We took a moment to ask author Suhasini Gupta and illustrator Devika Oza during Makar Sankranti (Indian Harvest and Kite Festival) to discover their inspiration behind Kai Po Che: Mini's Perfect Kite.

Our conversation with Suhasini and Devika 

GRP: Hi, Suhasini and Devika! Welcome to our blog. Please tell us a little about yourself.

SG: I'm a children's book author, an engineer, a devoted mom, and a dreamer. I was born and raised in India and currently live in Texas with my husband and two kids. Growing up, my focus was mostly on STEAM, while music and TV took precedence over storybooks. I moved all the way to America with dreams of pursuing a career at NASA, but life is never a smooth ride! After having children, I took a break from my professional career. During this time, I discovered my passion for storytelling, crafting stories for kids that blend my Indian heritage with STEAM themes, creating imaginative adventures.

DO: I am an illustrator from Kolkata, the "City of Joy", renowned for its art, culture and food. Growing up in a land rich with folklore, storytelling has always been integral to my life. While pursuing a BA in multimedia and animation at a prestigious art institute in Kolkata, I discovered my passion for illustration, which led me to specialize in illustrating for children. I lived for five years in Toronto, Canada, and now reside in Dublin, Ireland. My global journey has inspired me to create multicultural, diverse and inclusive stories.

GRP: Suhasini, why did you write this book? Is there any “back story” that inspired it?

SG: Yes! Kai Po Che is inspired by the saying, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!’ During the pandemic, after being stuck at home for over two years, my kids and I were really looking forward to the annual Indian Kite Festival. However, we missed that event and the disappointment felt very much like experiencing when your kite gets cut by another person. That disappointment actually sparked the idea for ‘KAI PO CHE: Mini’s Perfect Kite.

“Kai po che” is a phrase in Gujarati, an Indian language that translates to “I have cut your kite”. It’s a story about overcoming setbacks and the importance of not giving up when things don’t go as planned.

GRP: What a great example of art imitating life! Devika, what connected you to the story and made you want to illustrate it?

DO: Growing up in India, I watched the kite festival from afar for many years, feeling its magic but longing to join in. This story connects with me through the character of Mini, who, determined to follow her own rhythm, decides to fly a kite herself when her older brother refuses to help. In her journey, Mini brings the vibrant spirit of Makar Sankranti to life, capturing the joy and independence that the festival inspires. I've aimed to convey the festival's warmth and beauty through bright colors and open blue skies, evoking the happiness it brings to all who celebrate.

GRP: This question is for both of you. Is there a special moment in the story that is your favorite? 

SG: Well, my favorite moment from the book is when Mini refuses to take “no” for an answer after her elder brother tells that she is too small to fly kites. Even when things get challenging, she keeps a positive attitude and finds solutions without giving up. I love how Mini uses her crafting skills to make her own not-so-perfect but unique kite, showing that, “the beauty of the journey lies in every imperfect step, not in waiting for perfections.”

DO: My favorite spread is the second-to-last one, where Mini triumphantly cuts the kite that attacked her older brother’s and then gifts it back to him. The pride and joy shining through her brother's face in that sweet moment are captured beautifully.

GRP: We are so happy that neither of you gave up on this story, because it is truly a triumph of creative talent. We can't wait for it to hit the shelves on March 25th!

You can connect with Suhasini online:

Website: www.thesusankam.com

Instagram: @thesusankam

X: @thesusankam

BlueSky: @thesusankam

You can connect with Devika online:

Website: www.devikaoza.com

Instagram: @devikaoza

X: @devikaoza1

LinkedIn: Devika Oza