.png?itok=SvZPqMHH "Yellow Kite children's book by author Saanika Gandhi")
Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'
Meet expat author and nursery CEO Saanika Gandhi, the creative mind behind her debut children's book, 'The Yellow Kite'
29 October 2024
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Images: Supplied.
A captivating new children's tale has hit the UAE's shelves and beyond.
Published by UAE expatriate and early childhood education expert Saanika Gandhi, her debut children's book 'The Yellow Kite' follows the journey of a young boy named Omar who finds himself in a series of magical adventures. Guided by a bright yellow kite, the beautifully illustrated story carries strong themes of courage, wonder, and boundless possibilities.
Young readers aged 2 -7, parents, and teachers can expect an uplifting book thanks to its heartfelt storytelling. In this interview with Saanika Gandhi, we had the chance to dive a bit deeper into the creativity, passion, and hard work that went on behind the scenes.
Q.) Please introduce yourself!
"I’m Saanika Gandhi, and I’ve been an expat in Dubai for 21 years. I am the CEO of Yellow Kite Nursery, where I lead with a passion for early childhood education.
Recently, I became the author of The Yellow Kite, a children’s book inspired by the values we foster at the nursery.
A fun fact about me: before immersing myself in education, I had a career in fashion retail, and I still dabble in film production from time to time!"
Q.) As a long-time expatriate, where is "home" to you now?
"After spending so many years as an expat, home for me is undoubtedly Dubai. This city has become more than just a place to live—it’s where I’ve built my career, raised my family, and nurtured my passions.
Dubai’s diversity, energy, and opportunities have shaped who I am today, and I truly couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home."
Q.) What was the light bulb moment for "The Yellow Kite"?
"The idea for The Yellow Kite had been on my mind for a while, but the moment that really triggered it came during a conversation with the principal of my nursery, Ms Laura.
We were discussing how stories have the power to shape a child’s mindset, and it made me reflect on how much I’ve seen children grow through exploration and imagination.
I wanted to create something meaningful—a story that could resonate with children beyond the classroom and spark conversations between parents and their children. That’s when I knew I had to bring this book to life."
Q.) What is your best writing advice?
"My best writing advice is to write from the heart and embrace authenticity. Whether it’s a story for children or any other form of writing, the words should reflect your passion and purpose.
Don’t overthink the process—let the ideas flow naturally, and you can refine them later.
Also, always keep your audience in mind. When writing The Yellow Kite, I imagined how children would engage with the story and how parents or teachers might use it to connect with them.
And don’t shy away from feedback—every comment, whether positive or constructive, helps you grow as a writer."
Q.) What was the scariest and most rewarding part of publishing your first book?
"The scariest part of the final publishing process was releasing The Yellow Kite into the world and waiting to see how it would be received. There’s always that lingering fear—will the story resonate? Will children enjoy it? And as a first-time author, sharing something so personal felt quite vulnerable.
The most rewarding part has been the incredible feedback. Hearing how children, parents, and educators have connected with the story has been truly heartwarming. Seeing my book spark creativity and joy in others makes it all worthwhile."
Q.) Outside of work and family, what do you enjoy doing?
"I enjoy staying active and exploring creative outlets. I love travelling and immersing myself in different cultures—it always brings fresh inspiration.
Fitness is also important to me, whether it’s yoga, Pilates, or hitting the gym. I have a passion for the arts as well, from visiting galleries to watching films and live performances. These activities allow me to recharge, find new perspectives, and stay connected with the world beyond my daily responsibilities."
Q.) Without spoiling too much for new readers, what is your favourite line/scene and why?
"One of my favourite scenes in The Yellow Kite is when the kite gets tangled in the branches of a tall oak tree.
Omar, the main character, looks up at the kite and, despite not knowing how he’ll free it, gently reassures, “Don’t worry, I’ll get you out.”
It’s a pivotal moment where Omar’s resilience shines through—he could have given up, but instead, he faces the challenge head-on. This scene resonates with me because it captures the essence of perseverance: even when you don’t have all the answers, the determination to try can make all the difference."
Q.) Is there another children’s book in the works?
"Yes! I’m already brainstorming ideas for another children’s book.
While The Yellow Kite focuses on resilience and adventure, the next story will explore themes like empathy, mindfulness, or embracing diversity—values that are close to my heart and essential in early childhood development.
A dedication to Dubai will remain a common theme throughout my future work, as this city has played such an important role in shaping my journey and the stories I tell. It’s still in the early stages, but I’m excited about the possibilities and can’t wait to see where this creative journey leads!"
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