7 Wonders of Naseem Hrab's World
Naseem Hrab loves coffee ice cream and improv. She is also a writer.
Photo by Connie Tsang
If the only thing I ever read by Naseem was her Instagram bio (Part young Larry David. Part old Timothée Chalamet. All espresso martini.) that alone would endear me to her life. But as hard as it might be to believe, that gem is only the tippy-top of her literary iceberg.
Naseem is the author of several magical, must-read books for young readers. Her warm, funny-sad, big-hearted story The Sour Cherry Tree is one of my favourite picture books of all time. Oh, and it also won the 2022 Governor General’s Award for young people’s literature (illustrated) — no biggie! Her book Weekend Dad was also a Governor General’s Award finalist, and I dare any introverts out there not to fall head-over-shell in love with How to Party Like a Snail!
Next month, Naseem’s latest book will be released into the wild. Otis and Peanut, a quirky and iconic new graphic novel series illustrated by Kelly Collier about a long-haired guinea pig and a naked mole rat that Kirkus calls, “A tender friendship story for the ages.” A perfect fit for fans of classic friendship-forward early readers like Elephant and Piggy or Frog and Toad, it is available for presale now!
Naseem also sometimes writes for non-children. Most recently, her beautiful essay “Some Notes on the Requirement of Hope,” was presented by CBC Books as part of their series Healing, which featured new works from each of the eight English-language winners of the 2022 Governor General’s Award.
In addition to being a award-winning author, Naseem is also an associate publisher at Kids Can Press. Fun fact — it was Naseem who emailed me the contract for my second book. Did I mention I’m endeared to her life?
Notebooks
Most of my stories start off crumpled, coffee-stained and misplaced. It’s taken me years to realize that fancy notebooks are stifling. Beautiful, but stifling. Because unless I write really slowly, I’m a messy writer. And slow, pretty writing isn’t helpful when you’re just trying to get ideas out. I recently found some relatively inexpensive notebooks with a toothy paper that I love from an art store, and they make my chaotic story starts feel guilt-free.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Me love chocolate chip cookies. I’m open to trying new recipes that have rave reviews, but I always return to this one from Smitten Kitchen. Baking and its mediative ways help me slow down time.
3. Grey Tiger
Grey Tiger is a magical little cocktail bar in Bloordale Village in Toronto. While I love all the cocktails I’ve tried there, I really love their Mirror Centaur. It has mezcal, rye, sake, rhubarb liquor and more. Every smokey sip is delicious.
4. Trusted Folks with Big Opinions
Writing picture books is mostly a solo sport, but there comes a time where I’ve done all I can do by myself and that’s when I get feedback from trusted folks with big opinions. I love getting critical feedback and I love bouncing ideas off people. I’m so fortunate to know so many talented folks who are incredibly generous with their time and opinions. I should bake them all chocolate chip cookies.
5. Improv
For some reason, when I was about eleven years old, I asked my mom to sign me up for acting classes. We did a class on improvisation, and it was love at first “yes and.” I dabbled with an improv club in high school, but it wasn’t until my thirties that I started taking classes. After about three years of classes at The Second City and Bad Dog Studio, I learned so much about storytelling and collaboration. I’m sooo grateful to all my instructors. They gave me practice in making something from nothing. Those classes are the reason I can write. While I haven’t taken a class in a long time, the tenets of improv are also great for anyone who is prone to anxiety, perfectionism, and hesitation.
Or so I hear.
6. Conan O’Brian Needs a Friend
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is my absolute favorite podcast. This newer episode with Kevin Nealon makes me laugh so much. I love how silly they are together. They’re like two sixth graders who can’t stop giggling in the middle of class. If you’re in need of a guaranteed dose of glee, this podcast is for you.
7. NYC
I got to visit NYC several times when I was a kid and I think I still see it through a five-year-old’s eyes. It’s my favourite city to visit. I love its energy and neighbourhoods. There’s so much to see, do and eat: the Tenement Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, comedy clubs, the High Line, Central Park, Russ & Daughters, Petee’s Pie Company. Ahhh! I’m going to buy a plane ticket right now!
Connect with Naseem Online
Website: naseemhrab.com
