About the Author

Aruna Maharaj-Lepore was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Trinidad (and Tobago). Her father, an entrepreneur, built some businesses that she and her brother were meant to someday take over. After the passing of her father, her mother carried the torch and their businesses flourished. Aruna’s path was clear. She earned a partial scholarship for her BBA, and coupled it with an Art Minor, at the University of Miami in 1998. She then earned an MBA at the University of Florida in 2003. She returned to her country to continue co-directing the substantial manufacturing company with her mother.

While studying in Miami, however, she met her future husband, whom she married many years later and America became her new home. They began a family, and 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. With the unconditional love that her own mother showed her, she put her heart and soul into being the best mom she could be. It was this awareness that brought out Aruna’s creative side. She writes poems and short stories to her mom every Mother’s Day and brings out her paints once in a while.

It was during the static pandemic year that a publishing opportunity presented itself for her to turn a passive passion into reality. She used her appetite for story-telling and writing, her love of painting, and her children’s undying belief in her, and focused it all into creating her first 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.