Interview with Nadine Presley

We are thrilled to interview picture book author, Nadine Presley on our blog today. Read below about her newest picture book, A Ramadan Night:

Kidlit in Color: What was your inspiration for A Ramadan Night?
​
Nadine Presley: I knew I wanted to write a Ramadan book, but I was not quite sure where to start. What I did know was that I wanted to capture the wonder, excitement, and anticipation that fills the month, especially as experienced through a child’s eyes. So I began by asking children what their favorite part of Ramadan was. Many said the food, which is completely fair, but most of them said the nights. I immediately responded, “Me too!” And that is where the story truly began.

From there, I drew deeply from my own childhood memories. I remember closing my eyes and trying to feel Ramadan arrive, sensing the subtle shift in the air and in our hearts. I have vivid memories of growing up in Damascus, Syria, walking to the mosque each night to pray taraweeh, taking in the lights, sounds, and quiet magic of the world around me, much like Sami does in the book. As I wrote, it became important to me to show the many layers of Ramadan. While it is often understood simply as a month of fasting, it is truly a rich, immersive, and multidimensional experience. A Ramadan Night became my way of inviting children into that sensory journey, the sights, sounds, feelings, and wonder of the month, while also tapping into a universally familiar childhood joy, staying up late and enjoying dessert at night.

KLiC: Please tell us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write and sell this book?

NP: My writing process often begins with emotion and memory rather than plot. With A Ramadan Night, I started by jotting down moments, the sights, sounds, and feelings I wanted to capture, and slowly shaped them into a narrative that followed a child’s experience through the night. I began by listing the sensory details I hoped to include and then grounding them in my own childhood memories of Syria.

Picture books go through many drafts, and this one was no exception. While drafting and revising, I read widely and intentionally, immersing myself in the craft of picture books. I read well over one hundred titles, including classic works such as What Is Love? by Mac Barnett, books centered on Ramadan, stories that explored father and child relationships, and books that followed characters on walks or unfolded during nighttime. Reading across these themes helped inspire me as I slowly uncovered the story I really want to tell. 
I was incredibly fortunate that this book sold relatively quickly. It was preempted by the wonderful editor Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster just a couple of weeks after it went on submission in 2022.

KLiC: What are your favorite illustrations in the book?

NP: I have both a favorite spread and a favorite small detail. One of my favorite elements is Sami wearing flip-flops over socks, which is a very Syrian masjid look that I find incredibly charming and familiar. As for my favorite spread, the scene where everyone is in sujud beneath the mosaic, dome-shaped ceilings holds a very special place in my heart. Seeing such an intimate moment of prayer depicted so openly and unapologetically in a mainstream children’s book feels incredibly meaningful. Huge credit goes to the team at Simon & Schuster for allowing that level of authenticity on the page.

KLiC: What is the one thing you want children to take away from your book?

NP: I hope children come away with a sense of wonder and a feeling that their traditions, memories, and everyday moments are meaningful and worth celebrating. I want Muslim children to see their experiences reflected with beauty and care, and I want non-Muslim children to feel invited into the warmth and magic of Ramadan.

KLiC: Do you have any tips for pre-published authors?

NP: Read widely and read often, especially in the genre you hope to write in. Studying picture books taught me so much about pacing, structure, language, and how much can be said with very few words.

I have also learned the importance of building genuine relationships. Connect with fellow authors, librarians, booksellers, educators, and book lovers not just when you are launching a book, but because you truly want to be part of the community. Those relationships grow naturally and become incredibly meaningful over time.
Finally, be patient and kind to yourself. Publishing can be slow, overwhelming, and unpredictable, but consistency, community, and believing in your story go a long way. Keep showing up, keep learning, and trust that your voice matters.

--
​
Nadine Presley is a Syrian Canadian author who loves everything about Ramadan. Her earliest memories of Ramadan go back to her days in Damascus, where she joyfully awaited the month to begin. She now resides in Canada with her husband and three boys, working as a literacy educator. Passionate about anti-racism work and promoting pride in Arab Muslim heritage, she is also a speaker for children, youth, and adults. Her favorite things in the world are big hugs, kind words, and delicious Syrian food—especially during Ramadan.