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I see characters with brown faces, chubby hands and feet tanned under the sun, But I can’t see myself in these books which are meant for everyone. I see frizzy hair and dark freckles, I see eyes the shape of almonds, But I can’t see myself in these books which are meant for everyone. White characters painted brown are a mask, not a mirror. Pages that set childhood in blanched unfamiliar scenes, Tell brown babies this is the only way to be seen. Being brown isn’t just skin dee

I dared to dream. In the quiet of night, I was seduced by an idea, and my fingers began to dance on the page. I embraced the art of words, the art of paint and succumbed to the relief it gave from the shackles of life and duty. It’s like falling in love, the excitement, the all-consuming thoughts, the passion of finding a new purpose. A creative mind gives birth to many love children. For years, I had flirted with the prospect of turning art into something more than a hobby.

A storm is brewing, The crazy eye is rotating from within the socket. The feeling is uneasy, unexpected and unwelcome. Secrets scatter like the heavy rains I cannot unsee what I have seen I cannot ignore what I have come to know. The witch’s mask has fallen Her actions expose her deviant thoughts. Spinning with jealousy Spiralling with curiosity A force to destroy rather than to build. It has a mind of its own, Tortured and twisted. Moving at speeds it finds hard to sustain I

I was never lost but it has taken me a while to get here. The path I travel is long and meandering. I am building the bridge of fate whilst crossing it. My head is light because it’s filled with dreams and my hands are full because reality takes a lot of work. I am often asked will I ever return back to where I used to be? The answer lies where my heart is. The door will always be wide open but I can’t deny that I’m refusing to cross that threshold right now. I have changed,

We walk at a glacial pace Under the glow of lanterns and layers of frozen darkness. My heart thaws at the touch of your hand Your warm breath puffs out smoky hearts that kiss my chapped lips. The stillness between us stands defiant before the crashing waves. Our destination looms with a parting of ways, Let us stay out in the cold a little longer.

It's a beautiful sunny day and our usual plans of playgroup are tossed aside and replaced with freestyle play in the back garden, a quick trip to the library, park and then shops to get seeds and garden paraphernalia. As it happens we see two groups of child-minders that morning. One group strolled into the park with seven kids, taking it in turns to play on the swings while the carers took pictures of them. It struck me as such an odd feature of childhood in this age of mod

The sanctity of the womb is as old as the human race itself and yet in the modern era where ideals of feminism and independence prevail, motherhood is that bold elephant in the room. The womb carries traces of her children's DNA long after they are born, allowing the phrase "an elephant never forgets", take on a whole new meaning. Independence will always be at odds with the interdependence of a mother and her child. As modern women we have been pimped and primed to empower o

The pressure cooker is on and while I wait for the first whistle, I'm stewing in anxiety about how to write my next picture book. This book has to be as good as my first. Some might say that's easy, just follow the same recipe for success I used before. However creativity is not a science, its effects are not reproducible- they are a one of a kind miracle in their own right. I remember the circumstances that triggered me to write in the first place. I was emotionally and phys

Hardbacks available from the Great British Bookshop and other online retailers Paperpacks available from Amazon. (I actually prefer their colour printers, but te hardback format is still a winner). I am undecided about selling direct from my website but I may reconsider if I get more traffic. I am so excited but also daunted by the new hat I have to wear- the Marketing hat. This has actually been a great experience going into self-publishing so far. See a project from all dif

I am 38 years old, just a few years shy from 40 and what I consider at the middle of life. Life has taught me that it is full of change and seasons. The things we ignore or repress eventually come back to find us again, to fulfil our purpose and our passions. At present, I am standing at the edge of who I have always wanted to be- an artist, a creative, an illustrator. If I were to go back in time and meet my younger 8-year-old self, she would be indifferent about my pharma

Finally we are here. Not only because of the spiritual significance of this month and the blessings and mercy it delivers, but because of an idea born last Ramadan in 2025. Not long after the birth of my youngest child, I was feeling despondent over my future prospects of returning to work as a pharmacist. Life had shifted in ways I was still learning to navigate. One night after completing taraweeh prayers and settling down to nurse my infant, I was inspired to write. Abdul

Character design is a fascinating blend of creativity and technique, especially when it comes to watercolour illustrations. This medium offers unique opportunities to bring characters to life with vibrant colours and fluid shapes. In this post, we will explore the intricacies of character design in watercolour, discussing techniques, styles, and the emotional impact of colour choices. Whether you are an aspiring artist or simply curious about the process, this guide will prov

Storytelling is an ancient art form that transcends cultures and generations. It is a powerful tool that allows us to share experiences, convey emotions, and connect with others. In today's visually driven world, the integration of illustrations into storytelling has become increasingly significant. Illustrative expression enhances narratives, making them more engaging and memorable. This blog post explores the art of storytelling through illustrative expression, examining it

Illustration is more than just putting pencil to paper; it's about expressing your unique vision and style. As an aspiring illustrator, developing your style can feel daunting, but it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of your artistic journey. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help you cultivate your own distinctive style, making your work stand out in a crowded field. Understanding What Style Means Before diving into the tips for dev