Ariya bakes cupcakes': Phoenix mother's sweet literary gift to daughter
Fun baking adventure
Kumari Dewrance has written her second book, Ariya Bakes Cupcakes, which was inspired by her 23-month-old daughter.
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PHOENIX mother Kumari Dewrance transforms her kitchen adventures with her toddler into a delightful interactive children's book 'Ariya Bakes Cupcakes', complete with a real toddler-friendly recipe for families to enjoy together.
Dewrance, 41, said the inspiration for the book came from her 23-month-old daughter, Ariya.
“I love baking, and my daughter enjoys helping in the kitchen; from sitting in her highchair to stirring, mashing, and tasting. These moments became a joyful bonding experience for us. With her second birthday on October 31, I wanted to give her a special gift that captured our baking adventures and could be treasured as a keepsake. I also wanted to capture those everyday magical moments so other families could share the fun and learning with their toddlers.
“After my daughter was born, I resigned from my position at the South African Medical Research Council’s HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit so that I could dedicate more time to being present in her early years. I am now a proud full-time stay-at-home mom, and during this chapter of my life, I have embraced the opportunity to explore my creativity by writing children’s books inspired by my daughter,” she said.
Dewrance, who holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, said she began writing the book in July this year and it was published on October 8.
She said the book was a sweet, interactive story that invited toddlers to join “Ariya and mommy” in a fun baking adventure.
“From mashing bananas to stirring the batter and watching cupcakes rise, children will giggle, guess, and participate along the way. The book features playful rhymes, questions, and bright water-colour illustrations. It was designed to spark a love for baking and pretend play, build language skills through rhythm and rhyme, encourage parent-child bonding in the kitchen, and delight toddlers with interactive questions and actions.
“At the end of the book, parents will find a real, toddler-friendly banana and blueberry cloud cupcakes recipe, with exact measurements,” she said.
Dewrance said through her book, she hoped to inspire parents to involve children in baking and everyday activities.
“The book promotes parent-child bonding, fun in the kitchen, and healthy baking habits. Furthermore, with Diwali approaching, it’s the perfect time for parents to spend quality time baking and bonding with their little ones, creating joyful memories.”
Dewance, whose debut book Ariya’s Furry Family: Where Rescued Pets Find Love was published earlier this year, said she planned to write more.
“I plan to write stories that grow alongside my daughter, creating age-appropriate books for each stage of her life.”
The book will be available on Amazon in early November or can be purchased directly from her. For more information, Dewance can be contacted on 082 957 6076.