There’s a new kind of splash happening in children’s literature, and it comes from none other than NYC-based educator and author Fatimah Basir. Her debut picture book I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy isn’t just a cute underwater adventure, it’s a call to courage, confidence, and kindness for the next generation.
With vivid illustrations and a storyline that speaks directly to the heart of every child who has ever felt too small, too shy, or simply unsure of their place in the world, I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy follows Bee—the tiniest fish in her school—as she braves the vast and intimidating ocean to prove that being little doesn’t mean you can’t do big things.
And the deeper you go into the story, the more you realize: Bee’s journey mirrors real-life lessons that children everywhere need now more than ever.
The metaphor of “big fish” and “guppies” didn’t come from a textbook or creative brainstorming session—it came from Fatimah’s own life.
What personal experiences or childhood memories inspired the metaphor of big fish and guppies in your book?
Fatimah: “The metaphor was born from my childhood. I had a speech impediment growing up, and there were so many moments where I felt like a guppy—small, unheard, underestimated. But I always had this fire inside, a knowing that I had something powerful to say. As I found my voice, I realized I wasn’t meant to stay in a small pond—I was meant for the open sea. That journey inspired this book. It’s my way of telling kids: your voice matters, and you were made for more.”
More than a story, the book serves as a gentle but powerful guide through the “treacherous waters” of childhood—those emotional waves of bullying, self-doubt, exclusion, and fear that even the bravest kids experience.
How does Bee’s journey reflect the real-life challenges children face today, and how do you hope it empowers them?
Fatimah: “Bee’s story reflects what so many kids face today—pressure to fit in, moments of isolation, feeling too different. Bee is underestimated, but she stays true to herself. That’s what I want children to see: that their challenges don’t define them—their courage does. This book is about showing kids they can rise above, speak up, and make waves even if they feel like the smallest fish in the sea.”
Fatimah’s voice and vision for this book come from a deeply personal place. She doesn’t just write for children—she champions them.
You mention overcoming a speech impediment as a child. In what ways did that journey shape your passion for writing and educating children?
Fatimah: “There were times I couldn’t even say my name without stuttering. Reading aloud in class was terrifying. But at home, I’d line up my Barbie dolls and read to them. Books like Madeline and Amelia Bedelia became my safe place. That’s when I fell in love with storytelling. And I promised myself that I’d create stories and spaces where kids like me could feel seen, valued, and powerful. Because every child deserves to feel heard.”
That passion now translates into a career that spans from pre-K to high school, where she’s helped shape young minds not just academically, but emotionally. Through summer camps, classroom experiences, and now literature, Fatimah has made it her mission to raise kids who feel fearless in the face of fear.
What role do you believe mindset plays in a child’s development, and how does I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy help cultivate that mindset?
Fatimah: “Mindset is everything—it’s the blueprint for how children see themselves in the world. A strong, positive mindset helps them not only face challenges but grow from them. This book is a mindset-building tool. It shows kids they can swim through doubt, peer pressure, fear—all those guppies that try to hold them back. Bee shows them that they are strong, they are brave, and they are absolutely capable of big things.”
But it’s not just for the kids. Fatimah sees this book as a resource for the adults who nurture them.
How do you see this book being used by parents, educators, or counselors to support children emotionally and socially?
Fatimah: “This book opens the door for really important conversations. Parents can read it at bedtime and talk about bravery. Teachers can use it during lessons on kindness and empathy. Counselors can use it as a soft entry into difficult topics like bullying or low self-esteem. It’s a story, but it’s also a toolkit—a way to help kids build emotional strength and social skills that will carry them for life.”
And at the heart of it all is a message that every child, and every grown-up who once was that child, needs to hear.
What message do you most want children to walk away with after reading Bee’s story, and how do you define being a “big fish” in today’s world?
Fatimah: “Being a big fish isn’t about size or popularity—it’s about how you show up. It’s about being brave, kind, and confident in who you are. I want children to know that no matter their background or their struggles, they are powerful. A big fish swims in the sea, where there are no limits. That’s what I want for our kids—for them to believe their lives can be expansive, bold, and filled with purpose.”
And with I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy, that message swims off the page and straight into young hearts.
Dive in and join Bee on her journey, because every child deserves to feel like a big fish.
Order your copy of I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy on Amazon or follow Fatimah Basir on Instagram for more updates, empowering content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her journey as an author and educator.
Images Courtesy of Fatimah Basir.
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