An interview about Mimi & Ary by Rashad Mirzayev, presented by The Children’s Book Review.
In our interview, Rashad Mirzayev reflects on Mimi & Ary, exploring trust, resilience, and the power of guiding children with both wisdom and empathy.
With the eye of a parent and the imagination of a storyteller, Rashad Mirzayev approaches children’s literature with heartfelt authenticity. In Mimi and Ary, he transforms real father–daughter conversations into a jungle dreamscape where a wise bird, a curious child, and a cast of whimsical animals explore lessons of trust, independence, and resilience.
In our conversation, Mirzayev reflects on the inspiration behind Ary the blue bird, why children need both guidance and space to learn on their own, and how respecting a child’s feelings builds confidence and connection. What emerges is not just a story for young readers, but a framework for parents and educators to nurture curiosity, courage, and emotional growth.
Ary is definitely the teacher and guide in this story. What prompted you to choose a bird to fill this role?
Rashad Mirzayev (RM): I encountered that beautiful breed of bird in Costa Rica a few years ago. It is called a blue jay or a white-throated magpie. It was probably the most beautiful bird I have ever seen. It landed on my breakfast table one morning, and I have not forgotten it ever since.
Why do you think it is important for children today to have wise teachers who give them explicit lessons about the world? And do you think this is better than letting them learn for themselves?
RM: I think it is important for children today to have wise teachers who give them explicit lessons about the world because these teachers can provide them with accurate knowledge and guidance. This helps children develop a clear understanding and avoid misconceptions.
At the same time, I believe children should be allowed to explore and learn for themselves, as this encourages curiosity and independence. These explorations should be within the correct boundaries set by parents to ensure safety and proper development.
In the story, Mimi learns her lessons from a dangerous situation—being lost in the jungle (even though we later find out it was just a dream). Do you think it is important for children to be exposed to risky situations to help them learn independence?
RM: I believe that children should be exposed to certain risky situations to help them learn independence and develop critical thinking skills. If they fall, they should be allowed to get up by themselves, which teaches resilience and problem-solving.
At an early age, children should be able to take care of themselves in basic ways. For example, with Mimi, we made sure she could do all the necessary little things around the house early on, like cleaning up after herself and practicing basic hygiene. Our goal was to help her become independent sooner than other kids, so she could build confidence and self-reliance.
One of my favorite things about this book is the way Ary always respects and validates Mimi’s thoughts and feelings and guides her. How do you think parents can learn from this story how to manage that balance?
RM: Some of the readers may have discovered that Ary is actually Mimi’s father. Most of the conversations depicted in the story are based on real exchanges I have had with my daughter.
Parents can learn from this story how to balance respecting and validating their children’s thoughts and feelings while still guiding them. Teaching children valuable lessons is important, but so is understanding what they are experiencing emotionally and mentally. This approach helps foster trust, emotional development, and a healthy relationship between parent and child.
One of the most important messages in the book is that you must trust the people who guide you if you want to grow and survive. Was this a difficult message to craft in a way that young readers would understand?
RM: It was a challenge. I wanted to ensure that both kids and parents would appreciate the subtle messages conveyed between the lines. The carefully crafted lessons were designed to be simple enough for a 6-year-old to understand, while still delivering the important message that trusting those who guide you is essential for growth and survival.
How do you envisage this story could be used in classrooms to help teach children to reflect on their own life values and experiences?
RM: I think this story can serve as an “approach guide” for children when facing new and unfamiliar situations. It can help teach them to think rationally and develop awareness early on, encouraging them to reflect on their own values and experiences. Using the story as a discussion tool in classrooms can inspire children to consider how they handle challenges and make decisions, fostering their moral and emotional growth.
The jungle Mimi dreams up is full of interesting characters. Can you tell us about how you developed the cast and setting for the story?
RM: Filling the fictional world with characters and crafting their personalities was the most challenging part for me. As a writer, I had not created a fictional world before, so this was my first attempt at writing a story like this. Each character was chosen for a specific reason. Ary, the blue bird inspired by a white-throated magpie, represents me and a parental figure. Sema, the horse, is inspired by a real newborn horse we saw at a local horse farm & Mimi named her Sema; the name Sema means “sky,” and she serves as a wise protector, like an aunt or uncle. She can be trusted, but her patience is often tested by the cat, whom she suspects is always up to something.
I also thought it was important to include characters with elements of humor and whimsy. The ladybug and the dogs serve as guides or as challenges to be overcome. In fact, Mimi always wanted a dog, and one of her toys is named Barseek. Having her adopt a dog in the magical jungle aligns with our plans to get her a real pet when she is old enough to care for one.
What advice do you have for readers who find themselves facing a difficult situation, like Mimi when she wakes up lost in the jungle?
RM: My primary advice would be to focus on basic needs and necessities first. No matter the situation, panic and fear can make things worse. Staying calm and being aware of your surroundings is the wisest next step, as it helps you think clearly and find an effective way to handle the situation.
What are your favorite childhood books and stories, and what wisdom did they teach you early in life?
RM: As a child born in the Soviet Union, I didn’t have many children’s books readily available. However, my father would tell me stories before bed. In fact, I would ask him to tell the same bedtime story over and over again until I fell asleep. Sometimes, I even corrected him while being half asleep. These stories and moments taught me the value of imagination, patience, and the comfort of storytelling in early life.
What are you working on next? Will there be more stories about Ary and Mimi?
RM: Currently, I am working on short articles for my website and LinkedIn newsletter. Hopefully, there will be a sequel to Mimi and Ary’s story. Additionally, I have been approached by a New York-based studio to create a cartoon based on Mimi and Ary, which is very exciting!
About the Book
Mimi & Ary
Written by Rashad Mirzayev
Illustrated by Ken Sheykh
Ages: 3-12 | 74 Pages
Publisher: MindStir Media (2025) | ISBN: 978-1966074847
Publisher’s Book Summary: Mimi & Ary is a whimsical and heartfelt story about a curious girl named Mimi and Ary, a wise, protective blue bird who finds her lost in a magical jungle. As they journey together in search of her parents, Ary teaches Mimi life lessons about fear, trust, awareness, and love. Along the way, they meet a glowing ladybug, a majestic horse named Sema, and a witty, misunderstood cat – each adding charm and insight to their adventure.
Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, Mimi learns to overcome fear, embrace gratitude, and trust herself. The jungle becomes a space of growth, where she gains confidence and forms strong bonds.
“Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space.” – Dr. Brand, Interstellar.
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About the Author
Rashad Mirzayev is a father, writer, and entrepreneur based in Azerbaijan. Born and raised in Baku, he studied in England, France, and the United States, earning his Bachelor’s degree from City University London & CASS Business School. Over the past decade, he has founded companies across industries, including consumer electronics, education, and technology. He began writing in 2019 and describes himself as “a peaceful warrior holding a flashlight,” sharing his journey of personal growth and entrepreneurship. His debut children’s book, Mimi & Ary, reflects his passion for helping children navigate life’s challenges with courage and wisdom through meaningful storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.
For more information, check out www.rash.ad.
This interview—Interview with Rashad Mirzayev, Author of ‘Mimi & Ary’—was conducted between Rashad Mirzayev and Bianca Schulze.
