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.

Awards and Press

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."

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.