Yasmeen Ismail
Yasmeen Ismail is an Irish writer and illustrator living in Bristol, making children's picture books. As much as she would like to just dash off a book, it has to have some worth. So she's compelled to write and draw to try, just a little bit, to make a tiny difference. She wants her stories to uplift everyone who reads them.
Yasmeen enjoys celebrating differences and giving her characters the confidence to be who they want to be, regardless of expectations. She says 'I have to keep in mind that whatever I create is going into the hands of a small child, and as such I have a responsibility to that little person. We all have a responsibility to them. And we should take that seriously.' Yasmeen writes and illustrates most of her books.
Books
I'm a Girl!
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 2-6
Reading age: 5+
Like all good children's writers, Ismail has managed to bind the message in a picture book that is a delight in every aspect.
Joy
Author: Yasmeen Ismail Illustrator: Jenni Desmond
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 1-3
A joyful kitten chases his favourite toy around the house, and a parent is there to look after him when he takes a tumble downstairs. This warm, fun and funny book captures the ups and downs of happy toddler life in a reassuring way.
Kiki and Bobo’s Sunny Day
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-5
Kiki and Bobo have decided to go to the seaside for the day. A lovely book with bright, welcoming illustrations and clever lift-the-flaps. The perfect read for holidays.
Kiki and Bobo’s Super Surprise
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-6
Reading age: 5+
This is a delightful book bursting with bright and engaging illustrations, and with its interactive lift-the-flaps on every page, little hands can join in and have fun with this delightful duo.
Nothing!
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4-5
Lila has a fabulous imaginary world: if she’s not wrestling an octopus or soaring over a jungle, she’s racing in a winged chariot. Visiting grandpa might not seem as fascinating, but he’s just as keen to join her fantasy world.
Nuts!
Author: Lou Peacock Illustrator: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 0-3
The squirrels are squabbling. He thinks the nuts are his and she thinks the nuts are hers. A really funny book to read aloud, which would be perfect for early years' classroom use, as well as an important lesson to share at home.
Specs for Rex
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
A perfectly judged niche story that has general appeal due to a clean text and cute character; Specs for Rex is a visual treat that's really worth putting your glasses on for.
Time for Bed, Fred!
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+
Fred is a very naughty dog - and he doesn't want to go to bed one bit!
Would You Like a Banana?
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-5
The gorilla in this book is hungry, but she doesn’t want the banana she’s been offered. Except, when the banana is taken away, it suddenly becomes more appealing… Ismail’s take on fussy eating uses bold, expressive illustration and photography which brings a fun energy to what can sometimes be a frustrating experience for parents.