MERMAIDS ARE PERENNIALLY POPULAR: From the classic, Hans Christian Andersen tale, to more contemporary hits, like Pearl and Coral by Molly Idle and Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, mermaids are timeless and perennially popular. Combined with a delightful story about the first warm day of the summer, this picture book has the potentail to backlist for years to come. 



POSITIVE REPRESENTATION: Conservative political parties in countries, like France, are working hard to prohibit Muslim women from wearing hijabs, burkinis, and burqas in public. This story works to address the Islamaphobia and racism that the Muslim community faces by providing a much-needed mirror for young girls who want to participate in this religious and cultural tradition.



BURKINIS ARE MAINSTREAM: In 2019, Somali American model Halima Aden became the first woman to appear in Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue wearing a hijab and burkini and she returned for 2020’s swimsuit issue. Brands like Nike also now sell burkinis on their website and there are many up-and-coming swimwear companies that are creating inclusive and fashionable swimsuits for the Muslim community.

Sana Rafi is a Muslim American author who received her MFA from Columbia University in New York. She’s passionate about showcasing Muslim and immigrant characters in her books. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, visiting beaches or being silly with her son. Rafi currently resides in sunny California but is often found daydreaming of her hometown, Lahore, Pakistan. Find out more at www.sanarafi.com.

Author Residence: San Francisco Bay Area

Olivia Aserr is a visual development artist and illustrator living in Los Angeles. She currently does background paint at Cartoon Network and writes and illustrates children's books. She developed her skills at both Art Center School of Design and Rhode Island School of Design (earning her BFA from the latter in 2014). Olivia is passionate about telling stories that are fantastical and diverse. In her free time, Olivia swing dances all over Los Angeles and the rest of the world, and loves to bake and hike with her dog, Bonnibel.
 

Illustrator Residence: Los Angeles, CA