Life is a Dance: Enjoy It!
Written by Saanam Lalwani
Illustrated by Rajashree Gopalakrishnan
When Saisha makes a series of oopsies at the annual Navratri dance festival, she feels like giving up. But with her mother's gentle encouragement and the inspiring story of Goddess Durga, Saisha discovers that confidence comes not from being perfect, but from looking at things from a new perspective and embracing who she truly is.
This heartwarming debut picture book celebrates belonging and finding inner strength while introducing young readers to holidays and celebrations from South Asia— Dandiya Raas, a folk dance from India and Navratri, a Hindu festival celebrated in the fall throughout the Indian diaspora. The author, Saanam Lalwani, was inspired to write the story during her recovery from a stem cell transplant, when she discovered the power of affirmations.
Perfect for ages 3-8, this universal story includes a visual glossary of South Asian cultural terms, conversation starters, and positive affirmations that families and educators will treasure. The author Saanam Lalwani was inspired to write the story following her experience with affirmations after her bone marrow transplant.
Published on September 2, 2025 | 34 Pages
$4.99 Available on the Amazon Kindle app
$15.99 Available on Amazon Marketplace
Coming Soon Wholesale discounts available through IngramSpark
Note from the Author
“I created LIFE IS A DANCE: ENJOY IT! during a difficult time in my life. It is about a girl who goes for a Dandiya Raas during Navratri and despite her best efforts, she makes dance oopsies. To me, this book is a reminder in self-belief and the power of affirmations. My hope is to inspire children to discover the joy of living in the moment and the strength that comes from positive self-talk. I experienced this first hand and wanted more and more children to realize the importance of the power of our minds and manifestations.”
Learn more at: www.saanamlalwani.com
