1st Children’s Book Illustrated

I’ve always wanted to be a published illustrator. This year the dream finally came true. Who would have thought that one message on Instagram would land me one of my favorite projects and connect me to an amazing Mom & daughter duo? This is how it all started.

The Backstory

Tayyiba Syed – a popular award winning author – was doing a live reading on Instagram of her cute children’s book – The Blessed Bananas. It was adorable, and I immediately asked her for advice. Alongside some helpful pointers, she suggested I reach out to Ukhtee Walida.  She was an author, speaker, and life and business strategist. And she was looking for an illustrator for her nine year old daughter’s story.

Sister Walida and I connected and discussed the book. I was just as excited as she was about it. When I got my hands on the manuscript, I laughed out loud. It was an engaging, relatable, funny story about a young Hijabi, and her unforgettable experience at Summer Camp. The manuscript was all ready with descriptions of each illustration she wanted. Everything was set – all it needed was an illustrator.

The Steps of Designing a Children’s Book

We first honed down the main character with Hamidah’s vital input. Then came designing the cover. And then each page was sketched out, sent for feedback, updated, and inked. And finally, the color was added at the very end. All in all, it took about three months since we first talked for the children’s book to be published.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon and on Ukhtee Walida’s website.

Meeting the Author

I finally got to meet Ukhtee Walida and her talented daughter, Hamidah, this past weekend. It was simply splendid to meet the dynamic duo behind the book. And I felt so blessed to have met them. It truly felt surreal to know that the book was actually published. When we were taking pictures, a few families were still around and watching us curiously. Ukhtee Walida, with her awesomeness, proudly announced that Hamidah was the author of Don’t Touch My Crown. The adults congratulated her and a few kids recognized the name and started gasping. It was a very proud moment.