Hi! I’m Hema — the one who draws ✨
And this was my first time illustrating an entire children’s book series based on Indian culture and language.

By Basil is a set of six Gujarati vocabulary books for children, each one designed to help young readers and families reconnect with their roots through food, nature, colors, and everyday emotions.

I worked closely with author Tulsi Patel to bring her vision to life - from playful fruits and vegetables to warm family settings and expressive characters. Each book is hand-illustrated with soft palettes, clear storytelling, and a focus on early learning.

This was my first cultural project, and being part of it meant a lot to me. As an illustrator, I’m passionate about creating diverse, inclusive, and culturally rooted children's book illustrations — the kind that reflect real families, real languages, and the tiny details that make a story feel like home.

Back in December, By Basil successfully raised $11,000+ on Kickstarter, and now...
The books are being printed, packed, and shipped out to readers across the world! 

I’m proud to have brought warmth, expression, and Gujarati vocabulary into these pages - and excited to do more projects like this that blend language, tradition, and joy.

Thank you Tulsi for trusting me with your vision! 🌱