Why Children’s Books Are for Parents Too | Aanchal Bedi | The Literature Lounge

In this episode of The Literature Lounge, children’s author Aanchal Bedi, author of A Day Full of Possibilities, speaks about why children’s stories need to do more than entertain — they need to empower.

Through a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Aanchal reflects on how a simple 15-page story about an ordinary school day can help children step out of fear, boredom, and helplessness, and into curiosity, courage, and possibility. She shares why this book, while written for children, is equally meant for parents and educators — the first role models children learn from.
Drawing from her lived experiences as a parent, healer and writer, Aanchal talks about introducing children to the power of asking questions — especially one transformative question: “What else is possible?” Rather than positioning children as passive recipients of circumstances, her work encourages them to ask, imagine, and co-create change.

A conversation about moving beyond victimhood, parenting with consciousness instead of control, and trusting children with more freedom than we think they can handle.

What this episode is REALLY about:

Not children’s books as moral lessons.
Not parenting driven by fear.
Not change imposed from above.

It’s about:

• Children as capable creators, not passive recipients
• Why ‘A Day Full of Possibilities’ is written for adults as much as children
• Asking questions instead of reinforcing victim identities
• Turning everyday challenges into moments of imagination and agency
• Conscious parenting: replacing “be careful” with awareness and choice
• Breaking emotional loops of fear, anxiety, and helplessness early
• Learning from children instead of constantly moulding them
• Healing, perspective shifts, and the tools of asking better questions
• Education today: hands-on learning, curiosity, and holistic growth
• Giving children back the freedom to trust themselves