.

Age-appropriate content

Stories for ages 3–5, 5–8, 8–12, and 15+ — carefully matched to each stage of childhood development.

Beautiful illustrations

Professional artwork that makes every page a visual experience and brings characters to life.

Always fresh

New bedtime stories with morals published twice a week — a treasured ritual for families.

Trusted quality

Bestselling titles with 100% positive customer ratings from families across India.

Questions?
We have answers.

Everything parents, teachers, and grandparents ask us most.

💬 Talk to us
What makes Once Upon a Storytime different from other publishers?
We specialise in children's literature that explains the beautiful stories and reasons behind Indian traditions. Instead of expecting blind faith, we help children understand the "why" behind cultural practices through engaging stories. Our books bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary childhood.
What age group are your books suitable for?
Our illustrated storybooks are designed for children aged 3–15+, across four age bands: 3–5, 5–8, 8–12, and 15+. Younger children enjoy the colourful illustrations and simple stories, while older children appreciate the deeper cultural meanings. The beautiful artwork makes them perfect for family reading at any age.
How do your stories help parents explain Indian traditions?
Each story addresses the curious questions children ask about traditions, festivals, and customs — providing parents with meaningful ways to share cultural heritage. We transform those challenging "Why do we do this?" moments into wonderful storytelling opportunities.
Do you publish new stories regularly?
Yes! We publish new bedtime stories twice a week on our website. Each story is carefully crafted to instil valuable lessons and moral values while preparing children for peaceful sleep, creating a treasured bedtime ritual for families.
Can your stories help diaspora children stay connected to Indian culture?
Absolutely — our work is especially valuable for Indian diaspora families. The stories provide context and meaning that help children feel proud of their traditions, no matter where they live. We help bridge the distance between heritage and home.

Join Our Story

A free bedtime story in your inbox every week. Join hundreds of families who make Friday nights magical.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Pure stories. 🪔