About the Book

"Using magical realism and dreams, this lovely picture book shows how the main character Tali gains courage to try the things she has been too afraid to attempt." School Library Journal

"Validates children’s fears before gently encouraging them to face them." —Foreword Reviews

Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco, Tali and the Toucan follows a young girl whose fears hold her back from joining other kids as they tumble, swing, and play across the city—from the neighborhood park to the gymnastics studio and the aikido dojo. At night, however, Tali can soar freely in her dreams—until one evening, a surprise guest swoops into her imagination and inspires her to turn those dreams into reality.

With lush, captivating illustrations that evoke the charm of San Francisco’s landscapes and Tali’s vivid inner world, Tali and the Toucan speaks to every child (or parent) whose worries stand between them and their dreams—whether that’s trying a new sport, making a friend, or conquering the jungle gym.

Karin Blais

FNP-C

"Tali and the Toucan is a heartfelt tale about a girl who discovers how powerful her dreams are in overcoming her fears and anxieties. Wonderful story for children looking to recognize their true potential."

Geri Alpert

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

"This wonderful new book portrays, both through remarkedly sensitive text and spectacular illustrations, fears secretly harbored by so many children. While I think it would be of particular value to kids who are anxious, shy or reluctant in any other way, the book has a potential to create empathy that could benefit even those who are not so besieged."

Tina Asherae Fields

Ph.D.

"Through poetic words and lively illustrations, Tali and the Toucan introduces children to the power of dreams, animal spirit helpers, and puns to heal and transform daily life. It also quietly carries a deeply important message from Jewish mysticism, Tikkun Olam."

Mike Wietecha

American Sumo wrestler

"As we mature, we don't appreciate the trepidation kids go through when trying something for the first time. This book personifies the thrill and uncertainty that comes with embarking on new experiences."

Natalie Reid

author of The Spiritual Alchemist

"Tali’s story perfectly captures the fears of young children who feel that their world will shatter if they try something they think they can’t do. This beautifully illustrated gem of a book shows its readers that their dreams hold the keys to budding confidence, helping them repair their inner world and live in joy."

Lael Gold

Ph.D.

"The kid in me enjoyed Tali and the Toucan, a stunningly illustrated tale of nighttime inspiration and transformation that will do young readers the great service of filling them with hope and tuning them into their dreams."

Daniel Deslauriers

Professor of Transformative Studies

"Wow! What a treat! A colorful tale of transformation through dreams. A new favorite to be read out loud and come back to..."

David Jenkins Ph.D.

author of Dream Replay: How to transform your dream life and other works

This book is a delight for readers of all ages. With its captivating illustrations and engaging narrative, it reveals the almost magical way in which great changes can happen.

Elisa Kleven

Award-Winning Author and Illustrator

In this soulful and beautifully illustrated tale, a humble chicken becomes a magical toucan, a fearful child becomes confident, and dreams become an obtainable reality. Tali and the Toucan will enchant, comfort, and inspire dreamers of every kind.

Meet the Author

Mira Z. Amiras is an anthropologist, author, and award-winning filmmaker. She was raised on her mother’s accounts of the Inquisition and Holocaust, her father’s tales of the creation and beauty of the universe, and her grandparents’ foods, folklore and music of ancient Sefarad. Mira has lived, studied, and traveled throughout the Middle East and North Africa, camped out 7,000 miles through Africa, and traveled overland from Istanbul to the Nepalese border. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley and is Professor Emerita of Comparative Religion and Middle East Studies at San Jose State University. Mira is past president of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, and was a member of the Executive Board of the American Anthropological Association. She lives in San Francisco with her family—witnessing the birth of new tales as we speak.

Meet the Illustrator

Multi-award-winning illustration team Chantelle and Burgen Thorne are eclectic bookworms who delight in the magic of stories. Quick-draw, deft wielders of the digital brush, they have many titles out in the world. Now they're going ultra-edgy and working on their first author-illustrated picture book as well as a graphic novel—whoo-hoo!! They live in the countryside with their two girly dogs.