A companion picture book to Anoosha Syed’s critically acclaimed debut,That’s Not My Name!,about expressing love across language barriers and the universal messagethat actions speak louder than words.

Mirha speaks English and her nani (maternal grandmother) speaks Urdu, so Mirhas parents bridge the gap by translating for the two of them. Despite the language barrier, Mirha loves her nani because she oils her hair until it shines and always keeps her purse full of sweets.

When both of Mirha’s parents have to leave early for work one day, Nani takes Mirha to school instead, but she misunderstands Mirha’s breakfast request and forgets to pack her favorite stuffie for show-and-tell. And worst of all, she doesn’t say “I love you” back to Mirha at the bus stop.

Mirha is not only frustrated by the miscommunications, but she’s also afraid that her nani doesnt love her because she doesnt say the words out loud. So Mirhas parents explain that not every language has the words for I love you the way that English does. But the feeling is universal, and in many cultures, actions will always speak louder than words.

Anoosha Syed is a Pakistani Canadian illustrator, author, and character designer for animation. She has illustrated over forty books, includingThats Not My Name!,Bilal Cooks Daal, andLost Stick. You can visit Anoosha Syed at AnooshaSyed.com or follow her on Instagram and TikTok @AnooshaDraws.

• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Publish Date: September 01, 2026
• Pages: 40
• Language: English
• Type: Hardcover
• EAN/UPC: 9798217041138
• Dimensions: 8.8 X 10.0 X 0.0 inches | 0.85 pounds
• BISAC Categories: Kids