The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 proudly presents the launch of When Golu Goes Missing by Kanchan Balani—a heartwarming and humorous debut children’s book, illustrated by Meghavi Suthar, one that transforms a missing cat mystery into a gentle exploration of love, identity, and belonging.
This delightful story blends whimsy with wisdom, making it perfect for young readers and families who want to explore life’s big questions through curiosity, compassion, and a dash of feline mischief.
About the Book
When Golu Goes Missing introduces readers to six-year-old Isha, who wakes up one day to find her rescue cat Golu has vanished—leaving behind a paw-printed breakup letter that is as hilarious as it is mysterious.
As Isha transforms into a detective in her own home, the book explores:
- The meaning of family, love, and belonging through a child’s eyes
- How humour and imagination can guide children through emotional understanding
- Lessons on empathy, responsibility, and the joy of caring for others
Through its charming narrative and playful illustrations, this book invites children to laugh, think, and reflect—all while embarking on a heartwarming adventure alongside Isha and her quirky feline companion.
Whether reading alone or together with parents, When Golu Goes Missing is a story that makes readers of all ages pause, giggle, and ponder the things that truly matter.
The Book Launch Event
New Delhi World Book Fair 2026
Celebrate the launch of When Golu Goes Missing and dive into a world where paw prints lead to life lessons.
Event Highlights:
- A reading session with the author Kanchan Balani
- Interactive discussion on themes of family, identity, and compassion
- Fun activities for young readers to explore storytelling and creativity
- Insights into the making of a children’s book inspired by real-life rescue cats
This event is ideal for children, parents, educators, and animal lovers looking for a story that entertains while nurturing empathy and imagination.
About the Author – Kanchan Balani
Kanchan Balani discovered the true meaning of family when her rescue cats, Roo and Idli, decided to rewrite everything she thought she knew about belonging. A marketing consultant with experience in award-winning hospitality projects, Kanchan combines narrative insight with creative storytelling to craft stories that touch hearts and spark imagination.
With a background in English Literature, Journalism, and Global Hospitality Business, Kanchan has spent her career asking a single guiding question: How do we protect what makes something extraordinary? Her rescue cats continue to offer editorial input—usually involving treats.
When Golu Goes Missing is Kanchan’s debut children’s book and the first in the Golu series, which explores themes of identity, belonging, and compassion. She lives in Delhi NCR with her husband and, of course, her cats.
Why You Need When Golu Goes Missing
This book is perfect for readers who want to:
- Introduce children to empathy, compassion, and the meaning of family
- Enjoy a humorous, heartwarming story with clever twists
- Spark curiosity, imagination, and reflection in young minds
- Experience a tale where pets teach as much as people
By the end of the story, readers will:
- Laugh and delight in Golu’s paw-printed antics
- Understand the importance of love, belonging, and caring for others
- Appreciate storytelling that blends humour, heart, and gentle life lessons
Join us at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 to discover When Golu Goes Missing—a charming, thoughtful, and hilariously heartwarming story for children and families alike.
Because sometimes, the biggest adventures begin with a missing cat and a paw-printed note.
