JD Mangat on Education, Writing, and the Journey to His First Children's Book

For Jaideep “JD” Mangat, writing a children’s book was not something he had always planned to do. It was a new challenge that grew naturally out of his experiences as a teacher, public servant, and lifelong learner. Conversations from his experience made him realize how often people avoid doing things alone even if they logically know there is value and power in doing so. 

Mangat spent his entire early education in Boulder Valley School District. Growing up in Lafayette, he volunteered in the community, played basketball, and explored the area’s nature trails and parks. That connection to his community helped shape the way he thinks about showing up for others and contributing to the places he calls home.

After graduating from Centaurus High School in 2013, Mangat attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Operations and Information Management in 2017. He was a Daniels Fund Scholar and Leeds Scholar. He also participated in the Diverse Scholars Program and Leeds Student Council. In 2022, he completed a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, Denver.

Since 2019, Mangat has worked as a teacher and public servant. In the classroom, he particularly enjoys helping students understand the world and history around them and how that history has helped shape the present. Teaching has given him an appreciation for the importance of making ideas accessible, relatable, and engaging. This approach would eventually influence his first experience as an author.

An idea takes shape

The idea for Mangat’s first children’s book began with a simple observation. In conversations with friends and acquaintances, he noticed how often people expressed hesitation about doing things alone. Going to a restaurant by yourself. Seeing a movie without company. Traveling solo. While these activities were sometimes viewed as uncomfortable or isolating, Mangat began to see another possibility: doing things alone could also be an opportunity for independence, confidence, and enjoyment.

That idea became the foundation for Tabansi: The Tiger and the Joy of One, published in May 2026.

The book follows Tabansi, a spirited tiger whose name means “one who endures,” as he navigates the experience of doing things on his own. Through Tabansi’s story, Mangat hopes to encourage children (and the adults who read with them) to see time spent alone not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to discover new experiences and become more comfortable in their own company.

For Mangat, however, writing the book became its own lesson in stepping outside his comfort zone. He had never written a children’s book before, and there was no established process he could simply follow. Instead, he had to figure it out as he went.

Learning how to write a book

Mangat approached the project much like he approaches other unfamiliar challenges: start by understanding the problem, break it into manageable pieces, and learn along the way.

“When I face challenges, I stay focused on making sure I understand the problem and the root causes before jumping to solutions,” he explained. “That way I can better ensure the solutions solve the real problem.”

That mindset proved useful when he began turning an idea into an actual book. Rather than trying to solve everything at once, Mangat focused on the individual pieces of the process. What should the story communicate? Who was the audience? How could the message be made meaningful for children? How should the characters and story develop? Each question became another step toward the finished product.

He also sought feedback along the way and treated setbacks as opportunities to learn. In many ways, creating the book became an extension of the message behind it: meaningful accomplishments do not necessarily happen all at once. They develop through small, deliberate steps.

That philosophy is central to the way Mangat approaches goals more broadly.

“I generally believe in quality over quantity,” he said. “It is important to focus on one goal at a time to maintain focus. From there I try to break down a large task or goal into smaller pieces and work a little each day as opposed to trying to do everything at once.”

Writing his first book gave him an opportunity to put that philosophy into practice and, as a result, what began as an idea from everyday conversations eventually became a completed book.

A broader approach to growth

Mangat also believes that overall growth comes from being willing to explore different interests rather than concentrating on just one area.

“Like a good financial portfolio, I try to diversify where I invest my time so I can keep expanding my world view and learning,” he said. “Being able to learn different topics at one time was one of the reasons why I liked school so I try to apply the same thinking to my personal growth and career.”

That mindset speaks to the variety of experiences that have shaped his path. He started off studying business, then moved to teaching and public service, and now writing. Rather than seeing these interests as disconnected, Mangat views them as different ways of learning and contributing.

When asked what qualities matter most for success, he points to three: drive, competence, and curiosity. All three, he believes, can be developed over time through motivation and dedication.

His definition of success is similarly personal.

“Success is personal and only you can decide if you have achieved it or not,” Mangat said. “If you feel you have met your growth goals, that's an accomplishment, and the next step is to define what's next.”

For him, success is not simply measured by finances or professional accomplishments. It also means developing a strong relationship with yourself, building community, and leaving places better than you found them.

Making room for what comes next

For Mangat, writing Tabansi The Tiger and the Joy of One was less about adding another accomplishment to his resume and more about giving himself permission to pursue an idea that interested him. He entered unfamiliar territory, learned as he went, and discovered a new way to communicate a message he cared about.

That willingness to explore is reflected in the different parts of his life. His work in education, public service, community involvement, and now writing may seem like distinct pursuits, but Mangat sees value in each one. They give him different opportunities to learn, connect with people, and better understand the world around him.

Outside of work and writing, he spends his time playing basketball, bicycling on trails, watching movies, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. He continues to look for ways to stay curious and make room for new interests.