Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
Picture books aren’t just for children. Picture books are for grown-ups too! Listen in as we speak with picture book authors, illustrators, and enthusiasts about how these stories contribute to human thriving. Discover how picture books can affirm our experiences, introduce us to new perspectives, serve as conversation starters, foster meaningful reflection, and give us words to make sense of the world! Ultimately, you’re never too old for a great picture book AND these tiny tales can lead to big connection! Join us for the journey, and discover something that might contribute to YOUR thriving.
Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
S1E14 | Shirin Shamsi and 'Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story'
“Picture books are a way of connecting our human family and making the world kinder and more empathetic. I really hope we can make the world better by sharing stories with everyone.” –Shirin Shamsi
Listen in as Shirin Shamsi talks about unexpected joys in the creative process (despite the waiting), the importance of sharing family stories, the reality of displacement, and so much more. This conversation is truly a blessing, and, at the end, Shirin shares important thoughts about her second picture book, The Moon From Dehradun: A Story of Partition.
Today’s Picture Book: Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story by Shirin Shamsi and illustrated by Manal Mirza
Born and raised in the UK, Shirin Shamsi moved to the USA and settled in Illinois, where she raised her six children—three human and three felines. Shirin is represented by Saba Sulaiman of Talcott Notch Literary. Her publications include: The Moon From Dehradun: A Story of Partition and Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story. She has co-authored two inter-faith books with Callie Lovvorn and Melissa Stoller: Planting Friendship : Peace, Salaam, Shalom and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom.
Book Description: Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing.
Please consider supporting your local independent booksellers by purchasing Zahra's Blessing. Find a store here: https://www.indiebound.org/
Other mentions in this episode:
The Moon From Dehradun: A Story of Partition by Shirin Shamsi and illustrated by Tarun Lak
Barefoot Books
Questions/Activities for further engagement based on the discussion:
1. Think about your family history and family stories. Consider writing about your past and your family stories. A tip for getting started: make a list of things that you remember from your childhood.
2. Be willing to share your experiences as a form of connection with friends and family. We can share stories with others.
Find Shirin:
Website: https://shirinshamsi.com/
Twitter: @ShirinsBooks
Instagram: @shirinshamsi1
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Ripening Time, Patrice's 2nd picture book, releases April 22, 2025. Order your copy from your local bookstore or one of Patrice's local bookstores!
Also, please visit the podcast’s bookshop.org page for a complete list of books discussed!
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