"Any Desi girl who reads the book will see herself"
In the enchanting world of children’s literature, few voices resonate quite like Humera Malik’s.
A British-American educator and author, Humera brings to life stories steeped in her Pakistani, Indian, and East African heritage.
Through her captivating narratives, she builds bridges between cultures, fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding among young readers of all backgrounds.
Born and raised in England, Humera’s journey has taken her across continents, from the bustling streets of India to the serene landscapes of Tanzania.
It’s these diverse experiences that infuse her storytelling with authenticity and depth.
As a Muslim woman now residing in the US, Humera’s journey mirrors the themes of identity and belonging that resonate throughout her work.
Her latest masterpiece, The Great Henna Party, co-crafted with the talented illustrator Sonali Zohra, invites readers on an odyssey through South Asian, North African, and Middle Eastern wedding traditions.
This tale explores the intricate art of henna painting and celebrates the bonds of multigenerational families.
As readers delve into the pages of The Great Henna Party, they embark on a heartwarming journey alongside Noor, the protagonist, as she navigates the complexities of family love amidst the joyous festivities of a henna party.
Through Noor’s story, Humera intricately weaves themes of self-discovery and familial bonds, inviting readers to explore the universal language of love.
We caught up with the riveting author to discuss the book, the importance of representation and her push for diversity within literature.
What inspired you to write this book?
I took my daughter to her first henna party when she was just five years old.
She looked around with wide eyes as I watched on, taking in all the colour, music, food, and frolic.
I was reminded of attending mehndis as a child and I wanted to bring that magic to other children, both Desi and otherwise.
What role do henna parties play in bolstering family bonds?
Part of the magic of henna parties is seeing family members, and the women in particular, in different roles.
Usually, our mothers and aunts are in a role of authority over us.
But when we gather for a henna party, we are all equals, having fun together.
For young girls, it feels like being invited into a sisterhood that isn’t experienced in daily life.
“When we get together like this on happy occasions, it strengthens our ties.”
And for the elders, I think it’s so important because, in an increasingly busy and western-oriented life, henna parties present a relatively rare opportunity for larger family units to meet and celebrate.
Here, we can also pass down our cultural heritage.
Can you explain the significance of the henna name game?
The henna name game started as a tradition in arranged marriages.
The groom’s name was hidden within the henna patterns on the bride’s hands.
Then on the wedding day, the groom would search for it.
When the bride and groom didn’t know each other well, it was used as a fun little icebreaker.
In The Great Henna Party, Noor’s family plays an adaptation of it and it presents Noor with a difficult question!
How did you ensure authenticity in showing different cultures?
I am glad that you noticed this and asked about it!
I came across a statistic that 27% of children’s books have an animal as a protagonist, and only 7% of books have an Asian main character.
So when I wrote The Great Henna Party, it was important to me that all South Asian cultures and religions were represented and that many children would be able to relate to our protagonist, Noor.
To do this, I stuck to traditions that transcend all South Asian cultures and religions.
For example, I made a conscious decision to use food items that all religions and cultures would share.
Through the illustrations, we wanted to portray guests from many different countries.
“I am grateful to Sonali for being so diligent in this matter.”
She has created a diverse cast of characters as can be seen through their outfits, jewellery and hair or hijab styling.
I’m confident that any Desi girl who reads the book will see herself in Noor!
How do you see your book fostering cross-cultural understanding among kids?
I hope The Great Henna Party will lead to discussions about children’s various cultural traditions, heritage, and celebrations.
Promoting diversity and inclusion is at the core of who I am as a children’s book author.
When children read books featuring a protagonist who doesn’t look like them, yet they have a lot in common with them, that’s when perceptions change.
So I hope Noor will be a catalyst for change, for those readers who are coming across their first South Asian character.
I drew upon a lot of my personal experiences when writing the book.
I am the daughter of immigrants, so my upbringing was very heavily influenced by South Asian culture.
We wore shalwar kameez at home, spoke Urdu with family members, and ate rice, chapatis and curry for dinner.
Henna parties showcase all of these beautiful aspects of South Asian culture and I tried to showcase all of these elements.
How did you work with Sonali Zohra to bring the story to life visually?
Great question!
When my publisher informed me that it had selected Sonali Zohra to illustrate The Great Henna Party, I was chuffed because I was already familiar with her amazing artwork.
I was allowed to provide some illustration notes and feedback on drafts, but as the expert in her domain, Sonali had the freedom to take the design in any direction she felt appropriate.
“She did a phenomenal job and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”
She captured the magic of henna parties and the book is just so beautiful that it’s a showpiece that every Desi girl can be proud to display.
Could you shed light on the symbolism associated with henna?
I learned so much while researching Mehndi.
It turns out that henna painting is an ancient art form and in different cultures and religions, it is believed to bring good luck, good health, and blessings.
One common thread through all cultures is that henna is a sign of joy and therefore it is used on many happy occasions, including weddings, holy days and religious festivals.
How do you think stories about multigenerational families can connect with all readers?
I genuinely hope that mothers and even grandmothers can read the book with their little ones because the book does celebrate ties of kinship, especially the role that mothers and grandmothers play in the lives of little girls!
“Stories like The Great Henna Party help young ones appreciate the importance of their elders.”
They also remind our elders that it’s not easy growing up as a “third culture” kid and that they have a huge role to play in helping kids navigate uncertainty.
In celebrating family, I hope such stories help to bring mothers closer to daughters, and granddaughters to their nanis and dadis, simply by acknowledging the deep love that exists between them and across generations.
What additional details can readers expect to see in the author’s note?
The author’s note delves into the inspiration for The Great Henna Party, as well as the origins of henna, and the science behind it.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Lantana Publishing: the team there is committed to ensuring they showcase different cultures and traditions.
By adding the note, Lantana allowed me to provide more information about henna, beyond what is shared in the story.
In general, I want all the readers to take a lot away from the whole book.
For those children who don’t know many South Asians, I hope they will read books like The Great Henna Party and realise that we have many similarities, and our differences should be celebrated, not feared.
And for the South Asian children who see themselves as different, I hope The Great Henna Party will give them a sense of pride in their amazing culture…and have them looking forward to their next henna party!
With accolades such as the Runner Up for the Golden Egg Picture Book Award and an Honourable Mention from PB Party, Humera’s impact on children’s literature is bound to continue to shine brightly.
The Great Henna Party promises to be another milestone for her.
Through the eyes of Noor, readers can witness the beauty of South Asian traditions, the warmth of multigenerational families, and the timeless allure of henna painting.
In a world often divided, Humera Malik’s work stands as a beacon of unity, weaving threads of understanding and empathy one tale at a time.
The Great Henna Party is available online now and in all good bookshops.
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