2023

Founded

Founder & Publisher

Shivangi
Srivastava

Publisher · Mother · Cultural Storyteller

"Every tradition has a story. Every ritual has a reason. Our children deserve to know both."

📖 Her Story 💡 Her Philosophy ✉️ Personal Note

The beginning

Like many transformative journeys, Once Upon a Storytime began with a simple question from a curious child: "Why?"

🪔 Founded 2023 in India

The Story Behind the Stories

As a mother of three, Shivangi found herself at a familiar crossroads — how to explain Indian traditions and rituals to her children in ways that would resonate with their modern sensibilities.

"While there were countless children's books available, few addressed the reasoning behind our age-old customs. Most expected blind faith where understanding should flourish."

In 2023, she transformed this gap into Once Upon a Storytime — a publishing house dedicated to creating children's literature that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary childhood.

What started as bedtime stories for her own children has grown into a movement that touches families across India.

Her Philosophy

"Our children are not vessels to be filled with traditions,
but flames to be kindled with understanding."

— Shivangi Srivastava

Four perspectives

A Publisher with Purpose

The Mother

Who understands what children actually need

As a mother of three, Shivangi understands firsthand what captures children's attention and what values parents want to instil. Every story is tested against one question: would this make a child ask for it again tomorrow?

The Publisher

Who oversees every word, every illustration

Shivangi oversees every aspect of the creative process, ensuring each book maintains the delicate balance between entertainment and education — between respecting tradition and encouraging curiosity.

The Culture Champion

Who believes traditions transform into treasures

Her deep respect for Indian traditions, combined with her desire to make them accessible and relevant to today's children, fuels her passion. When children understand the "why," traditions stop being rules and start being treasures.

The Visionary

Who is building bridges, not walls

Committed to creating opportunities for creative talent and championing women-led businesses, Shivangi's vision extends beyond books to a comprehensive resource for parents and educators raising culturally rooted yet globally minded children.

Looking forward

Shivangi's Dream

To make Once Upon a Storytime the definitive source for understanding Sanatan teachings through the lens of storytelling — for families across India and beyond.

500+

Families

Series

Touchpoints

A Complete Library

Stories covering every major Indian tradition, festival, and value — for every age from 3 to 15+.

Digital Experiences

Digital experiences where children can explore cultural concepts through stories, books, audio and videos.

Books, Online, Audio & Video

Stories in every format your child loves — illustrated books, web stories, podcasts, and animated videos across all major platforms.

Global Indian Diaspora

Reaching Indian families worldwide — helping children stay connected to their cultural roots wherever they live.

A personal note

"When I see a child's eyes light up with understanding — when they excitedly tell their grandparents about the story behind a ritual — I know we're on the right path. We're not just preserving culture; we're making it live and breathe for a new generation.

To every parent who has struggled to answer 'why,' to every educator seeking meaningful content, and to every child whose curiosity deserves respectful answers — this journey is for you.

Together, let's ensure our children inherit not just our traditions, but the wisdom to understand, appreciate, and evolve them."

Shivangi

Founder & Publisher, Once Upon A Storytime