Razan Abdin's "Splendidly Sawsan": A Celebration of Self-Acceptance and Emotional Connection

Hello readers!

This week on my kidlit blog, Blissfully Bookish, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable author who has crafted a delightful story for children about social-emotional learning. Please welcome Razan Abdin, the creative mind behind the beautiful new picture book, Splendidly Sawsan, illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani and published by Abrams.

Before we dive into our chat, I must mention that Razan is generously offering a FREE copy of her book to one lucky reader! To enter, just leave a comment on this post by September 25, 2026!

Journey to Publication

Razan's journey to publication has been a winding road filled with perseverance. The initial spark for Splendidly Sawsan ignited around 2020. After careful outlining, she spent over a year developing the manuscript before sharing it with a couple of trusted readers. Following that, her agent began submissions in early 2023, but the road was bumpy; Razan faced multiple rejections. Nevertheless, an interested editor eventually emerged, but not without asking for revisions. This thoughtful Revise and Resubmit (R&R) process allowed her to refine her story and ultimately led to a publishing offer in March 2024. The book made its debut on September 1, 2026.

Core Message for Young Readers

At the heart of Splendidly Sawsan lies a powerful message: children are fabulous just as they are. Razan hopes to counter the often negative narratives children encounter by providing them with a story that affirms their worth and individuality. She emphasizes that emotional connection and understanding are vital for the development of children, particularly in today’s world where external pressures can provoke feelings of inadequacy.

The narrative introduces readers to Sawsan, who engages with Dr. Salim, exploring her emotions through waves. Razan shares an excerpt reflecting this dynamic:

“Sawsan returns to Dr. Salim’s office every Tuesday, week after week. Sawsan explains that her feelings are like waves. Sometimes, they swell UP AND BURST! Dr. Salim nods. ‘I see. Let’s create a strategy, you and me.’ They brainstorm tools for times when feelings feel big and bursty.”

Writing Process and Social-Emotional Learning

Razan views her writing approach as somewhat fluid, often varying by project. She identifies as a plotter, creating outlines while also allowing space for her characters to develop organically. This mix of structure and spontaneity helps to keep the process engaging and less daunting. After completing several drafts, she seeks feedback from a select group of readers before doing a final revision pass.

In discussing the role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in her story, Razan highlights its importance in helping children recognize their strengths and those of their peers. By fostering self-awareness and empathy, SEL promotes a deeper understanding of emotions, which she hopes to instill in young readers through Sawsan’s journey.

Inspirational Books and Supporting Writers

When asked about the literature that has influenced her, Razan shares a few of her favorite reads from recent years. Among them is “A Map for Falasteen” by Maysa Odeh, which she feels is a modern masterpiece. She also admires the work of Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow for her lyrical and precise writing style. Another standout for her has been “Baba Palooza” by A.D. Ghani, a touching tribute to immigrant fathers, a subject close to her heart.

For aspiring authors, her best advice is to take a step back from your work. “Close your computer. Put the manuscript in a drawer and try to forget about it,” she suggests. This distance can provide a fresh perspective and make it easier to identify areas in need of improvement.

Razan's Literary Roots

On a personal note, Razan fondly recalls “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry as a childhood favorite that left a profound impact on her, evoking tears and deep emotions even then.

About Razan Abdin

Razan Abdin (she/her) is a writer and educator currently residing in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her debut book, Splendidly Sawsan, has garnered starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal. When she’s not busy crafting stories, Razan spends time outdoors, enjoying art, indulging in coffee, and dreaming of a world where everyone has what they need to thrive.

Connect with Razan

To learn more about Razan and her writing, visit her website at razanabdin.com or follow her on Instagram at @razanwrites.

Purchase Link: Get your copy of Splendidly Sawsan here!

This engaging discussion with Razan Abdin highlights the importance of celebrating individuality and emotional understanding in children's literature. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of her beautiful book!