Billy Bear's Brown Hair by Dina O.Nasr

Where did the inspiration from your book come from?

The inspiration for Billy Bear’s Brown Hair came from a deeply personal moment with my daughter. When she was almost four years old, she came home from nursery one day feeling unusually sad. She had been so excited to show her friends her new pair of shoes, but instead, she ended up hiding from her dad before he woke up, quickly digging into her toy makeup set and dressing up. When I asked her why, her answer broke my heart, she said she wanted her dad to think she was beautiful.

That moment was a turning point for me. It made me reflect deeply on my own experiences as an educator, a mother, and someone who understands the importance of self-worth. After practicing art therapy with her and using the Circle of Trust strategy from my previous book, Spark the Sparkly Dragon, she finally opened up. She shared that a classmate had told her she wasn’t pretty without makeup and that her new shoes were ugly.

That experience inspired me to write Billy Bear’s Brown Hair. I wanted to create a story that would help children understand that they are beautiful just as they are. It takes faith, belief, and confidence, along with good friends who remind us of our worth. Billy Bear’s journey is about self-acceptance, friendship, and discovering the beauty in what we often take for granted. Through his adventure with Funny Bunny, children also learn about colours, healthy eating, and hygiene in a fun, engaging manner. My goal with this book is to encourage children to celebrate who they are while making learning an enjoyable experience.

 
What is your favourite childhood book, that most influenced you as a writer?

 
As a child, I was always drawn to storytelling and poetry, and my love for writing started with poems at a very young age. There were many books, novels, plays, and poems that inspired me, but Professor Boffin's Umbrella was my absolute favourite. Its sense of adventure and imagination deeply resonated with me, fuelling my creativity and passion for writing.

Beyond that, classics like Great Expectations, Little Women, Taming of the Shrew, and Romeo and Juliet, also influenced me. These stories shaped my appreciation for strong characters, intricate narratives, and the emotional depth that good storytelling can bring. Each of these works played a role in inspiring me as a writer, encouraging me to craft stories that not only entertain but also carry meaningful messages for young readers.


Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, I have always wanted to be a writer. Ever since I was a child, ideas for stories and poems would come to me at the most unexpected moments—while sitting in the car, during a meeting, in class, on the phone, or just as I was about to fall asleep. Writing has always been a natural part of me, a way to express my thoughts, emotions, and observations about the world.

My writing was always influenced by how I was feeling at the time. If I was happy, my words would reflect joy and excitement; if I was feeling down, my writing would take on a more thoughtful or melancholic tone. It became my way of processing emotions and making sense of my experiences.

 
How long did it take you to write your book?

 
As a first draft, it took me about 30 minutes to get the initial idea down on paper. But writing a children’s book is never just about the first draft, it’s about refining the story, making it more engaging, meaningful, and educational. I kept making changes to ensure the message was clear and the story was fun while also being a learning experience for young readers.

There were also a couple of months where I hit writer’s block, where I needed to step away and come back with fresh eyes. So, in total, the process took almost a year from the first draft to the final version.

 

What is the most challenging thing about writing?


The most challenging thing about writing is finding the right balance between creativity and structure. Ideas can come rushing in at the most random moments, but shaping them into a story that flows well and truly connects with readers takes time.

For children’s books, it’s even trickier because the language has to be simple yet engaging, and the message needs to be clear without feeling forced. I always want my stories to be fun and exciting while also teaching something valuable

 

What do you hope young readers take away with them after reading your book?

 
I hope young readers walk away from Billy Bear’s Brown Hair feeling confident in who they are. I want them to understand that beauty isn’t about what we wear or how we look—it’s about being kind, believing in ourselves, and surrounding ourselves with friends who lift us up.

Through Billy Bear’s journey, I want children to see that it's okay to have moments of doubt, but what truly matters is how we see ourselves. I also hope they pick up on the little lessons woven into the story—about healthy eating, self-care, and embracing the things that make us unique.

Most of all, I want this book to spark important conversations between parents, teachers, and children about self-worth, kindness, and the power of positive friendships. If even one child finishes the book feeling a little more confident and a little more loved, then I’ve done what I set out to do.