Author Interview - Aya Khalil on Writing Muslim Children’s Books & Her New Book Ramadan for Everyone
Fatuma HydaraAya Khalil is an award-winning Muslim children’s book author whose stories center joy, culture, and belonging. Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, Aya brings her lived experience as an immigrant to her work, creating authentic children’s books inspired by Muslim and Egyptian heritage. A librarian, freelance journalist, and educator with a master’s degree in Education focused on Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), Aya’s passion for books, literacy, and storytelling is woven into everything she writes. Her stories explore themes of immigration, identity, and community, offering meaningful representation and relatable narratives for children of all backgrounds.
In celebration of her upcoming new book, Ramadan for Everyone (which will be available on January 27, 2026), I wanted to learn more about Aya’s background, her creative journey, and what Ramadan and Eid mean to her. In this author interview, Aya shares her experiences, inspirations, and hopes for young readers discovering her work.
Photo Credit: Kasumi Yamazaki
Interview with Aya Khalil by Fatuma Hydara, Tuma's Books
What inspired you to become a writer?
I've always wanted to become a writer! Ever since I was in elementary school I loved writing in my journal and writing poetry. When I got older, everyone around me was into science and I felt left out haha! At one point I wanted to study science in college just like "everyone else" but thankfully I followed my heart and studied English literature and communication. I went into journalism and wrote for newspapers and magazines. I've been focusing on picture books and board books for the last eight years or so and I'm so glad I followed my heart because it's my ultimate dream job.
What is your cultural background/heritage?
I am Egyptian. I was born in Egypt and immigrated with my family to the U.S. when I was a baby.
What does Ramadan mean to you?
What is your favorite Eid tradition?
What inspired Ramadan for Everyone? What do you hope children gain from reading it?
What is one thing no one would ever guess about your book?
Thank you, Aya for answering these questions for me! I appreciated getting to know you better and find ways in which we connect. This will be my first Ramadan as a mom and I plan on having grace with myself. Ramadan for Everyone is a good reminder for even adults that Allah sees our efforts and it's the intention that matters when it comes to worship during Ramadan.
Some of my favorite Eid Traditions is going to my in laws for breakfast and my parents for lunch after Eid prayer. I also do a Eid Secret Gift Exchange with my siblings which is a lot of fun!
Read More About Aya Khalil's Works:
Ramadan for Everyone: A Muslim Community Story by Aya Khalil, Rashin Kheiriyeh (out 1/27/26)
A picture book about sisterhood, faith, and acts of service. It's Ramadan and Habeeba is discourage because she's unable to fast or stay awake during Taraweeh prayers like her big sister, Sumaya. However, she learns the true meaning of Ramadan and that there are other ways to participate and give back to her community.
The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil, Rashin Kheiriyeh
Eid is tomorrow and Zain is excited to celebrate, especially by making special sweet treats: Teita’s famous ka’ak. Together with Mama and Teita, Zain follows his family’s recipe and brings to life Eid songs and prayers, pharaonic history, and the melodies and tastes of his Egyptian heritage.
The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil, Anait Semirdzhyan
Kanzi's family has moved from Egypt to America, and on her first day in a new school, what she wants more than anything is to fit in. However, when the other kids begin to tease her after her Mama shows up in her hijab with Kanzi's forgotten lunch, Kanzi isn't too sure about American. That night, she wraps herself in a quilt from her grandmother and writes a poem. This sparks a pathway for acceptance in her new home.
The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil, Anait Semirdzhyan
In this companion picture book to The Arabic Quilt, Kanzi has come to feel welcome in her American school―that is, until an entire shelf of books about immigrant kids and kids of color suddenly disappears from the school library. Saddened by the book ban, Kanzi joins forces with her classmates and teacher to hold a bake sale and use the proceeds to buy diverse books to donate to libraries. It's such a success that the ban is reversed!
Our World: Egypt by Aya Khalil, Magda Azab
In Our World: Egypt, Aya and Magda takes us our littlest readers on a beautiful journey through a day in her homeland, Egypt, learning Arabic words along the way.