Australia’s Youngest Female Author: 17 Stories by Ashleen Khela
Ashleen Khela is an inspiring eleven-year-old from the Castle Hill Electorate who graduated from Kenthurst Public School in December of 2023.
Ashleen has an incredible story as she has recently become the youngest female published author in Australia. She discovered a love of writing at the age of 8 and continued to develop this hobby over the COVID lockdowns.
Ashleen and her family often travel to India, and it was during one of these trips before the lockdowns that Ashleen met underprivileged children who were living in rural Punjab that inspired Ashleen and gave her a desire to help underprivileged children.
Over the lockdowns, Ashleen used the time to develop her stories, first drawing on inspiration from the underprivileged children in Punjab, then using her creativity and imagination to create the tales that make up 17 Stories.
The book is an inspiring and imaginative collection of stories which takes the reader to a land of fantasy and adventure. India’s Punjab Education Minster, Harjot Singh Bains described ‘17 stories’ as entertaining and inspirational for many readers worldwide.
Not only did Ashleen author and illustrate the book but she also worked hard collecting drink cans, plastic, and glass bottles which she took to recycling stations to fund the publication costs.
All proceeds from her book will be donated to the Cancer Council of Australia and Starlight Kids Foundation as well as contributing funds towards underprivileged children of India and other developing nations.
Congratulations to Ashleen for her hard work and contribution to society.
