It’s incredibly important to feel seen and heard.

Picture books are so powerful and children’s early exposure to them helps to form their understanding of the world around them. They begin to form ideas about what is acceptable and the norm.

This is why I feel strongly about representation in kidlit. It shows children they matter and have a place in the world. I didn’t have that representation growing up, so I want to make a difference for little ones now.

My first book Speak Up Sami s packed full of opportunities to have so many meaningful discussions.