Celebrate Teamwork, Friendship, Diversity, and Unity!

Little Birdies Stories began in 2016 when Ayaan dreamt of having his bedtime stories on his library's shelves. What started as making up fun, ad-hoc stories at night evolved into a massive project—writing, illustrating & digitizing artwork, and ultimately publishing impactful children's storybooks about teamwork, unity, friendship, and diversity.

Inspired by a giant goal—Ayaan, Azeem, and Hafsa never would have imaged they would go on to publish multiple books (with more to come), that copies would be available at bookstores and libraries across the world, their books would be showcased at The London Book Fair, and that the trio would be graciously invited to book readings at bookstores and schools to inspire the next generation of readers and leaders.

In 2020, they published Little Birdies Lose Their Colors. In 2025, the creative trio—Ayaan, Azeem, and Hafsa—proudly present their latest book, Little Birdies Finish the River’s Water.

available now!

launchED 2025

Little Birdies Finish the River’s Water is a story that highlights friendship, teamwork, unity, and diversity.

By joining the little birdies on their second journey, we are reminded that life’s about working together for the greater

good of humanity across the world because at the core, we are all equal and the same—and so, so powerful together.

Lessons

Teamwork can overcome any challenge

Sharing and kindness make the world better

Diversity creates stronger friendships and unity

Get your copy!

OUR first story

Little Birdies Lose their Colors is a story that encourages self identity, diversity, individuality, and eating healthy. These topics can be difficult to approach and discuss. By joining the little birdies on their journey, everyone can talk about important issues openly and honestly.

This children’s book simplifies complicated topics and brings everyone back to the basics of peacefully embracing and appreciating each other.

Lessons

Celebrate uniqueness and embrace diversity

Discover the power of healthy eating

Appreciate individuality while cherishing community

Special Bundle Offer!

Double the Stories, Double the Fun

Get both Little Birdies Lose Their Colors and Little Birdies Finish the River’s Water at an exclusive discounted bundle price! Perfect for bedtime or as a thoughtful gift for young readers and educators!

These heartwarming stories bring to life powerful lessons about friendship, teamwork, unity, and inclusion through a colorful journey of birds and animals working together. The books are a celebration of empathy and collaboration, both in their message and in their creation.

Inspired by personal values and imaginative bedtime storytelling, the book emphasizes that “at the core, we are all equal and the same—and so, so powerful together.” Young readers follow the little birdies as they face big challenges—reminding children that diversity and collaboration make us stronger.

What truly sets these books apart are the lovingly created hand-drawn illustrations. Every page was illustrated by Hafsa, Ayaan, and Azeem, who worked side by side—from pencil sketches to digital layout. The art reflects the same themes the story promotes: cooperation, joy, and togetherness. Through vibrant characters and whimsical scenes, they built a world that reflects both imagination and purpose.

Meet the Dynamic Trio Behind

Little Birdies Stories!

Born from magical bedtime stories by Hafsa Naz Mahmood and her sons Ayaan and Azeem, this mother-and-sons team created heartwarming stories that celebrate diversity, individuality, teamwork, and unity.

Ayaan Sheikh

Ayaan was born in 2013 in Chicago, Illinois, and loves playing soccer, basketball, and using his creativity to make cool inventions. A math enthusiast, he enjoys watching international soccer teams and players win both on TV and in person. Ayaan’s name means “Blessing” in Arabic, fitting his bright and curious personality.

Co-Author & Artist

12 years old

Hafsa Naz Mahmood

Hafsa was born in 1983 in Downers Grove, Illinois, and began her career as a journalist before becoming a global Marketing executive. She enjoys photography, playing the piano, music, running, and traveling with her family. Hafsa’s name means “Young Lioness” in Arabic, reflecting her strong, creative, and passionate spirit.

Co-Author & Publisher

Azeem Sheikh

Azeem was born in 2018 in Elmhurst, Illinois. He loves soccer, basketball, reading, and math. Azeem also enjoys drawing, painting, building, and working on cool projects. Azeem is a huge international soccer fan and loves watching his favorite teams and players win. In Arabic, Azeem means Magnificent, fitting his energetic personality.

Co-Author & Artist

7 years old

the Authors

A Heartfelt Journey of Family, Creativity, and Life Lessons

Watch the inspiring story of Hafsa and her children as they bring their bedtime tales to life, crafting books that teach kids the power of individuality, kindness, teamwork, and unity. These heartwarming stories spark important conversations while captivating young minds with valuable life lessons.

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The Little Birdies Stories Collection

Our Books Humbly Support

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What readers are saying

"A must have..."

"Little Birdies Lose their Colors is a must have for all classrooms and school libraries. It’s also the perfect book for families to read aloud together in order to spark much needed discussion and learning about accepting others for who they are and treating everyone equally. I hope you love it as much as I do and share it with your families, as I have done with mine."

- Laura J.

"Celebrate your individuality."

"This mother and son wrote this book together, how cool is that! This is a story aimed at young children to explain why our differences should be valued and why wishing we were all the same is not realistic. In this story colorful little birdies decide they want to be the same after noticing how much they have in common but come to realize how important their own individuality is after all."

- Teacher Ms. H

"A story that is perfect to have..."

"Little Birdies Lose their Colors is a beautiful story that is perfect to have important conversations with children. The story encourages diversity, self identity and individuality with a lovely story to match. We love that this book was written by a son and mother duo! We also think it’s wonderful that they support FirstBook, LitWorld and UNICEF."

- Diverse Pages