Photo: ©Brennan Davis

Maryam Khalifah is a talented author / illustrator whose debut picture book, “Whispers from Mother Earth: Celebrate the Skin You're In”  is scheduled for release late fall 2024. Coming from a multiracial background, Maryam is a huge proponent of seeing those from similar minority backgrounds represented in her artwork; as such, she loves illustrating diverse and multiracial characters like herself. Maryam is half Mauritian and half English. On her mother’s side of the family there are Christians, Buddhist, and Sufi Muslims. Maryam is inspired by nature, music, and diving into imaginative play with her students. When she's not illustrating, she can be found enjoying walks through her local forest (conveniently located opposite her house!), going to yoga classes, and diving into a wonderful book with a good cup of tea.