Sözün Rengi an interview with Jenny Molendyk Divleli, Çocuk, Şevval BAŞTAN

When you think of a "child," what comes to mind? How do you define "children's literature," and why does it hold a special place for you?

I'm not entirely sure how to address the first part of this question, but as for the second part. I believe children's literature holds incredible power because it can be so many things at once. It serves as a gateway to the imagination, a teacher of history, a companion for the lonely, an escape from reality, and a tool for learning, among countless other roles.

Your Emotions in Islam series is truly inspiring! What inspired you to start this series? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked it, or did the idea develop gradually?

The idea for this project began when the world was buzzing about the release of Inside Out 2. The first film had been hugely popular, and the early reactions to the second were just as positive. Social media was flooded with discussions about emotional intelligence and how to help children express and understand their emotions. This got me thinking: What do Allah and our Prophet (peace be upon him) teach us about emotions? Can we find guidance and inspiration from Quranic and Prophetic examples?

As I delved deeper, I discovered a wealth of rich and diverse examples within our tradition that address emotions in meaningful ways. It made me realize that, as entertaining as animated films can be, the best and most profound guidance is found in Islam.

I had initially hoped the series would continue much longer and, inshaAllah, I still hope to turn it into a book someday. With more research, I am convinced that this topic has so much potential to be presented in a way that is not only insightful but also engaging and entertaining, inshaAllah.

Faith-based children's books often come with unique challenges and responsibilities. In your view, how can we make them more engaging and relevant for today's young readers? Do you draw inspiration from Turkish literature or other global stories?

The first thing authors need to remember is that children's books are truly an art form. For me, it is absolutely essential that the quality of religious picture books for children matches—or even exceeds—that of the best books on the market. Ultimately, that's the competition. Our children need to feel drawn to pick the religious book off the shelf and genuinely want to read it, even when surrounded by hundreds of other choices.

This means that authors, illustrators, editors, and publishers must hold themselves to the highest standards. They need to immerse themselves in the world of children's literature, study what makes a book exceptional, and apply those lessons. Then comes the challenge: taking sacred stories, preserving their accuracy, and presenting them in a way that feels fresh and captivating—like the reader is hearing them for the very first time. It's no small task, especially given the unique restrictions we face, such as not illustrating prophets or the unseen. Drawing inspiration from other successful children's literature is critical to overcoming these challenges.

When it comes to Turkish literature and global stories, I try to read as much as I can. I also love cultural fairy tales and fables. I often think about how we can reimagine classic stories in a modern context or even rewrite them with an Islamic perspective. There's so much potential in blending the timeless beauty of our tradition with the artistry and creativity that children's literature demands.

Being a mom is a full-time job, and writing adds another layer! How do you balance the two? Have you found creative ways to turn parenting challenges into writing opportunities?

My children have been an incredible source of inspiration for my work. My book What Color Is Your Mosque? was inspired by a conversation I had with my daughter, and Dear Prophet Muhammad is based on questions my son asked. They teach me so much about life and how children think, and I'm constantly jotting down notes about the things they say or ideas they spark. They provide me with a unique window into the minds of my audience—what they find important, exciting, or relatable. They're also my first test group; I share my stories with them to see if the narrative makes sense and resonates.

As for finding balance, it's definitely a work in progress. I rarely write when my children are around, as I prefer quiet, uninterrupted moments to focus fully. It's not always easy, but I'm learning to carve out those moments whenever I can.

Since becoming a Muslim and entering the publishing world, have you noticed any contrasts between books on Christian values (e.g., Christmas-themed ones) and those on Islamic values? What are we excelling at, and where do you think improvements are needed?

This is an area I dedicate a lot of time to researching. I frequently look at Christian publications to see how they present their ideas to youth. One thing is clear: the mainstream book market is saturated with books that convey Christian ideals, while books with Islamic messaging remain scarce. Typically, the only Islamic-themed books available in mainstream bookstores are about Ramadan, Eid, or stories centered on Muslim refugees. But our community is so much more than that. Our history is rich, and our values are universal.

We need to work harder to elevate the quality of Islamic publications. The values of Islam are values for the world, and we should strive to communicate them effectively. To do this, we need to move away from didactic, preachy texts and instead focus on telling stories in fun, engaging, and relatable ways. We need characters who are unapologetically Muslim but also deeply human—flawed, relatable, and navigating real-life challenges.

As I've said before, we should never sacrifice quality for the sake of 'just printing a book.' A poorly written, illustrated, or published book that a child won't even pick up is not a service to our community. In fact, it can do more harm than good. We must create books that resonate with young readers, books that they choose off the shelf and treasure, because that is how we plant seeds of understanding and pride in their faith.

Books from our childhood often leave an indelible mark. Which stories shaped you as a child, and do you see their influence in your own writing today?

Growing up, there was a book I read with my grandfather every year at Christmas called 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. It had rhythmic, lyrical text and traditional illustrations, and I absolutely loved it. I loved how we would look for the book each year and how it became a cherished part of our holiday traditions. When I became an author, I was inspired to create a similar story—one that could evoke the same sense of warmth and tradition for Muslim families.

That inspiration led to Ramadan Nights. My hope is that it becomes a family favorite, read together each year during Ramadan, creating beautiful memories and traditions. InshaAllah, it will instill a deep sense of pride and love for Islam and Ramadan in our children.

Reading picture books aloud can create cherished family moments. How do you think this practice strengthens family bonds? Do you have any tips for making these sessions even more meaningful for parents and children alike?

I believe that time spent with family creates core memories for a child. Whether it's the memory of a specific book or a routine of coming together as a family to read, these moments offer an incredible opportunity to connect. Beyond that, books are a fantastic way to explore "tough topics," introduce religion, or share common experiences.

The key is to simply read. Visit libraries, carve out dedicated time to read together, and establish a routine. Let children take part in choosing the books they want to read. Ask questions about the stories, share examples, and relate personal experiences as you read. Most importantly, make it a special time that brings everyone closer.

How do you feel about the term 'Islamic books'? Do you find it limiting, or does it serve as a meaningful way to categorize literature? Considering that Islam is a universal way of life, do you think this term fully captures its essence?

For me, it honestly depends on the book. I wholeheartedly believe and agree that Islam is a universal way of life and religion. However, just because a book features Muslim characters or revolves around certain values, I don't think it necessarily needs to be categorized as "Islamic literature."

What I do know for sure is that Muslim-authored and Muslim-centered stories deserve a place in mainstream literature. This representation shouldn't be the exception—it needs to become the norm.