Erin Dealey

Today we are thrilled to chat

with author Shirin Shamsi and illustrator Tara Anand,

and reveal the cover of their wonderful picture book biography,

A Gentle Light: The Untold Story of British Spy and WW II Hero Noor Inayat Khan,

(Red Comet Press / Abrams Books –Coming March 23, 2027)

But first….

About the Book:

A Gentle Light shares the long-overdue, true story of the first female (and first Muslim) radio-operator/ British Special Options Executive, Noor Inayat Khan, sent into Nazi-occupied France during World War II.

“Liberté “

Working in constant danger, she transmitted critical messages for the Resistance, evading capture again and again—even as her network was dismantled around her. Noor Inayat Khan‘s biography is not only the story of an extraordinary young woman who defied expectations and risked everything. It is an important reminder that bravery does not always roar. Sometimes, it shines.

Pre-Order A Gentle Night here!

About the Creative Team:

Shirin Shamsi:

Born in the United Kingdom, author Shirin Shamsi lives and writes in Chicago, where she tells us she and her husband have, “raised six children –three human and three feline.” Her books celebrate courage, compassion, and the power of gentle voices and invite young readers to realize how even quiet acts can shape the world.

Tara Anand:

Born in India, illustrator Tara Anand now lives in New York City, where she creates art that explores memory, identity, and the human experience. Her work is known for its rich textures and cinematic sense of light, bringing emotional depth and historical stories vividly to life. 

Thank you, both for sharing A Gentle Light‘s cover, created by Tara Anand, and for answering our questions.

In the beginning…

Q 1. Shirin, can you tell us what inspired you to write this book and how you were first made aware of Noor’s incredible story? 

Shirin Shamsi: I first heard of Noor in 2012 when I read Shrabani Basu’s biography on Noor, The Spy Princess.
Before that I had no idea about her story.

I was absolutely obsessed by the story. I grieved for her. I was angry that I had not known of her when I was a child, and also later on when I studied World War Two.

Children’s Author to Chidren’s Author

Her story haunted me. I simply could not stop thinking of her.

The fact that she was an author of children’s books resonated with me deeply. Her life was sandwiched between two world wars. I could relate to many aspects of her life- as a child of immigrants, raised in England. I simply felt compelled to share her story with children.

Discoveries

Q 2. What unexpected discoveries happened as you wrote the book?

Shirin Shamsi: As with all writing, I needed to do a lot of research for this picture book biography. I had the opportunity to visit Noor’s memorial in London and her home in Suresnes, near Paris. It was a very memorable visit. 

I also had the pleasure of meeting with the author of Noor’s biography, Shrabani Basu, who knew and interviewed Noor’s siblings. 

I learned so much from both these experiences. There were many instances in her childhood that showed her extraordinary empathy- even as a child of four years. 

About the Cover

Q 3. Shirin and Tara– Can you tell us about the cover?

Shirin Shamsi: Tara Anand created the wonderful cover, as well as the illustrations of the story. The Art Director was Michael Yuen-Killick at Red Comet Press. I am so grateful Tara illustrated this story of my heart. 

I love her dramatic use of color and the choice to place Noor Inayat Khan front and center. The other elements on the cover, a small image of Noor slipping into the darkness with her radio, and the pattern of shadows from the planes overhead in the background, foretell the constant dangers she faced. It’s very powerful.

Tara Anand: The cover is one of the only times we see Noor’s full face. She’s not a historical figure with a ton of visual presence online, unlike the handfuls of of famous photos available. So it was important to me to get the portrait right and to contribute visually to archiving her life!.

Surprises

Q 4. Were there any other surprises that Tara’s illustrations brought to the book?

Shirin Shamsi: It’s always a surprise for an author to see the illustrations. There’s such an anticipation as I had no idea how it would turn out. I knew and loved Tara’s style and am so grateful for her illustrations. 

Seeing the way the colors change as the story develops, and how she depicts the enemy without faces, just blew me away. 

Cover Reveal!

To learn more about Shirin Shamsi’s books,

check out her website at: shirinshamsi.com  

and follow her on social media:

Insta:  shirinshamsi1

To learn more about illustrator Tara Anand,

check out her website at: taraanandart.com  

and follow her on social media:

Insta: taraanandart  

Next up on the blog:

We chat with award-winning author Megan E. Freeman about her new YA —The Secret of Belonging.

You won’t want to miss this!