Walking With the Sun: Preethi Saravanakumar’s Bright Path to Young Hearts

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) — On a quiet day in a Michigan classroom, children sat in rapt attention as author and poet Preethi Saravanakumar opened her book Walking with the Sun. Her voice, warm and lyrical, carried the story across the room. When she finished, hands shot up eagerly with questions and reflections from young readers who had just met the Sun as a friend. Moments like these reflect Saravanakumar’s mission: using words to spark light, ignite curiosity, and guide children toward new ways of seeing themselves and the world.

From Poetry to Picture Books: A Journey of Many Genres

Preethi Saravanakumar’s career began in poetry, with her first published collection in 2011. Since then, she has authored twelve books spanning poetry, nonfiction, science fiction, and children’s literature. Each project reflects her dedication to not only storytelling but also to personal growth and reflection.

Her versatility has earned her multiple awards, including recognition for her science fiction novella Lost. Leap. Loop. and her children’s picture book Walking with the Sun. Together, these works demonstrate her ability to reach readers of all ages, blending imagination with themes of resilience and connection.

The Light of Walking with the Sun

While her poetry soothes and her science fiction sparks wonder, it is Walking with the Sun that has been reaching young readers and families across the country. It is an interesting story with Gaja, the Elephant, and Garud, the Eagle. The story is about exploring friendship, positivity, and courage.

The book has received high praise, with Literary Titan writing: “Walking with the Sun is a delightful children’s book that teaches children about friendship, positive thoughts, and taking chances. Families and teachers will enjoy sharing this story with children, and this would make an excellent addition to a home or classroom library.” 

Beyond reviews, Walking with the Sun has been warmly welcomed at author events and readings in local schools, where students and teachers respond enthusiastically to its themes and message.

Expanding Access: Audio Editions for Every Reader

To make her work widely accessible, Saravanakumar released Walking with the Sun as an audiobook. Families can listen during car rides, bedtime, or in classrooms, experiencing her storytelling through spoken word.

The audiobook is available for free with a library card through OverDrive and Libby. It is also available on Audible, ensuring a range of options for readers and listeners.

Beyond Awards: A Mission to Inspire

While recognition affirms her craft, Saravanakumar’s focus remains on connection. Whether she is writing science fiction that explores resilience, poetry that brings calm, or children’s literature that fosters kindness, her work reflects a consistent purpose: to help readers reflect and grow.

Her school visits highlight this commitment. Reading Walking with the Sun directly to children allows her to see how young audiences engage with its message, carrying lessons of positivity and friendship into their own lives.

Looking Toward Tomorrow

From Pearls of My Mind to Lost. Leap. Loop. and Walking with the Sun, Saravanakumar has built a body of work that spans genres while remaining grounded in universal themes. Her writing continues to find its way into classrooms, homes, and libraries, offering readers a chance to pause, reflect, and grow through storytelling.

Resources

• Goodreads – connect with Preethi Saravanakumar’s author profile

• Literary Titan Review of Walking with the Sun