Motherhood never changes with time.
Bashabi Fraser CBE is a fantastic writer, poet, and lecturer, with material encompassing a wide array of genres.
With teaching roots in Birmingham, Bashabi currently resides in Edinburgh.
Her writing includes a charming and warm children’s book titled A Card For My Mum.
The book tells the story of a young girl wanting to create the best Mother’s Day card for her mother.
She visits various shops but finds none that are suited to her mother. Will she be able to succeed in her mission?
Illustrated with beautiful artwork by Maanvi Kapur, A Card For My Mum is an adorable children’s book fit for every child and parent.
In our exclusive chat, Bashabi Fraser discussed the book and also shone a light on her feelings about motherhood.
Play each audio clip, and you can hear the actual interview answers.
Can you tell us about A Card For My Mum and what inspired you to write it?
Bashabi tells us how her mother wore a saree in the UK in the 1960s.
Her discomfort stayed with Bashabi, and she realised that children perhaps struggle to buy presents for Mother’s Day.
This was because there are not always things that reflect their mothers.
How did this observation influence the book?
Bashabi realised that more sensitivity was needed surrounding multicultural Britain.
Children do want their mothers to be seen, noticed, and appreciated.
This feeling influenced Bashabi to go ahead with A Card For My Mum.
What was it like to collaborate with Maanvi Kapur on the book?
Bashabi Fraser praises Maanvi’s knowledge of what the book requires.
There was a shared understanding about the colour of the story intertwined with a child’s mind.
This collaboration created a provocative atmosphere which gladdened Bashabi.
What does motherhood mean to you, and how has it evolved during modern times?
Bashabi asserts that motherhood never changes with time.
The author lists several occasions where she feels children would like to spend time with their mother.
How does writing a children’s book differ from other forms of writing?
Bashabi explains that when writing poetry, she thinks of multiple generations.
However, as a mother and a grandmother, she can relate to the language for children.
In her academic writing and poetry, she likes to target wide readerships.
She finds it more comfortable to enter an imaginative, magical world for children.
For Bashabi, this comes from being observant and being aware of what children perceive.
What do you hope readers will take away from A Card For My Mum?
Bashabi opines that the book encapsulates inclusion and the richness of British society.
She also hopes that readers are more sensitive to what this society composes.
Bashabi Fraser strikes a balance between childlike language and mature storytelling in A Card For My Mum.
The book aptly demonstrates the unbreakable bond between mothers and children.
As we move towards a more inclusive society, stories like this are not only needed but will be appreciated too.
Bashabi Fraser and Maanvi Kapur have crafted an unforgettable piece of work.
You can find out more information about the book here.
It will be released on March 6, 2025.
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