A lot of news to share, including an ARC giveaway!
Hi, everyone. I know it’s been a challenging and stressful year, but I hope you’ve been staying safe and healthy and that you’ve found some comfort in books. I’ve been missing traveling, seeing friends and fellow book lovers, and visiting schools in person. But I am grateful for extra time to write and focus on new projects. And I am excited to share a few updates with you! Thanks for reading, and all my best wishes,
Hena
BOOK NEWS
My newest picture book, Like the Moon Loves the Sky, released in March, at the time when the pandemic started to change life as we knew it. In case you missed it, the book is a celebration of a parent’s love for their child and introduces the word “inshallah” on every spread.
The lush artwork is done by UK based Saffa Khan (no relation). You can download a printable poster of one of my favorite spreads in the book.
The entire Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream series is now available in a bind up version, with a gorgeous new illustrated cover by the talented Abigail Dela Cruz. I love the sporty covers of the individual books, but this cover captures the gentle, family focus side of the series. You can find the bind up in both hardcover and paperback. On a related note, I’m currently writing a companion series featuring Zara, Zayd’s older sister. Stay tuned for more details!
More to the Story is now out in a beautiful paperback edition! I love reading reader reviews of my Little Women-inspired book and hope that a paperback will mean even more of them (yes, I’m someone who does read and appreciate all reviews!). I’ve also been asked if there will be a sequel, which I’m still contemplating. Would you like to see a sequel? If so, please let me know!
THE BIG NEWS!
Amina’s Song, my sequel to Amina’s Voice is available for pre-order now and will be released on March 9 of next year! I’m giving away FIVE advanced reader copies! If you would like to be entered into the giveaway, simply respond to this email by November 25 and tell me you’re interested. Soon, I’ll also be sharing details of a wonderful pre-order initiative in partnership with First Book to provide access to books to all children that I hope you will support—you can start by ordering from your favorite bookseller now! And in the meantime, you can read an excerpt of the book here.
IN THE COMMUNITY
I’m happy to be a part of the Shout Mouse Megaphone Board, and to support the important work Shout Mouse Press does to amplify young voices! If you would like to be a part of this effort, please join us.
I’ve been doing a number of virtual events, for organizations, book clubs, conferences, and now schools. And I’m still scheduling more for winter and spring. It’s been wonderful connecting with audiences of all ages and sizes! If you are interested in a virtual visit, contact me through my website.
HEAR ME
On Greenlight Books’ Spill the Beans Podcast
SEE ME
My talk for the Simon Kids Read & Learn series about More to the Story includes a writing prompt
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
Did you know that there are beautiful discussion and activity guides for many of my books? Find them all on my website.