Sometimes, life just doesn’t go as planned.

Suhasini Gupta, a Katy resident for the past 15 years, has penned a heartwarming story about perseverance, tradition, and the joy of kite flying —perfect for encouraging outdoor play and family bonding as summer approaches, the author says. “Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite,” coming out on March 25, is a traditionally published debut picture book, inspired by the Indian festival of kites.

In North India, Makar Sankranti is the Indian festival of kites, a popular tradition celebrated every January, Gupta said in an interview with the Katy Times. “The sky comes alive with colorful kites as people honor the Sun God and Mother Earth, welcoming spring and celebrating the harvest after the winter solstice. Kite battles add to the excitement, with cheers of ‘Kai po che!’ meaning ‘I’ve cut your kite!’ The best part? Whoever catches the cut kite gets to keep it—no hard feelings!”

The title “Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite” captures this festive spirit, reflecting the heroine Mini’s journey of self-discovery and triumph. Her quest for the perfect kite shows her emotional growth, where she discovers that true victory lies in persistence and creativity, not in perfection. The book is a sibling story that celebrates love, determination, and resilience. Although rooted in Indian tradition, it highlights universal themes of embracing imperfections and kindness. The story inspires kids to explore curiosity, build kites, and engage in STEAM through outdoor play while encouraging them to step away from screens and enjoy quality family fun.

“This book was inspired by the disappointment of missing a local kite festival just after the pandemic,” Gupta said. “This story reflects the importance of perseverance and overcoming setbacks when things don’t go as planned.”

“In today’s world, children are often navigating various challenges, like academic pressure, social relationships, or personal goals. Mini’s determination to find the perfect kite reflects that struggle for achievement,” the author said. “The story shows that setbacks are a part of growth, that is highly relevant to children and grown-ups today.”

Gupta, currently a stay-at-home mom, holds a master's degree in MIS from the University of Houston and previously worked as a database developer at a software firm in Harris County. She has lived in the Nottingham Country subdivision for over a decade, and her two kids—one in elementary and the other one in middle school—both attend KISD schools in Nottingham Country.

“Growing up in India, I focused more on STEM than reading. After moving to the U.S. with dreams of working at NASA, life took unexpected turns” Gupta said. “During my break to raise my children, I discovered a passion for storytelling, blending my Indian heritage with STEAM themes to create relatable stories for my son—a reluctant reader.”

“I started writing children's stories in 2021 but the idea for this book came in January 2023 after missing the Kite festival,” she said. “The initial draft came together quickly, but the revisions and edits took about two months before I pitched to an editor. I signed my first traditional publishing deal with Gnome Road Publishing in May 2023.”

“Traditional publishing is a tough and often heartbreaking journey, filled with uncertainty and rejections,” Gupta said. “I faced over 100 rejections before signing my first contract. Despite having no formal writing background and English being my second language, I was determined to give it my all. My engineering skills and mindset helped me stay persistent, analyze feedback, and continuously improve my work. Knowing why I wanted to write, kept me motivated through critiques and revisions. The writing community, like the SCBWI (Society for Children Books Writers and Illustrators) Houston chapter and the #KidLit community on social media, provided invaluable support and encouragement. I was fortunate to find my publisher through a pitch event on X, where they requested my full story after connecting with my pitch and later offered a contract.”

“I’m a night owl, so for the past four years, I’ve worked late into the night once my kids went to bed,” she said. “While it wasn’t always easy, the quiet hours gave me the time and space to focus and keep going.”

Her advice for aspiring writers?

“Never give up on your stories,” Gupta said. “Write what brings you joy because only you can tell your story the way it’s meant to be told. Your voice is unique to you, so embrace it. You never know when or how it might inspire someone or bring them hope.”

Gupta has an upcoming launch event for the picture book at Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet in Houston on Saturday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. “It’s a free event with a read-aloud and a fun craft for kids. You can also order a signed copy of the book along with free bookmarks (while supplies last).” For more information, visit www.thesusankam.com.