We are thrilled to announce the release of two captivating new children's books from Storyakids: "If I Find My Bike" by Narges Mirfeyzi, illustrated by Azam VazehiMoghadam, and "Once Upon A Watermelon" by Sana Saghafi, illustrated by Parvin Heydarizadeh.



To delve deeper into these inspiring stories and their impact, we interviewed Kimberly Daroogar, the talented editor behind these books. Our conversation delved into the power of children's literature to shape young minds and promote social change.


Kimberly Daroogar is an American children's book editor that her last edited picture books about Palestine have been published by Storyakids: "Once Upon A Watermelon" and "If I Find My Bike". Due to her new achievement, we had this conversation about her motives and ideas during the editing of these books for children.

Palestine Children's Books Challenging Stereotypes

One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation was the discussion of the Palestinian narrative in children's literature. In her view, Books like "If I Find My Bike" and "Once Upon a Watermelon" offer young readers a glimpse into the lives of Palestinian children, humanizing their experiences and challenging stereotypes. Daroogar noted, "These books show the children of Palestine as real people, not any different than any child in any country in the world."

Furthermore, she emphasized the power of storytelling to convey complex ideas and emotions. By using relatable characters and universal themes, authors can effectively connect with young readers. She explained, "The stories themselves are bright and happy, but yet the bitter message flows into the heart of the reader."

Cultural Sensitivity in Editing Process of Children's Books

Kimberly Daroogar, as a seasoned editor, emphasized the critical role of editors in shaping the final product. Editors work closely with authors and illustrators to ensure that the story is well-crafted, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive. They also play a crucial role in identifying and addressing potential biases or stereotypes.

We delved into the specific challenges of editing children's books, particularly those that deal with sensitive topics like the Palestinian struggle. Kimberly emphasized the importance of balancing simplicity and depth, stating, "The challenge was to find the right words in the English language... so that it would not sound foreign to the English reader." She also highlighted the importance of considering the target audience, ensuring that the language is engaging but not overly complex.

She also highlighted the need to represent diverse cultures authentically and to use language that is accessible to young readers.

Highlighting Hope Books for any Child Facing Oppression

As Daroogar emphasized, "Both of these books are beautiful stories written with a theme of hope. They're set in occupied Palestine and are about children dealing with oppression and hardship. Despite these challenges, these books offer a sense of hope to any child facing oppression or displacement."

Daroogar further explained how she connected with the themes in these books. She said about If I Find My Bike, "I particularly like the one about the child with the bike wanting to have his mother bake Zaatar bread and take it to everyone in the world, because mama makes the best bread! And I think every child feels that way about their mother. I know that's one of the reasons that I connected with the story." 

She also shared how she related to the concept of facing hurdles and seeking hope, drawing parallels between the child's search for his bike and personal experiences.

When discussing the book "Once Upon a Watermelon," Kimberly highlighted its ability to resonate with children worldwide: "The idea of sharing the watermelon, the idea of finding the watermelon, the idea of just a normal life would reach out to any child I do believe."

She emphasized that the story's themes of happiness, innocence, and loss are universal, transcending geographical and cultural differences.

The Palestinian Narrative through Symbolism in Children's Literature

Daroogar discussed how children's books can subtly convey complex political and social issues, such as the Palestinian conflict. She explained that "Once Upon a Watermelon" uses symbolism to represent the Palestinian struggle, with the watermelon's colors mirroring the Palestinian flag. This symbolic representation allows the book to engage readers without explicitly stating its political message.

Daroogar also highlighted the significance of the child's search for his bike in "If I Find My Bike." She explained, "The child's journey symbolizes the Palestinian people's longing for freedom and self-determination. The wall that obstructs his path represents the barriers imposed by occupation."

Preserving Cultural Authenticity in Adaptation

When we asked her opinion about turning these stories into other forms like animation, she discussed the importance of maintaining cultural authenticity when adapting these stories into other mediums. She stressed the importance of preserving the cultural nuances, such as the traditional way of serving bread in Palestinian households. She also emphasized the use of vibrant colors and expressive characters to capture the essence of the stories. By focusing on these key elements, we can ensure that adaptations of these books remain true to their original spirit and continue to resonate with young audiences around the world.

The Boy's Message of Unity

When asked about the messages the characters from "If I Find My Bike" and "Once Upon a Watermelon" might convey to children worldwide, Daroogar offered insightful perspectives.

She suggested that the boy from "If I Find My Bike" would convey a message of unity and understanding: "Hey, let's get together on this. Just hear my story and let's all be one. We are all the same." This message emphasizes the power of empathy and the importance of listening to each other's stories.

Lily's Message of Hope and Perseverance

Daroogar also pondered on what message Lily from "Once Upon a Watermelon" might share: "Her message is one of resistance, of perseverance. She would say, 'I'm going to fight for my rights. I'm going to stand up for them.'"

Lily's message is one of hope and resilience, inspiring children to believe in themselves and to fight for what they believe in.By exploring these themes, children's literature can empower young readers to become agents of change and to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Emotional Moments During the Editing Process

Daroogar shared a particularly poignant moment from her editing experience: "When I read the scene in 'Once Upon a Watermelon' where the children were gleefully waving their watermelon paintings, I was deeply moved. As an educator, I often see children celebrating academic achievements, but these children were celebrating their cultural identity and their homeland. It was a powerful and heartwarming moment."

Daroogar also discussed the personal connection she felt to the story of "If I Find My Bike." She shared her own experience of loss and longing, and how the child's search for his bike resonated with her on a deeply personal level. "The story highlights the universal human experience of loss and the hope for something better," she explained.

Educating Children about the Palestinian Experience

When asked why children should read about Palestine, Daroogar responded, "Why not? If you don't know about something, read about it. These books don't show pain in an obvious manner. The story itself is bright and happy, but the message arrives into the heart of the reader. By reading about the Palestinian experience, children can develop empathy and understanding for those who are facing adversity. These books can also inspire children to take action and advocate for justice.

The Importance of Diversity in a Universal Story

Daroogar highlighted the importance of creating stories that reflect the diverse experiences of children around the world. By exposing children to different cultures and perspectives, we can cultivate empathy, tolerance, and a global mindset.

She believes that these books can resonate with children from all backgrounds, regardless of their cultural or geographic location. She expressed her desire to share these books with her own students and family members, highlighting the potential for these stories to foster cross-cultural understanding. 

Daroogar's own enthusiasm for the project is evident in her deep connection to the stories. She spoke about the emotional impact of the narratives, particularly the scene in "Once Upon a Watermelon" where the children celebrate their culture through art and music. "It was a much deeper message for me," she shared. "These children were happy because they were representing their homeland."

A Shared Journey of Creativity and Compassion

When we delved into the collaborative effort that brought these heartwarming stories to life, Daroogar expressed her admiration for the authors and illustrators, acknowledging their dedication and passion.
She shared, "I was just amazed at the work that you girls have put into this. Your creativity, hope, and heart shine through in every page."
Daroogar highlighted the role of illustrations in conveying emotions and enhancing the reader's experience. By using vibrant colors and expressive characters, illustrators can bring stories to life and captivate young readers.
By working together, the authors, illustrators, and editors have created books that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. Their shared vision and dedication have resulted in works that will resonate with readers for years to come.

The Future of Children's Literature

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the world of children's literature. Digital formats, interactive storytelling, and augmented reality are transforming the way children engage with books. However, the core values of good storytelling remain unchanged: empathy, imagination, and the power to inspire.

At the end of this conversation, Daroogar expressed optimism about the future of children's literature, emphasizing the importance of creating books that reflect the diversity of the world around us. By continuing to explore new and innovative ways to tell stories, we can ensure that children's literature remains a powerful force for good. And by supporting authors and publishers who create high-quality, culturally sensitive books, we can help to create a more just and equitable world.

How to Order Your Copies

Spark a love of storytelling and global citizenship in your little adventurer! Explore the heartwarming world of Palestinian children with "If I Find My Bike" and the whimsical adventure of "Once Upon A Watermelon" – both brand new from Storyakids!

Dive into these captivating tales and empower young minds to dream big.