The Making of Sohila Khaled’s First Children’s Book

Sohila Khaled is stepping into children’s literature with her own voice and story. Her first children’s book is now taking shape within the Illustrated Arab Editorial Supporting Programme, where early ideas finally have room to breathe. What started as scattered notes and sketches is slowly turning into a world with its own pace.

Can you introduce yourself briefly, who you are, your artist background, and what inspires your illustration work ?

Sohila Khaled : I’m Sohila Khaled, an Egyptian children’s book illustrator with experience of collaborating with many Arabic publishing houses. Firstly, my core inspiration comes from surroundings and culture like the vibrant Egyptian countryside and the simple beauty of everyday moments. Also, I keep my style simple with a simple color palette, minimal and clear visuals to make sure that my work is accessible and appealing to child’s eye and heart.

My professional experience is quite unique. I spent years studying pharmacy but found my true calling in illustration and children’s books. Providing that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

Illustration © Sohila Khaled. Used with permission. Instagram: @sohila_khaled

You were selected for the first edition of the Illustrated Arab Editorial Supporting Programme. How is your experience so far?

Sohila Khaled : My experience with Illustrated Arab editorial programme has been very fulfilling. We are collaborating on a book where I’m responsible for both the text and the illustration.

This is the first time I am diving deeply into the writing process. The programme provides generous and non pressured space to explore and learn the craft of storytelling. I’m actively discovering the unique dynamic of being creator who handle both text and the image at once for for a children’s book. And this is a process. It’s totally different from collaborating with a separate author. So the program is enabling me to blend my skills. And it’s not just about drawing a story. It’s about owning the entire narrative from the concept, then the sketching, then the coloring and the final visual alongside with the text, which is for me a powerful discovery.

In what ways is this programme helping you develop your current project ?

Sohila Khaled : The program’s greatest help has been providing supportive and encouraging space for experimentation. The absence of pressure is important for any creative project. This freedom allows me to truly explore my creative self during the process of creating the book or the project.

It helps me to find the most authentic direction for the project. Also, the weekly and consistent feedback is a game changer for me. It helps me to stay disciplined and make me focused on the project. Turning the long term project into a manageable steps for this progress of the book.

Creative Process © Sohila Khaled. Used with permission.

How it is supporting your creative process or your approach to storytelling ?

Sohila Khaled : It has influenced my approach to storytelling by giving me the confidence to trust my own voice. They helped me challenge my own assumptions about what a children’s book story should be.

I am deeply thankful for the team, for the structure and the weekly creative sessions. Most importantly, for believing into my vision and into my project.

How would you like to see the program in the future ?

Sohila Khaled : If it continues with this level of care and direction, that alone would be wonderful. Writers and illustrators in the Arab region need this kind of support. It is not something we often find.

With ongoing dedication, I’m sure the programme will continue to open new doors for storytellers across the Arab world.