by MALIK MERCHANT
Publisher/Editor Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos
This is the 2nd in our bi-weekly series “Books by Ismaili Authors.” The series began with Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity by Shamas Nanji of Edmonton, Canada. We ask each author to introduce their book(s) to our readers by answering a series of short questions. In this post, Zeni Shariff of Toronto, Canada, responds on her latest title “Little One, You Are The Universe.”
****************
Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?
Zeni Shariff: The meaning behind the title Little One, You Are The Universe is that the Universe belongs to all living beings and it is incumbent upon all living beings to look after the Universe and one another.
Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?
Zeni: I would like you or your family members to read the book for the following reasons:
(1) It will connect you with the child within you; and
(2) It will connect you with your parents and grandparents in a very personal way.
For those of who you who have not been to different continents, I believe you will understand, through the story of the elephants, what kinds of struggles living beings go through as they are relocated from one continent to the other, overcome struggles, adjust and live in new environments, and find joys in the small things of life.
Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?
Zeni: My grandchildren and the legacy I wish to live for them.
Article continues below
Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?
Zeni: Little One, You are the Universe is available in three formats: eBook, paperback, and hardcover. Details of where and how to purchase including prices are at my updated webpage link https://little-one.ca.
You can also buy it through Amazon sites worldwide. In North America, Little One, You are the Universe is available on Amazon.ca (Canadian site) and Amazon.com (for U.S. and international purchases).
Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?
Zeni: I contacted several publishers and used the one that met my budget criteria. I went with Bublish, Inc.
Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?
Zeni: I requested our youngest son Naguib to edit my work. I did all the illustrations and writing.
“This book [Little One, You are the Universe] is a heartwarming and beautiful story kids are sure to love. It also teaches about history, geography, and the environment making it more than just a read aloud for kids — it’s a great book to grow with. The illustrations are fantastic and compliment the story perfectly.” — DD reviewer, from author’s website
Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?
Zeni: My first book is a photographic book entitled Alter Your Heart beats in an Oasis, and it is about a visitor going into and around the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada. My second book is How Things Grow. It teaches young children how things grow and where the food we eat comes from. Its inspiration was tending to a garden that grew strawberries in Toronto. And Little One, You are the Universe is my third book and, as mentioned earlier, it is published by Bublish.
Simerg: How long did it take you to write Little One, You are the Universe — from start to finish and to begin marketing it?
Zeni: It took me approximately 9 years. The illustrations were painted by myself first, and then I wrote the book. Covid-19 was one of the incentives for having the book published.
Simerg: Tell us a little bit more about Little One, You are the Universe.
Zeni: While crossing the Yamuna River in their home of northern India, elephants Lotus and Adia are separated from each other and captured by humans. Lotus is sent to Tanzania in East Africa to work on the railways. Adia is sent to the Ashantee Forest in West Africa to carry heavy loads for the miners.
The book is an invitation to you to join Lotus and Adia on their journeys.
Date posted: February 25, 2021.
_______________________
Zeni Shariff completed her education at the Aga Khan Girls Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and later studied at Ryerson, in Toronto, Canada. She loves to read and share stories from the journeys of her late grandparents and parents from one continent to another. Their stories and experiences have taught Zeni to be kind and decent to everyone and to never give up hope.
We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as Zeni’s book described above (or see Nanji’s post). Please also see the series launch article and submit your answers to Malik at Simerg@aol.com. All submissions will be acknowledged. If a writer has published multiple books, each book will be highlighted in a separate article, and not combined with other books into one post. Please also include your brief profile, with a photo.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
A team of Ismaili volunteers are seen pictured in the Social Hall of the new Ismaili Centre in Toronto which opened for the Ismaili community on Friday, September 19 , 2014. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright
A senior citizen enjoys a glass of sherbet as he celebrates the opening of the Ismaili Centre in Toronto. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Mr. Ameeraly Ratansy and his wife, Mrs. Shirin Ratansy, at the Ismaili Centre on the opening day, Friday, September 19, 2014. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
One of several meeting areas on the main floor of the Ismaili Centre in Toronto which opened to members of the Ismaili community on Friday, September 19, 2014. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Visitors standing in front of a sculptural calligraphy by the German Muslim artist Karl Schlamminger; this calligraphic composition represents Allah, Muhammad and Ali. Schlamminger’s works are also to be found at the Ismaili Centres in London, England, and Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
The Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board’s literature counter on the opening night of the Ismaili Centre. Tasbihs were among the most popular items. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
A view of the indoor parking garage of the new Ismaili Centre in Toronto. Hundreds of cars can be parked indoors. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Entrance to the Ismaili Centre from the indoor parking garage. Facing the entrance is a fascinating work of Islamic calligraphy representing the opening of the Holy Qur’an, the Basmallah as seen in the next photo. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
The Basmallah is repeated four times in this iconic piece designed by German Muslim artist Karl Schlamminger. The calligraphy is the first piece that members will see as they enter the building from the indoor parking garage – see previous photo. Above and below are angled photos taken from either side. Photos: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Jamati members on the move as they try to see as much of the Ismaili Centre when its doors opened for the first time for members of the Ismaili community. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Visitors take time to view one of the many wall exhibits displayed at the Ismaili Centre. This montage provides an overview of the construction phases of the Ismaili Centre. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
A unique blend of art work, calligraphy and photos are exhibited along the corridor spaces of the Ismaili Centre. A visitor walks by one such exhibit, giving the Centre the feel of a Gallery in certain areas. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
After spending several hours at the Ismaili Centre visitors rest their tired feet on the seating located in front of the reading lounge. Many had arrived as early as 5 pm to ensure that they had a place to sit inside the Jamatkhana. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Ismaili volunteers cheerfully raise their glasses to celebrate the Ismaili Centre’s first day for members of the Ismaili community. The volunteers bring smiles to countless members within their own community as well as to other communities through numerous outreach programs. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Taking comfort and rest: An elder from the jamat of Afghanistan, now settled in Canada. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
….With her family and friends. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Alykhan (centre) is pictured in the Park with his dad and mum, Shafiq Dhanji and Rozina Dhanji, after the conclusion of the evening celebrations at the Ismaili Centre. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Copyright.
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 