The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Nazneen Akbari and Review of Home Away From Home

Maria Marshall
2 minutes ago
10 min read

Nazneen Akbari is a children’s author of Indian heritage, who grew up in Oman and has lived all over the world thanks to school, work, and a healthy dose of wanderlust.

She’s no stranger to the question, “Where are you from?” a puzzle she answers with her parent's Indian roots and her deep love for the Omani culture she grew up in. Though she’s lived in many countries, Oman remains close to her heart and is a place she will always call home. By day, she works for the U.S. Department of State. By night, she’s dreaming up picture books and enjoying life in Pennsylvania with her husband and three kids.

Nazneen’s debut picture book, Home Away From Home, releases on February 3^rd.

Welcome Nazneen,

Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write? How long have you been writing? What is your favorite type of book to write?)

I’m very much a morning person. That’s when I’m most creative, those quiet three hours when the world is still asleep and it’s just me and the moonlight slowly fading away.

Until last week, I had a beautiful desk in a dedicated writing room. But that room has now happily been converted into a nursery for my baby boy. So, believe it or not, I write wherever I can. You could be standing in my house right now and I’d probably be writing beside you.

I’ve learned that for a busy mamma with a full house, silence matters more than space. I’ve been writing for about five years now, and I’m especially drawn to fiction and historical fiction.

When I was writing Home Away from Home, I was living in Pennsylvania and in that house, my desk overlooked the yard, and every morning deer, geese, rabbits, and even the occasional fox would wander through. It felt like I was writing inside a quiet nature documentary. That daily view brought such calm and serenity into my routine, and I honestly think that closeness to nature filled the writing process with joy.

It is so nice to "meet" you Nazneen. Your Pennsylvania yard sounds heavenly. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written a manuscript?

On my toilet seat, of course. See? I told you - I need silence, not space!

I’ve written on flights more times than I can count. Sometimes, I’ve even drafted scenes on my phone while riding in the car; something triggers a thought, that thought turns into an idea, and suddenly an entire scene begins to unfold. And of course, a lot of it happened while nursing and napping my babies. In fact, most of Home Away from Home was drafted while I was nursing my six-month-old and rocking her on my lap.

One unusual thing I do when I feel stuck, staring at a blank page, is reach for my phone, open my notes, and just start typing. It feels like I’m casually texting someone, but really, I’m releasing my thoughts. Before I know it, a scene has taken shape. I can’t count how many times this has pulled me out of a rut. It’s incredibly freeing.

Ha! Your "texting" notes on the phone is such a great idea. What was your inspiration or spark of interest for Home Away From Home?

Book cover - a grandmother and granddaughter sit on a bench on a beach overlooking a setting sun and a boat, while three seagulls and an airplane fly overhead, a cat sits on left of the bench and a suicase, doll, and backpack are on the right of the bench.

The spark for Home Away From Home came from a desire to break stereotypes and tell a story set in Oman that felt joyful, ordinary, and deeply human. So often the Middle East is portrayed through a narrow lens in media and books - conflict, headlines, or exoticism - but that’s not the world I grew up knowing. I wanted to write a story that showed everyday life: markets buzzing with laughter, grandparents spoiling their grandchildren, families sharing food, music, and warmth.

Writing this book felt like reclaiming a narrative. Oman is rich with culture, history, and gentle beauty, and I wanted young readers to step into that space and see it as a place of belonging, curiosity, and joy. At its heart, the book is about discovering that home can exist in more than one place and that unfamiliar places can hold comfort once we look past our assumptions.

That is such a wonderful 'heart' and a great gift for young readers and a reminder for their caregivers. What was the hardest or most challenging thing about writing Home Away From Home? And what was the most fun?

The hardest part was receiving my first revise-and-resubmit request. It was a big one; almost a complete rewrite, while keeping the heart of the story intact. I froze.

The idea of revising a manuscript I had worked on for three years and submitting it to an editor felt tedious and the idea of the editor rejecting my work terrified me. I doubted myself deeply. Over a few weeks, I wrote multiple drafts with different plots, but nothing felt right. I remember one night literally holding my head and crying, thinking, I don’t think I can do this.

I came very close to telling my agent I didn’t want to revise and resubmit. Not because I disagreed with the editor - but because I was scared I couldn’t write anymore.

Then an acquaintance critiqued my story and helped me see the plot in a way I hadn’t before. Something she said clicked. I tried again, and from there the story began to grow into something I fell in love with. That revise and resubmit was, without a doubt, the hardest part, but also the most transformative.

The most fun part was actually writing it. I loved playing with language. Words became toys. I made my characters do things I loved, experimented with phrasing, and rearranged sentences just for the joy of it.

Somewhere along the revise and resubmit process, that joy got buried under pressure but the deepest joy of all is imagining a reader holding this book in their hands.

Thank goodness for critique partners! A full, total rewrite is scary. I'm glad you stuck with it. How many revisions did it take from first draft to publication for Home Away From Home?

Eighty-nine. And honestly, I’m sure it was more, that’s just what I have on my laptop.

Wow. Thank you for your honesty. You will have given another author a glimmer of hope. What has been the most amazing or interesting part of your publishing journey so far?

Watching an idea turn into something real still feels a little magical to me. I remember sitting with a picture book years ago and thinking, I want to write a book. And then immediately wondering, But how does someone even do that? Now I’m holding a physical copy of my own book in my hands, and honestly, that still amazes me.

The publishing journey itself has been just as meaningful. Working with my editor and illustrator has been incredibly special. Barefoot Books has been collaborative, generous, and deeply supportive, something I know isn’t guaranteed in this industry, and that has been such a gift.

I’ve also been continually surprised by the kindness of the writing community. Writers I had never met reached out, checked in, shared advice, and celebrated milestones with me. There’s a real sense of camaraderie in kidlit, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it.

It is such an amazing community. Did anything amaze or surprise you when you first saw Rashin Kheiriyeh’s illustrations? What is your favorite spread?

I fell in love with Rashin’s illustrations instantly, the colors were the first thing that completely took my breath away. She has this magical ability to use color to evoke emotion. From the very first spread, those pastel pinks, blues, and sunset tones feel warm, welcoming, and layered with feeling. You step into the book and immediately feel something before you even read a word.

It’s honestly hard to choose a favorite spread because she captures culture, place, and emotion so beautifully throughout. Her attention to expressions is extraordinary. Every child I’ve read the book to comments on how the characters faces subtly change as the story unfolds, you can literally watch Nuha’s emotional journey through Rashin’s art. She balances playfulness with authenticity in a way that feels effortless.

Internal spread - Omani market. On the left, surrounded by large pottery vessels, a merchant and buyer discuss a rug. On the right, Grandmother and grandaughter pass a woman balancing a essel on her head and peer at shop with pots, dolls, wraps, and rugs.

Text © Nazneen Akbari, 2026. Image © Rashin Kheiriyeh, 2026.

If I had to pick, I’d choose the Omani market scene. That spread is pure magic. It’s bursting with cultural richness and tiny details; the cats weaving through the crowd, the vendors and their goods, the patterns, the textures, the energy of the space. Each time I look at it, I notice something new. It feels alive, and it perfectly captures the wonder of discovering a new place.

What's something you want your readers to know or discover about Home Away From Home?

One thing I’d love readers to know is that Home Away From Home is set in a real Omani market that has deep historical roots. I visited that market constantly as a child, and I still love going back as an adult. It’s one of the oldest markets in Oman and once served as a key trading hub connecting merchants from China and India. Walking through it always feels like stepping into layers of history.

But beyond its history, what matters most to me is the everyday joy of the place. I wanted readers to see the ordinary, beautiful moments of people simply living - laughing, singing, dancing, bargaining, sharing food, enjoying time together. There’s such warmth and cultural richness there. Too often, these places we hear about in the news get flattened into stereotypes. I wanted this book to offer a different lens: a glimpse into a normal day, full of happy human energy, in an Omani market.

You and Rashin did a great job in capturing just that. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?

I’m juggling a few projects right now, and honestly, finding time is the hardest part. I’m working on several manuscripts at once. One returns to the Middle East, which continues to pull me back creatively. Another is a historical fiction piece set in Dubai, and the third explores South Asian eating traditions - food, memory, and culture all woven together. Each project feels very different, which keeps things exciting, but it definitely keeps me busy.

These all sound intriguing; I can't wait to see them. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park (anywhere in the world)? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?

Photo of waterfall in Amazon Rainforest. © One Tree Planted.

I’ve always dreamed of visiting the Amazon rainforest. There’s something almost mythical about it - the scale, the biodiversity, the feeling that it’s one of the last places on Earth where nature is still completely in charge. I’m fascinated by the idea of walking through a forest that feels alive in every direction, where every sound, plant, and creature has a story older than any city or country. I think it would be both humbling and awe inspiring, a reminder of how small we are and how interconnected everything is.

I hope you get to fullfil this dream one day! Thank you, Nazneen, for sharing with us a bit about yourself and your debut picture book.

To find out more about Nazneen Akbari, or to contact her:

Website: https://nazneenakbari.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nazneen_akbari/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nazneen.akbari

Review of Home Away From Home

A delightful intergenerational picture book about the wonders and treasures of Oman and the joy in rediscovering connections distant with family members.

Home Away From Home

Author: Nazneen Akbari

Illustrator: Rashin Kheiriyeh

Publisher: Barefoot Books (February 3, 2026)

Ages: 3-5

Fiction

Themes:

Family, distant grandparents, Oman, travel, and cultural identity.

Synopsis:

Nuha is already worried about spending the summer in Oman. When she leaves behind her dearest doll, how will she possibly feel at home in Oman now?

“Oman is your home away from home,” Mama said softly. “Your Jadda hasn’t seen you in three years and she’s excited to spend the summer with you. You’ll have fun together.”

This summer, Nuha and Mama are traveling to Oman to visit her Jadda. Mama is excited to visit home, but Oman doesn’t feel like home to Nuha. The air is warm and sticky, people wear different clothes, and a language she barely understands swirls around her. At least she has her dearest doll, Mary, to keep her company.

When Nuha accidentally leaves Mary behind, the thought of staying in Oman all summer feels impossible. Until Jadda ushers her into the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the souk (market) to look for a new doll. Little by little, Nuha begins to realize Oman is special in its own way, and even finds glimpses of home.

A sweet story about reconnecting with faraway grandparents and rediscovering cultural identity.

Based on the author’s own experience moving from India to Oman as a kid

Endnotes provide further information about Oman and the souk in the story

Opening Lines: Nuha flopped on her bed.. "I don't want to go, Mama." She squeezed Mary tight.

"Oman is your home away from home," Mama said softly. "Your Jadda hasn't

seen you in three years and she's excited to spend the summer with you. You'll

have fun together."

I don't think so," Nuha

murmured, looking at a

picture of Jadda on the wall.

Jadda felt like a stranger, and Oman seemed strange.

Nuha buried her face in Mary's hair. "At least I'll

have you," she whispered.

What I LOVED about this book:

Nazneen Akbari is so right that "[f]rom the very first spread, those pastel pinks, blues, and sunset tones feel warm, welcoming, and layered with feeling." This room is so cozy and the loving relationship between the mother and daughter, as well as the love of the grandmother, permeates the illustration. It creates a wonderfully safe place for Nuha to explore and experience some big and uncomfortable emotions. And given the highlighting that she believes she'll have her doll Mary to help her, beautifully foreshadows one of Nuha's biggest upcoming struggles.

Internal spread - a girl snuggles with her mom on a bed, while clutching a doll. On the right a window, with a flowing curtain, looks out on the town and a picture of Jadda (grandmother), holding a the girl as a toddler, hangs on the wall

After sadly saying goodbye to her friends and father, whom she wouldn't "see for weeks," Nuha hurriedly follows her mother into the airport. To discover she left her doll Mary in the car. Now, not only is she going to strange distant place for the summer, but she has to do it without her beloved doll. Attentive observers will notice Mary peering out the car window.

Internal spread - on the left, girl, doll, mom, and dad in a car, drive past a building with two cats and a child with a dog, holding a ball and waving. As a man walks his dog and two cars tun rhe corner. On the right, girl hugs dad "goodbye," as mom with suitcase waves. Doll in the car window as a woman walks past with a suitcase and her dog. Another car and a plane in the background.

Although Jadda takes Nuha to the souk to find an Omani doll to help her feel at home in Oman, everything feels so different. From the humid weather to the clothing and food. And especially the difference in the dolls - instead of a doll with "golden hair and a sparkly princess dress," the dolls are all wearing a short dress, trousers, and a headscarf. Definitely not the same. When Nuha spots something familiar, women creating henna designs on hands and arms of customers, not only did Jadda join her, but she had Nuha's name written on her hand.

Internal spread - on the left, two women apply henna to the arms and hands of a girl and her grandmother, as the design colorfully radiates into the air. On the right, the grandmother's hand, cover in henna has the girls name and many other designs on it. Colorful henna designs surrond the hand.

As they continued to explore the souk, hand in hand, Nuha discovers some of the wonders of Oman, the souk, and reconnects with her grandmother. Back matter explores Nuha's dolls, Muttrah Souk, Henna, and Clothes in Oman and includes a Middle Eastern map and a glossary. As a love letter to Oman and the joy of reconnecting with relatives, this is a gentle story about adaptability and discovering one's cultural identity.

Resources: