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Parents Are People Too
Saanvi’s Bad Day follows a young girl who is having a very bad Tuesday and how she learns to deal with her overwhelming emotions. What was the inspiration for your story?
When I write, I always have my children in mind. I have 2 children, a 5-year-old daughter, and a 7-year-old son. I think about lessons that I would like them to learn about. I always try to find books to help introduce new or difficult topics. And while there are plenty of books about managing a bad day, I hadn’t come across a children’s book that highlights that grown-ups have bad days too. I wanted this book to emphasize that parents are people too, and can have similar emotions and experiences.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I really wanted to focus on tools that can be used to turn bad days around. I think it’s important for children to feel empowered, and to realize that these tools can be used by anyone at any age.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
I love Anais! She was the illustrator for my first book, Saanvi’s Family Tree, and she perfectly captures the feelings I want to convey on every page.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
My first book was entitled Saanvi’s Family Tree which was released by Mascot Kids in May 2024. It deals with the taboo subject of familial estrangement which is a very rare topic in children’s literature. I wrote that book for my son to explain my own difficult family dynamics. My next book will be released in 2026 and will focus on the topic that grown-ups don’t have all the answers and are also life-long learners! Another lesson I would love to teach my children!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Join Saanvi as she learns the different ways to turn her bad days around. When Saanvi has another bad day at school the next week, will she be able to tackle her unhappiness in a positive way?
Saanvi’s Bad Day
Saanvi’s Bad Day is a sweet and honest look into a young girl’s very bad Tuesday and how she learns to deal with her overwhelming emotions. After a series of small but frustrating mishaps—forgotten homework, spilled lunch, a lost umbrella, and a final splash of humiliation in the school parking lot—Saanvi comes home soaked, mad, and defeated. Her father gently listens and shares a story of his own tough day, guiding Saanvi through the process of naming her emotions, accepting them, and finding simple ways to feel better. Later in gym class, Saanvi draws on these lessons to navigate another tough moment with courage and calm. It’s a story about the everyday emotional hurdles kids face and the quiet strength that comes from love, connection, and a little bit of perspective.
What I really liked about this children’s book is how tender and grounded it is. The writing is straightforward, but there’s a warm rhythm to it, like a conversation between a parent and child after a long day. The dialogue feels real. Saanvi talks the way actual kids talk when they’re upset. Her dad’s calm, understanding tone never feels preachy. He doesn’t swoop in with a magical fix; he just offers empathy and tools. That small moment of emotional coaching felt big. I love that this picture book treats children’s emotions with seriousness but not drama.
Teaching kids to name their emotions and give themselves permission to feel them was such a valuable lesson, and Sharma delivers it in a way that feels safe and relatable. No big lectures, just lived experience and gentle encouragement. I especially liked the follow-up scene at gym class—how Saanvi uses what she learned. It’s hopeful without being cheesy.
I’d absolutely recommend Saanvi’s Bad Day to parents, teachers, or anyone with a kid navigating big feelings. It’s perfect for ages 4 to 8—especially the ones who come home after school a little soggy in spirit. This book doesn’t just tell kids it’s okay to feel upset, it shows them how to ride it out and bounce back.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DSJYJRQP
LITERARY TITAN 