Featuring Rosie The Indian Streetie from a Children’s Book!

"The Amazing Adventures of Rosie the Streetie" is a children's chapter book by Lalitha Banerjee, set in Bangalore, about an Indian street dog and her human best friend, Laila. It was published in April 2023, and it teaches love, empathy and kindness towards animals in need through everyday places Indian children will recognise. Here is the story behind the book, in the author's own words, plus ideas for reading it with your child.

About the book

The book stands out because it shows relatable locations for children growing up in India and features a streetie, the kind of dog children often meet around their homes. It celebrates the animal-human bond along with universal values. Children join Rosie and Laila on many adventures: they solve mysteries, go on girls' trips, rehabilitate injured animals and work with the local community on nature and animal welfare.

Meet the author

Can you tell us about yourself?

I'm Lalitha, a dog-mom and animal lover who moved to Bangalore about 20 years ago. My dog Julie, an Indie streetie, is 16 years old.

I spent almost 22 years working in strategy, planning and transformation in Professional Services, Big 4 and Technology in the United States, Germany and India. In late 2022, I decided to pursue some endeavours close to my heart, one of which was writing children's books. I had nurtured that dream for about a decade. I started writing this book in 2018, and the stories stayed untouched until 2022, when I finally shaped them into a book. Having my first children's book published in April 2023 has been a dream come true, and I am grateful to The Write Order, my publishing partner, for helping me get there.

Why did you choose to write about a streetie?

As an animal lover and a devoted enthusiast of street dogs, it felt natural. It is an extension of what I deeply understand: the bond between an animal and a human. I have had dogs since I was 2 years old, including breed and shelter dogs. My exposure to street dogs began at 30, when I welcomed my first streetie, Rosie, into my life. I named her Rosie because she loved sniffing flowers. Rosie has now crossed the rainbow bridge.

Around ten years ago, my second streetie, Julie, entered my life. She had been living on the streets, and as I began to look after her, we formed a strong bond. Her integration into my home was effortless and organic. I'm not sure if I adopted her or if she adopted me. Julie is the light of my life and has a youthful energy. If she were human, I believe she would have been a CEO or a world leader. I also help take care of streeties in my locality and take part in local animal welfare efforts. It gives me joy and a sense of purpose.

Why did you choose the title 'The Amazing Adventures of Rosie the Streetie'?

I named the book in honour of my first streetie, Rosie, as a tribute to all that she meant to me.

What is your book about?

It recounts the adventures of Rosie, an Indie streetie, and her human best friend, Laila. Through their escapades, this duo shares lessons on love, compassion, empathy and kindness. Rosie and Laila are sweet and curious, and genuinely want to help others. They love each other unconditionally and always show up for one another. A bond like theirs would be a blessing for all of us. My hope is that children will be inspired to do good and show kindness to both animals and humans.

Why stories about indie dogs matter

Indian street dogs, often called indies or Indian pariah dogs, are part of daily life in most neighbourhoods. Children see them on the way to school, near the park and outside the building gate. A story that treats a streetie as a hero, a friend and a family member shifts how a child thinks about the dogs they meet every day. It also shows that a dog does not need a pedigree to be loved. If you are curious about the bigger picture in India, our pet life in India hub is a good place to start.

How to read it with your child

• Read a chapter at a time. Stop to ask what Rosie and Laila did to help, and what your child would have done.
• Spot the places. The book is set in Bangalore, so ask your child which places feel familiar from their own neighbourhood.
• Talk about kindness. Ask how Laila treats others, and which small kind acts your family could try this week.
• Link it to real life. Talk about how to behave around community dogs: stay calm, do not chase or tease, and always check with a grown-up before approaching a dog you do not know.
• Keep it going. Let your child draw their own streetie hero and invent an adventure for it.

Teaching children to be kind to animals

Children learn kindness by watching adults. Speak gently to animals, show respect for their space and point out kind acts when you see them. Our posts on communicating better with your dog and being kind to our furry friends have easy ideas to share with kids. You can also read about how the city is thinking about community dogs in our post on Bengaluru's stray dogs. For more, see responsible pet parenting.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the author?

Lalitha Banerjee, a dog-mom and animal lover who moved to Bangalore about 20 years ago. This is her first children's book.

Who is the book about?

Rosie, an Indie streetie, and her human best friend, Laila, who go on adventures together and help others along the way.

Why is the book called Rosie the Streetie?

It honours the author's first streetie, Rosie, who loved sniffing flowers and has now crossed the rainbow bridge.

Where can I find the book?

You can buy it on Amazon, and follow Rosie and Lalitha on Instagram at @rosiethestreetie. Buy on Amazon.

By Team Stepevoli.