Meet Fateh · A Maastarji Original
The boy who asks why.
Fateh Singh asks "But why?" three times before he's satisfied — and discovers his faith one question at a time. Five books. Five Sikh values. One boy growing up Sikh in London.
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Who is Fateh Singh?
Fateh Singh is six years old and lives in Southall, London. He asks "But why?" three times before he's satisfied — the first gets a surface answer, the second goes deeper, and the third pushes into territory where even the adults have to think. He's Simran Kaur's cousin. Where Simran discovers her faith by feeling, Fateh Singh discovers his by asking.
He asks "But why?" three times
The first "But why?" gets a surface answer. The second goes deeper. The third pushes into territory where even the adults have to pause and think. It's his signature — and kids love the rhythm.
He wears a dark blue patka
His patka covers his joora and is as much a part of him as his red hoodie. It's never explained or highlighted — it's simply there, the way it is for Sikh boys everywhere.
He needs to understand before he acts
Fateh Singh won't just do something because he's told. He needs to know why. This makes him slow to start but deep once he does — and sometimes he misses the moment by overthinking.
He is from Southall, London
The 207 bus, Heathrow planes overhead, jalebi on The Broadway, the Gurdwara around the corner. Fateh Singh's world is recognisably British Sikh — and intentionally so.
He learns from his Dadi ji
His grandmother is his guide — patient, warm, occasionally stumped by his questions. She never lectures. She says things like "Come and ask the parshada" and lets experience do the teaching.
He explains it in his own words
Every story ends with Fateh Singh sharing what he's learned with his friend Ruby — and in explaining, he understands it more deeply. If Ruby gets it, any reader will.
The Five Values Series
Start with the introduction story I Am a Sikh, then read the five-book Values series — one book for each of the five core values of Sikhi (Seva, Simran, Kirat Karni, Vand Chakna, and Kirtan). Each story begins with an ordinary moment and a question that won't let go.
For parents and educators
Each book follows the same arc: an ordinary London moment triggers a question. Fateh Singh investigates through his signature triple "But why?", then discovers the answer through experience — not explanation. Every book includes discussion questions, a Gurbani verse, and a Punjabi glossary to extend the learning.
I Am a Sikh
A free illustrated Sikh story for kids 4–12 — when Ruby asks Fateh Singh what it means to be a Sikh, the answer finds him over one weekend in Southall.
Fateh Singh and the Saturday Kitchen
A free illustrated Sikh story for kids 4–12 about Seva (selfless service) — Fateh Singh helps at the Gurdwara langar and learns what giving really means.
Fateh Singh and the Quiet Morning
A free illustrated Sikh story for kids 4–12 about Simran (meditation) — Fateh Singh learns why his Dadi ji rises at 4am to recite Japji Sahib.
Fateh Singh and the Shortcut
Free illustrated Sikh story for kids 4–12 about honest work (Kirat Karni) — read online, color 8 pages, take the quiz. Featuring Bhai Lalo's sakhi.
Fateh Singh and the Last Pound
Free illustrated Sikh story for kids 4–12 about sharing (Vand Chakna) — read online, color 8 pages, take the quiz, play the crossword.
Meet his cousin
Simran Kaur, from Toronto
Simran discovers her faith by feeling. Where Fateh asks "But why?", Simran notices, counts, and acts. Two paths to the same place — five Kakars, one girl growing up Sikh in Canada.
Meet Simran →Why Fateh Singh works for diaspora families
Fateh Singh lives in Southall, walks past the sweet shops on The Broadway, hears Heathrow planes overhead, and takes the 207 bus. He encounters the same moments British Sikh children do — school projects, corner shops, Saturday mornings. The values appear in those moments, not as rules to memorise, but as answers he discovers for himself.
Chapter book format
Eight short chapters per book, perfect for bedtime reading over a few nights or independent reading for confident early readers.
Discussion questions included
Every book ends with open-ended questions that help children connect the story to their own lives — plus a Gurbani verse and Punjabi glossary.
British Sikh context
The stories are set in Southall, London, with Sikh children navigating the same questions British diaspora families face every day — identity, belonging, and faith.