Creator Corner: Author Tamla T. Young and Illustrator Raz Latif

Welcome to Creator Corner, a blog series where we interview the creators of our recent books. For this post, we interviewed Ready, Set, Mango! author Tamla T. Young and illustrator Raz Latif, whose book published April 15, 2025!

Owlkids Books: Tamla, how did you begin writing children’s books?

Tamla T. Young: I began writing in grade three. My school had its own publishing house, Whiskas Publishing House, where I “published” my very first picture books. Schoolmates could sign them out from our school library and leave reviews. Despite this early start in publishing, and even winning a creative writing award or two, I didn’t take my dreams of becoming a real-life published author seriously until I had my first child.

Owlkids Books: Raz, when did you know that you wanted to be an illustrator?

Raz Latif: Growing up as a quiet kid, drawing was how I expressed myself and it was my way of communicating with the world. Over time, that love for drawing evolved into storytelling, and now, I absolutely love bringing stories to life through illustrations and children’s books!

OKB: Tamla, what inspired you to write this book?

TTY: A hilarious childhood memory! My cousin Diana (Dee) was visiting from Florida while I was taking my first course on writing picture books. My instructor, Cary Fagan, tasked us to write about something funny. Immediately, I remembered the time my cousin and I were in Jamaica arguing over some “beautiful pebbles”, that we later found out was … goat poop.

OKB: Raz, what was the most enjoyable part of illustrating this book? What was the most challenging part?

RL: The market scene was both the most enjoyable and the most challenging part! Capturing the energy of a busy Caribbean market filled with colorful produce, movement, and life – I wanted to make sure it felt as vibrant as the story itself.

OKB: Tamla, what was the most enjoyable part of bringing this story to life? What was the most challenging part of the process?

TTY: As a debut author, I found much of the process to be joyful. From completing my first manuscript, to working with amazing editors like Jennifer Stokes, Debbie Rogosin, and Ella Russell, and seeing how Raz Latif’s illustrations made the story come to life was pure magic. It was all a joy and an invaluable learning experience. The biggest challenge came early on, when realizing that readers were missing the funny twist at the end. It was obvious to me, but not to others, so I had to refine how I told the story.

OKB: Raz, what was the inspiration for your illustrations in this book?

RL:  Tamla’s story was my biggest inspiration! As I read the book, I pictured Tee and Dee racing through the fields, searching for the perfect mango, and I knew the illustrations had to match that excitement. I wanted the book to feel just as lively, energetic, and fun as their adventure.

OKB: Tamla, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

TTY: Joy and lots of laughter. I hope readers are reminded to cherish their friendships, live in the moment and not take things or each other too seriously. To live, love, laugh, and make beautiful memories.

OKB: Raz, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

RL: Some unexpected twists, lots of energy, and lots of laughs!

OKB: Tamla, what’s an interesting fact people may not know about you?

TTY: Through music, dance and teaching, I’ve had incredible opportunities to travel the world. One of my most unforgettable moments was dancing alongside Cirque Du Soleil in the opening ceremony of the 2015 Pan Am Games!

OKB: Raz, what’s an interesting fact people may not know about you?

RL: Mangos are my all-time favorite fruit, so this book was extra fun to illustrate!

Thank you so much Tamla and Raz for taking the time to do this interview and creating a wonderful book! We hope readers enjoy Ready, Set, Mango! as much as we did!

Grab your copy today!