The Pink Crayon is the story of a little girl who learns the value of sharing, even when it comes to her most prized possession. Where did the idea for this book come from?

I distinctly remember a peaceful day in my backyard, enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful afternoon. Seated beside me, my daughter was immersed in coloring, going through a phase where everything had to be in shades of pink, from her clothes to her favorite spoon at daycare.

Just for fun, I asked if I could use her beloved pink crayon. What unfolded next was unexpectedly touching, revealing the pure innocence and creativity inherent in children.

This moment became the focal point of my story. I also sought to incorporate educational concepts suitable for the 2-5 age group. My writing inspiration stems from daily interactions with kids, and I strongly believe that a picture book has the potential to empower and educate them more effectively than parental rules alone.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

In today’s world, where everything is so fast-paced, there is an ever-increasing need for empathy, collaboration, kindness, and generosity. The need of the hour is to work with people, make choices—possibly difficult ones—each day, and try to give it your best. Sharing does not always mean giving up things; it also means showing empathy, respecting, helping, and taking people along with you as you embark on any adventure. These skills not only help build grit and character but also help us stay grounded and always learn from others. The Pink Crayon has a true entrepreneurial spirit, not just in creating something but also in helping others make their dreams a success.

The artwork in your book is fantastic. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Noor Alshalabi?

I feel truly fortunate to have discovered Noor Alshalabi for my book. What initially drew me in was her impressive portfolio. Noor’s natural artistic style embodies transparency, rich textures, and a serene atmosphere—qualities that were crucial for capturing the essence of my book. To my delight, Noor generously provided a free sample page based on the text I supplied.

Our collaboration began approximately 6-7 months ago. In our initial phone call, I shared the vision and details about the character. The first phase involved character design, where Noor showcased exceptional attention to detail, patiently incorporated my feedback, and underwent multiple revisions.

As we progressed to the book pages, Noor presented initial sketches outlining the entire narrative. We engaged in several revisions, and Noor was accommodating enough to add extra pages to enhance the story’s flow. While the sketching phase demanded time, the transition to colored illustrations was seamless.

Noor’s professionalism shines through in her work. She adopts a modular approach, creating designs with multiple layers, allowing for swift additions or revisions. Her punctuality in updates was commendable, maintaining weekly email conversations throughout the project.

Upon completion of the book, Noor provided all necessary files for uploading to various POD platforms. She remained available for any queries and even made adjustments for specific platforms after the contract concluded. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional and delightful illustrator. Working with Noor was a pure joy.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

This kicks off the series of five books. I’m honing in on the social aspects of early learning for this character—tackling anxiety, being assertive, and building grit. These ideas are on my mind, and I’ll likely start working on them, possibly late next year.

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