PBParty Entry #49 : For Now, Home {ART}

---

GENRE: *Diverse, Character Driven, SEL

---

WORDS: 500

---

Query:

Dear PBParty Team,

I’m excited to submit my picture book manuscript, FOR NOW, HOME, for the 2025 PBParty Contest. This 500-word lyrical story follows a young Chaldean girl, who journeys with her family in search of safety and belonging after being forced to leave their home.

Amidst shadows and whispers, a family seeks safety—a blackberry bush for shelter and warm bread from a stranger. FOR NOW, HOME follows a journey of quiet bravery through uncertainty, where each step redefines what it means to find “home” in a shifting world.

For readers who appreciate lyrical language and beautiful illustrations, WHERE ARE YOU FROM (HarperCollins, 2019) offers a heartwarming narrative. Similarly, A FLICKER OF HOPE (Penguin USA, 2024) conveys themes of bravery and resilience, mirroring the author’s personal experiences found in FINDING PAPA (HarperCollins, 2023). My manuscript, FOR NOW, HOME, resonates with these important themes.

I am a Chaldean immigrant, and author-illustrator based in Michigan. I draw inspiration from my cultural heritage to create stories that blend humor, heart, and a strong sense of place. I am also a member of the SCBWI. My work has been recognized for highlighting underrepresented voices while remaining engaging and accessible to all readers.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

---

Excerpt:

Baba leads the way—
the streets are silent.
The world around us is still.

Mama’s whisper fades
as we walk into the dark.

“It’s not safe here anymore,” Baba says.
“It’s time to find a new home,
a place where we can be free.”

Owl’s eyes glow, watching.
My heart races; Baba’s hand stays steady.

Rain pours—
I miss my warm bed.

---

What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:

This story is inspired by my family’s journey of escaping a war-torn country when I was a child, led by my father’s resilience and bravery. Without his courage, I wouldn’t be here to tell it. FOR NOW, HOME honors the strength of those who must rebuild a new home while holding on to their identity.

---