From Therapy Room to Bestseller: Peggy Kan Hai’s Heartfelt Journey

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Peggy’s journey begins in Hawaii, where the stunning beauty of the islands is balanced by the challenges of everyday life. Before writing children’s books, she spent nearly three decades in therapy rooms, helping individuals navigate emotional and developmental hurdles. This experience provided the foundation for her writing, blending her professional insights with the healing power of storytelling.

In just ten days after its release, Abby’s First Day, Peggy’s debut children’s book, soared to #4 on Amazon’s Best-Seller List for Baby & Toddler Sense & Sensation Books. To understand this accomplishment, however, it’s essential to delve deeper into the life experiences that led Peggy to this moment.

The Heart of the Story: A Mother-Daughter Creation

At its core, Abby’s First Day is not just a book but a collaboration between mother and daughter. Peggy co-created the story with her daughter, Kaʻewa, who brought Abby, the young owl protagonist, to life with her original illustrations. This bond is woven into every page, creating a story that resonates deeply with both children and the adults who share it with them. The book touches on universal themes of courage, uncertainty, and the emotional journey of new beginnings.

The story centers around Abby, a young owl, who faces the anxieties of her first day at school. Through tender storytelling, children and the adults reading with them are reminded that feeling nervous is normal and that courage can appear in the smallest moments. Peggy reflects, “This book was born from both my professional work and my heart as a mother. I’ve spent my career helping others through change, but writing this with Kaʻewa allowed me to create something that can comfort and inspire children and families everywhere.”

Abby’s journey in the story provides a space for children to understand that vulnerability is okay and that bravery often grows in uncertain moments. Drawing from both her experience as a therapist and a mother, Peggy has created a book that fosters a sense of belonging and reassurance, especially during transitions.

A Unique Life Experience: From Therapist to Storyteller

With nearly 30 years of experience in psychotherapy, life coaching, and educational therapy, Peggy brings a unique perspective to her writing. Her life’s work has focused on understanding the heart, healing emotional wounds, and empowering others to tap into their inner strength.

This expertise shapes her storytelling approach, which goes beyond simply entertaining—it nurtures resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-discovery. Peggy has always believed in the healing power of stories, knowing that they can shift perspectives, build empathy, and help individuals process their emotions. It’s no wonder that Abby’s First Day combines this professional insight with Peggy’s passion for gentle, heart-led narratives.

The book isn’t just a delightful bedtime read, it's a valuable resource for parents, educators, and therapists. Designed to open up conversations about emotions, courage, and self-belief, it’s a gentle guide through the universal experience of a “first day” with emotional depth that few children’s books offer.

Trials, Miracles, and the Strength of a Mother’s Heart

What makes Peggy’s story truly remarkable is not just her professional accomplishments but the incredible resilience that has defined her life. Her journey has been shaped by both devastating trials and miraculous blessings.

Years ago, Peggy survived a near-fatal car accident, resulting in numerous surgeries and ultimately the loss of her leg. Yet, this was only the beginning. She also faced two battles with cancer, at one point being told she had just a year to live. This year marks her 10th anniversary of remission.

But the hardest moment for Peggy wasn’t her own diagnosis, it was hearing the words no mother should ever hear: “Your son has Stage 4 cancer.” Watching her son endure months of failed chemotherapy and radiation, Peggy relied on every ounce of hope, not only in modern medicine but in her son’s spirit.

Thanks to a successful bone marrow transplant and expert care at UC San Diego, her son is now thriving. And not a day goes by without Peggy feeling immense gratitude for this miracle—along with the miracle of her daughter Kaʻewa, born 21 years after her son, despite Peggy’s infertility.

Throughout it all, Peggy was surrounded by a strong community. “I’ve had the kind of tribe that shows up fiercely,” she says. “Friends, neighbors, even strangers wrapped us in love during our darkest times. Now they’re celebrating with us through the brightest.”

This sense of gratitude flows through Peggy’s writing, and it’s clear her books aren’t just crafted, they're consecrated.

A Story About Connection: A Family Bond

The creation of Abby’s First Day was not just a professional achievement but a deeply personal journey. The collaboration with Kaʻewa added a unique layer to the book, making it not only a story but a legacy—a testament to the power of family connection through creativity. Peggy says, “Writing this book with Kaʻewa allowed us to channel our love and shared experiences into something that could help others.”

Kaʻewa, who inspired the character designs, worked alongside her mother throughout the process, ensuring that the heart of the story stayed true. Together, they created a book that touches children’s lives while reminding families of the power of connection. In a world often divided by technology, the Kan Hai family’s story is a beautiful reminder of how storytelling can bridge hearts, even across generations.

The Bigger Vision: Golden Thread Press

While Abby’s First Day represents a significant achievement, it’s only the beginning of Peggy Kan Hai’s broader vision. As the founder of Golden Thread Press, a publishing house dedicated to soulful storytelling, Peggy has plans to release more children’s books as well as inspirational works for adults. The goal behind Golden Thread Press is simple: to offer stories that nurture the hearts and minds of readers across generations, with courage, healing, and wonder at their core.

The success of Abby’s First Day has shown that there’s still a demand for stories with emotional depth, wisdom, and love. Golden Thread Press aims to fill this gap, creating meaningful narratives that speak directly to the human spirit. Peggy’s books are not merely for entertainment—they’re invitations to heal, grow, and connect in profound ways.

Join the Movement

As Abby’s First Day continues to soar on Amazon, Peggy’s journey from therapist to best-selling author is just beginning. Her story of emotional connection, healing, and motherly love will unfold further in the years ahead, through Golden Thread Press.

Special Offer:

Don’t miss this heartfelt opportunity to welcome Abby—and Peggy—into your home.

eBook: Get the Abby’s First Day eBook for just $0.99 from August 21–28. Viewable on any device, lifetime access, no Kindle subscription required.

Print Edition: Specially reduced from $14.95 to $9.95. Available with free shipping via Amazon.

Amazon Link | Golden Thread Press

Upcoming Holiday Releases from Golden Thread Pres
When the Stars Linger

A poetic and tender bedtime story that invites little ones to drift to sleep knowing they are deeply loved. With lyrical verses and dreamy illustrations, it becomes more than a story—it’s a nightly ritual. Every page slows the world down, wrapping children in comfort, and ending their day with the reassurance every heart needs: You are seen. You are treasured. You are loved—always.

Wherever You Wander
A lyrical love letter from parent to child, Wherever You Wander reminds little ones that love is never bound by distance or time. With nature-inspired imagery and verses, this book reassures children that wherever life takes them, they are held in love. A perfect bedtime read to send children to sleep knowing they are cherished—always and everywhere.

Together, these books are timeless keepsakes—gifts that will be treasured for years to come. Stay tuned for their release later this year!

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